National Association of Latino Independent Producers Unveils Fourth Cohort of the Women of Color Incubator (EXCLUSIVE)

As a passionate film enthusiast who values diversity and representation, I am thrilled to see the fourth cohort of the Women of Color Incubator come to light. The initiative, backed by Netflix and NALIP, is a beacon of hope for emerging filmmakers like me who have been historically underrepresented in the industry.


As a passionate movie reviewer, I’m thrilled to share that the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) has just revealed the fourth group participating in their Women of Color Incubator program! This initiative is all about nurturing and empowering the next generation of talented women filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. Can’t wait to see what these brilliant minds will create!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Weakened State of the Reproductive System”), Luna Cristales (“Statelines”), Sonia Malfa (“The Calling Blood”), Alba Roland Mejia (“Salutations From St. Helena”) and Sally Tran (“Love’s Journey”) are some of the selected filmmakers.

The Women of Color Incubator, backed by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, empowers budding filmmakers of color by providing them with the essential tools to create their unique short films. Throughout this journey, they receive extensive guidance from experts at NALIP and Netflix executives, ensuring support during every phase of filmmaking, starting from pre-production to post-production and distribution.

In the 2024 Annenberg Inclusion Initiative report, it was found that women of color make up only 2.7% of film directors and 8% of producers in top-grossing movies. To change this situation, NALIP is determined with Netflix’s backing to launch the Women of Color Incubator. This program will offer these gifted filmmakers the necessary tools, guidance, and assistance to produce excellent short films. By doing so, we are establishing a strong foundation that could potentially lead to their first full-length feature film. The goal is to boost their voices and narratives, giving them an equal chance to influence the future of cinema, as stated by Diana Luna, NALIP’s executive director.

Apart from receiving support from institutions, each filmmaker is given a $35,000 grant to create their movie. The finished productions will be presented during a special screening at NALIP’s Diverse Women in Media Forum, which is scheduled for April 3rd, 2024.

Speaking with EbMaster, Malfa expressed that his inspiration for writing and directing comes from the harmonious rhythms of nature, mythology, and his Puerto Rican-American heritage. He incorporates these elements into films, creating works rich in deep poetic expressions. In ‘La Sangre Llama’ (The Blood Calls), a collaboration with writer and actress Shamikah Christina Martinez, they delve into the universally shared experience of returning to one’s homeland, reconnecting with ancestors, and celebrating cultural resilience and healing. Their film highlights the enduring bonds that connect us across generations and the potent call to cherish and reclaim our heritage. By supporting our creative development, they not only boost our storytelling abilities but also clear the path for our unique and vivid tales to be recognized, heard, and appreciated.

Cristales expressed, “Chances such as this one help to even out the competition and offer a platform for individuals who typically don’t have the opportunity to share their unique narratives due to resource constraints. Working with NALIP and the WOC Incubator allows me to collaborate and record a community that is deeply meaningful to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to immortalize this town, its people, and their memories in film.

In reference to ‘Greetings from St. Helena’, Mejia expressed, ‘This isn’t just like watching a horror movie; it’s a critique of class divisions. It offers an unusual perspective on the universal feelings of exclusion and non-belonging.’

Tran’s movie titled “Love Cycle” marks NALIP’s debut in overseas film production. In an interview with EbMaster, Tran expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in his team’s abilities to transform this short thriller into reality. The story unfolds in the gritty heart of Saigon’s underprivileged communities, delving into the chilling intricacies of love and survival.

Costas stated, “Encouragement such as ‘I trust you, go ahead and create this’ is crucial for filmmakers who haven’t traditionally had a voice. This platform serves not only to bolster but also to amplify the voices that are vital to our contemporary society.

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2024-11-07 22:46