Film Independent
@filmindependent.org
We’re a non-profit arts org celebrating 40 years of supporting independent filmmakers through Artist Development Labs & programs.
Learn more: filmindependent.org
Learn more: filmindependent.org
🎉 Kick off the 33rd year of Film Independent's Artist Development programs with the First Look screening. Watch 5 shorts from the 2025 Project Involve #FiFellows + welcome the 2026 cohort!
Thu, Jan 15 | Free RSVP:
Thu, Jan 15 | Free RSVP:
First Look Screening: 2025 Project Involve Short Films - Film Independent
You're invited to join us for a theatrical screening of the five short films created in the recently completed 2025 edition of Project Involve. During the
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December 27, 2025 at 1:00 AM
🎉 Kick off the 33rd year of Film Independent's Artist Development programs with the First Look screening. Watch 5 shorts from the 2025 Project Involve #FiFellows + welcome the 2026 cohort!
Thu, Jan 15 | Free RSVP:
Thu, Jan 15 | Free RSVP:
Another successful year of championing independent artists. ✅ See how your gift has made an impact in 2025 in our Impact Report: bit.ly/3MRHA5G
Want to make an impact next year? #Donate today with an end of year gift here: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Want to make an impact next year? #Donate today with an end of year gift here: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Film Independent Impact Report 2025
A detailed summary of Film Independent's organizational impact in 2025.
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December 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Another successful year of championing independent artists. ✅ See how your gift has made an impact in 2025 in our Impact Report: bit.ly/3MRHA5G
Want to make an impact next year? #Donate today with an end of year gift here: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Want to make an impact next year? #Donate today with an end of year gift here: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
✨ Ready to take your episodic project to the next level? Apply to the Film Independent Episodic Lab for one-on-one guidance on both the creative and business sides of episodic storytelling. Plus, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will award one #FiFellow a $20k grant!
👉 Learn more:
👉 Learn more:
Episodic Lab - Film Independent
Designed to support writers with original long-form episodic projects, Film Independent’s Episodic Lab will accept a diverse group of 6–8 writers or
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December 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
✨ Ready to take your episodic project to the next level? Apply to the Film Independent Episodic Lab for one-on-one guidance on both the creative and business sides of episodic storytelling. Plus, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will award one #FiFellow a $20k grant!
👉 Learn more:
👉 Learn more:
‘Tis the time of year with plenty of cheer. But for those that get wary of all that is merry, we have three unique pitches.
💸 Check out this month's FiSpo Spotlight on ‘99 Snapshots’, ‘Jia’ & ‘Until Death’: www.filmindependent.org/blog/fispo-s...
💸 Check out this month's FiSpo Spotlight on ‘99 Snapshots’, ‘Jia’ & ‘Until Death’: www.filmindependent.org/blog/fispo-s...
December 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM
‘Tis the time of year with plenty of cheer. But for those that get wary of all that is merry, we have three unique pitches.
💸 Check out this month's FiSpo Spotlight on ‘99 Snapshots’, ‘Jia’ & ‘Until Death’: www.filmindependent.org/blog/fispo-s...
💸 Check out this month's FiSpo Spotlight on ‘99 Snapshots’, ‘Jia’ & ‘Until Death’: www.filmindependent.org/blog/fispo-s...
Calling doc directors! 🎬 There’s still time to apply to the Documentary Story Lab.
Spend a week refining your feature documentary in post with expert workshops and one-on-one sessions with funders, legal pros, and distributors.
👉 Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Spend a week refining your feature documentary in post with expert workshops and one-on-one sessions with funders, legal pros, and distributors.
👉 Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Film Independent Artist Development - Film Independent Documentary Story Lab 2026
Before You Begin Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Documentary Story Lab. The 2026 Documentary Story Lab is a full-time, one week program that will take place in May 2026. Please note…
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December 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Calling doc directors! 🎬 There’s still time to apply to the Documentary Story Lab.
Spend a week refining your feature documentary in post with expert workshops and one-on-one sessions with funders, legal pros, and distributors.
👉 Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Spend a week refining your feature documentary in post with expert workshops and one-on-one sessions with funders, legal pros, and distributors.
