(Press release)– iACADEMY has officially launched iNDIEGENIUS project lab that encourages emerging Filipino filmmakers with regional backgrounds or regional roots to submit their film concepts and finally bring them to life.
“We’re always in pursuit of opportunities where we can provide space that invites diversity and inspires inclusivity. We’re humbled that Netflix shares and believes in this same value that iACADEMY holds and we are very grateful for their generosity. It is with great honor that we launch iNDIEGENIUS, a nationwide call for young Filipino filmmakers and creatives to forge compelling short film concepts, share distinct cultural perspectives through film, and bring their dream projects to life through a mentorship program and a production grant from iACADEMY and Netflix,” said Raquel Perez, COO of iACADEMY.
The program seeks to give young Filipino filmmakers access to resources and to ensure creative inclusion and diversity by encouraging those with indigenous backgrounds to participate in film workshops.
“By supporting the next generation of filmmakers in the Philippines through iACADEMY’s iNDIEGENIUS program, we hope to increase representation in front of and behind the camera and support authentic stories that showcase the talent and skill of young filmmakers from across the Philippines,” said Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Netflix’s Head of External Affairs, Asia-Pacific.
It will also give emerging filmmakers who have yet to showcase their work a leg up in the entertainment industry. It will provide them with an opportunity to showcase their work and to hone their skills, said Keith Sicat, Program Director of iNDIEGENIUS and Creative Director of iACADEMY’s ViSION Creative Unit.
“It’s a tremendous honor to have iNDIEGENIUS be sponsored by Netflix as we are the first program they are supporting in the Philippines. What makes iNDIEGENIUS unique is our focus on younger filmmakers who haven’t had the opportunity to make their first feature film yet and trust this experience will give them the tools to keep pursuing their cinematic dreams. The selected participants will be mentored by high caliber practitioners who have been pushing the Filipino cinematic landscape to greater heights. Further, the grant allotted to the two finalists is a generous amount that should help them achieve their visions for their short films,” Sicat said.
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This is also iACADEMY’s way of supporting and promoting art in the Philippines, said Vanessa Tanco, its President and CEO.
“iACADEMY has always been an advocate of arts and design and we’re committed to continuously find talent, encourage, inspire, and support them. iNDIEGENIUS is a testament of this mission. The goal is to prepare our participants for their future as filmmakers and to empower them to tell local stories and share their distinct, cultural perspectives while setting them up for success,” Tanco said.
Applicants may submit their entry at https://indiegenius.iacademy.edu.ph/ on or before March 20, 2023. iNDIEGENIUS will select 10 finalist who will go through a series of workshop and 2 winners will be awarded production and scholarship grants.
The program is open to all Filipinos 18 years or older without a feature film produced or in production. The workshop will be held from May 20 to June 10, 2023.