👉 Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Brenda Robinson, Film Independent Acting President reminds us that independent storytelling thrives because of you! ❤️
Help us continue our important work with an End of Year Gift: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Help us continue our important work with an End of Year Gift: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
December 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Brenda Robinson, Film Independent Acting President reminds us that independent storytelling thrives because of you! ❤️
Help us continue our important work with an End of Year Gift: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Help us continue our important work with an End of Year Gift: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
At the #FiPresents ‘Prime Minister’ screening, director Lindsay Utz took us behind-the-scenes into the life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
👀 Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/jtbB1eZi3Ig
👀 Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/jtbB1eZi3Ig
December 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
At the #FiPresents ‘Prime Minister’ screening, director Lindsay Utz took us behind-the-scenes into the life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
👀 Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/jtbB1eZi3Ig
👀 Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/jtbB1eZi3Ig
As 2025 comes to a close, Project Involve Associate Director Francisco Velasquez reflects on 20+ years with Film Independent—celebrating mentorship, community, and the power of storytelling. 🎬✨
Support the next generation of filmmakers by donating today: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Support the next generation of filmmakers by donating today: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
December 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
As 2025 comes to a close, Project Involve Associate Director Francisco Velasquez reflects on 20+ years with Film Independent—celebrating mentorship, community, and the power of storytelling. 🎬✨
Support the next generation of filmmakers by donating today: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
Support the next generation of filmmakers by donating today: bit.ly/DonatetoFi
While the deadline to join as a General Film Independent Member has closed, participation in the 2026 #SpiritAwards is still open for Arts Circle, Film Lover & Secret Members!
🏆 Join or renew to access eligible screeners and cast your vote for this year’s winners: bit.ly/FiSAVote
🏆 Join or renew to access eligible screeners and cast your vote for this year’s winners: bit.ly/FiSAVote
December 19, 2025 at 10:49 PM
While the deadline to join as a General Film Independent Member has closed, participation in the 2026 #SpiritAwards is still open for Arts Circle, Film Lover & Secret Members!
🏆 Join or renew to access eligible screeners and cast your vote for this year’s winners: bit.ly/FiSAVote
🏆 Join or renew to access eligible screeners and cast your vote for this year’s winners: bit.ly/FiSAVote
📺 Our #FiPresents 'Die, My Love' Q&A is now live on YouTube. Hear more from Jennifer Lawrence and producer Justine Ciarrocchi here: bit.ly/456QEK5
Streams exclusively on MUBI Dec 23. Get 30 days of great cinema here: mubi.com/filmindependent
Streams exclusively on MUBI Dec 23. Get 30 days of great cinema here: mubi.com/filmindependent
December 19, 2025 at 10:39 PM
📺 Our #FiPresents 'Die, My Love' Q&A is now live on YouTube. Hear more from Jennifer Lawrence and producer Justine Ciarrocchi here: bit.ly/456QEK5
Streams exclusively on MUBI Dec 23. Get 30 days of great cinema here: mubi.com/filmindependent
Streams exclusively on MUBI Dec 23. Get 30 days of great cinema here: mubi.com/filmindependent
There’s still time to apply to the Documentary Story Lab! 📹 This week-long lab supports doc directors refining their feature film during the editing phase through workshops + sessions with industry experts, funders, legal pros & distributors.
Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Film Independent Artist Development - Film Independent Documentary Story Lab 2026
Before You Begin Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Documentary Story Lab. The 2026 Documentary Story Lab is a full-time, one week program that will take place in May 2026. Please note…
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 8:01 PM
There’s still time to apply to the Documentary Story Lab! 📹 This week-long lab supports doc directors refining their feature film during the editing phase through workshops + sessions with industry experts, funders, legal pros & distributors.
Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Join as a #FiMember + apply by Jan 5: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
🚨 FEW HOURS LEFT! This is your LAST chance to Join. Watch. Vote! Join by 11:59 pm PT to get access to screeners of the 2026 #SpiritAwards nominees and choose the winners. ✨
✨ Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
✨ Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
December 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM
🚨 FEW HOURS LEFT! This is your LAST chance to Join. Watch. Vote! Join by 11:59 pm PT to get access to screeners of the 2026 #SpiritAwards nominees and choose the winners. ✨
✨ Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
✨ Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
🎬❤️ Calling the LA filmmaking community! Join us for an open town hall on the current state of our industry with Pamala Buzick Kim (StayinLA) and Josh Mingo (Legend Locations).
Join the conversation on Jan 6! 👉 Free RSVP: bit.ly/3Xzymgm
Join the conversation on Jan 6! 👉 Free RSVP: bit.ly/3Xzymgm
December 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
🎬❤️ Calling the LA filmmaking community! Join us for an open town hall on the current state of our industry with Pamala Buzick Kim (StayinLA) and Josh Mingo (Legend Locations).
Join the conversation on Jan 6! 👉 Free RSVP: bit.ly/3Xzymgm
Join the conversation on Jan 6! 👉 Free RSVP: bit.ly/3Xzymgm
Thank you writer/director Annapurna Sriram & producer Timothy Petryni for sharing ‘Fucktoys’ with #FiPresents! Moderated by Kate Mason (Film Independent). 🔮 🛴 🐑
Sriram is now a 2026 #SpiritAwards Nominee. Don’t forget to tune-in to the show, Feb 22 on YouTube!
📸: Araya Doheny/Getty Images
Sriram is now a 2026 #SpiritAwards Nominee. Don’t forget to tune-in to the show, Feb 22 on YouTube!
📸: Araya Doheny/Getty Images
December 17, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Thank you writer/director Annapurna Sriram & producer Timothy Petryni for sharing ‘Fucktoys’ with #FiPresents! Moderated by Kate Mason (Film Independent). 🔮 🛴 🐑
Sriram is now a 2026 #SpiritAwards Nominee. Don’t forget to tune-in to the show, Feb 22 on YouTube!
📸: Araya Doheny/Getty Images
Sriram is now a 2026 #SpiritAwards Nominee. Don’t forget to tune-in to the show, Feb 22 on YouTube!
📸: Araya Doheny/Getty Images
⏰ Deadline extended! Missed your chance? You have ONE more day to Join. Watch. Vote! Get access to screeners of the 2026 #SpiritAwards nominees and cast your vote now. ✨
✨ Your voice matters — join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
✨ Your voice matters — join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
December 17, 2025 at 4:09 PM
⏰ Deadline extended! Missed your chance? You have ONE more day to Join. Watch. Vote! Get access to screeners of the 2026 #SpiritAwards nominees and cast your vote now. ✨
✨ Your voice matters — join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
✨ Your voice matters — join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
🚨 Final hours! You have until TONIGHT, 11:59 pm PT to join as a #FiMember for access to 2026 #SpiritAwards nominee screeners + voting privileges.
✨ Don’t wait, join NOW:
✨ Don’t wait, join NOW:
Vote - Film Independent
It's Spirit Awards Season... Join or renew today! Members must be current as of December 16, 2025 (January 12, 2026 for Arts Circle, Film Lover and
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December 17, 2025 at 4:00 AM
🚨 Final hours! You have until TONIGHT, 11:59 pm PT to join as a #FiMember for access to 2026 #SpiritAwards nominee screeners + voting privileges.
✨ Don’t wait, join NOW:
✨ Don’t wait, join NOW:
The film world has lost a great talent in Rob Reiner, a filmmaker and entertainer who loved sharing stories with humor and heart. ❤️
Read our tribute to Reiner #ontheblog: www.filmindependent.org/blog/rob-rei...
✍️: John Squire
Read our tribute to Reiner #ontheblog: www.filmindependent.org/blog/rob-rei...
✍️: John Squire
Rob Reiner: A Master of All Genres - Film Independent
The film world has lost a great talent in Rob Reiner. That talent was so multifaceted, that you could ask ten people what the Spirit Award nominee was
www.filmindependent.org
December 17, 2025 at 12:27 AM
The film world has lost a great talent in Rob Reiner, a filmmaker and entertainer who loved sharing stories with humor and heart. ❤️
Read our tribute to Reiner #ontheblog: www.filmindependent.org/blog/rob-rei...
✍️: John Squire
Read our tribute to Reiner #ontheblog: www.filmindependent.org/blog/rob-rei...
✍️: John Squire
🤖 Online, TODAY at 5:30 PM PT! Join impact producer Ani Mercedes (Founder/CEO of Looky Looky Pictures) for a Tech Talk session exploring how AI can be used to help expand a film’s reach.
Last chance to sign up!
Last chance to sign up!
Tech Talk: Maximizing the Reach and Impact of Your Film with AI - Film Independent
With the rapid development of AI technology, many questions have emerged regarding the implications of its use within creative industries. How does this
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December 16, 2025 at 8:02 PM
🤖 Online, TODAY at 5:30 PM PT! Join impact producer Ani Mercedes (Founder/CEO of Looky Looky Pictures) for a Tech Talk session exploring how AI can be used to help expand a film’s reach.
Last chance to sign up!
Last chance to sign up!
‘Palestine 36’, Palestine’s official #Oscars entry, sheds light on rising unrest in the region under British rule. At our #FiPresents screening, writer/director Annemarie Jacir unpacked this history and reflected on the film’s relevance. 🇵🇸
Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/af_xfCr1RxU?...
Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/af_xfCr1RxU?...
December 16, 2025 at 5:05 PM
‘Palestine 36’, Palestine’s official #Oscars entry, sheds light on rising unrest in the region under British rule. At our #FiPresents screening, writer/director Annemarie Jacir unpacked this history and reflected on the film’s relevance. 🇵🇸
Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/af_xfCr1RxU?...
Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: youtu.be/af_xfCr1RxU?...
🚨 LAST few hours to submit your Documentary Story Lab application! Directors with projects in late production/early post-production, take this opportunity to hone your story.
👉 Apply by tonight, 11:59 pm PT: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Or, join as a #FiMember for more time (Jan 5) + reduced fees!
👉 Apply by tonight, 11:59 pm PT: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Or, join as a #FiMember for more time (Jan 5) + reduced fees!
Film Independent Artist Development - Film Independent Documentary Story Lab 2026
Before You Begin Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Documentary Story Lab. The 2026 Documentary Story Lab is a full-time, one week program that will take place in May 2026. Please note…
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 3:14 AM
🚨 LAST few hours to submit your Documentary Story Lab application! Directors with projects in late production/early post-production, take this opportunity to hone your story.
👉 Apply by tonight, 11:59 pm PT: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Or, join as a #FiMember for more time (Jan 5) + reduced fees!
👉 Apply by tonight, 11:59 pm PT: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Or, join as a #FiMember for more time (Jan 5) + reduced fees!
Film Independent Acting President Brenda Robinson and Shawn Davis, Executive Producer of the #SpiritAwards sat down with KTLA to tell you why now's the time to become a #FiMember. ✨ Tomorrow (Dec 16) is the LAST day to join to take part in choosing the 2026 winners.
Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
December 15, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Film Independent Acting President Brenda Robinson and Shawn Davis, Executive Producer of the #SpiritAwards sat down with KTLA to tell you why now's the time to become a #FiMember. ✨ Tomorrow (Dec 16) is the LAST day to join to take part in choosing the 2026 winners.
Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
Join NOW: bit.ly/FiSAVote
🚨 3 DAYS LEFT! Join as a #FiMember to watch the 2026 #SpiritAwards nominees and cast your vote for the winners.
✨ Dec 16 is the last day!
✨ Dec 16 is the last day!
Vote - Film Independent
It's Spirit Awards Season... Join or renew today! Members must be current as of December 16, 2025 (January 12, 2026 for Arts Circle, Film Lover and
bit.ly
December 13, 2025 at 8:00 PM
🚨 3 DAYS LEFT! Join as a #FiMember to watch the 2026 #SpiritAwards nominees and cast your vote for the winners.
✨ Dec 16 is the last day!
✨ Dec 16 is the last day!
Take this weekend to apply to the Film Independent Documentary Story Lab! 📹 Perfect for documentary directors in late production/early post-production who want to hone their story.
👉 Due this MON, DEC 15: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
👉 Due this MON, DEC 15: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
Film Independent Artist Development - Film Independent Documentary Story Lab 2026
Before You Begin Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Documentary Story Lab. The 2026 Documentary Story Lab is a full-time, one week program that will take place in May 2026. Please note…
bit.ly
December 13, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Take this weekend to apply to the Film Independent Documentary Story Lab! 📹 Perfect for documentary directors in late production/early post-production who want to hone their story.
👉 Due this MON, DEC 15: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
👉 Due this MON, DEC 15: bit.ly/DocStoryLab
ICYMI, Ego Nwodim is hosting the 2026 #SpiritAwards! Don’t miss her debut on Feb 15, streaming live on YouTube via IMDb and Film Independent.
Read more: www.filmindependent.org/blog/tsiddah...
Read more: www.filmindependent.org/blog/tsiddah...
December 12, 2025 at 11:10 PM
ICYMI, Ego Nwodim is hosting the 2026 #SpiritAwards! Don’t miss her debut on Feb 15, streaming live on YouTube via IMDb and Film Independent.
Read more: www.filmindependent.org/blog/tsiddah...
Read more: www.filmindependent.org/blog/tsiddah...
In this online Tech Talk session, we’re diving into the many questions that have emerged regarding the implications of AI use within creative industries with impact producer Ani Mercedes (Founder/CEO of Looky Looky Pictures).
🤖 RSVP for Tue, Dec 16: bit.ly/4rLEq3v
🤖 RSVP for Tue, Dec 16: bit.ly/4rLEq3v
December 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM
In this online Tech Talk session, we’re diving into the many questions that have emerged regarding the implications of AI use within creative industries with impact producer Ani Mercedes (Founder/CEO of Looky Looky Pictures).
🤖 RSVP for Tue, Dec 16: bit.ly/4rLEq3v
🤖 RSVP for Tue, Dec 16: bit.ly/4rLEq3v