Amazon Studios creates fund to support films by independent Latino filmmakers

The fund, called LALIFF Works in Progress, has applications open and will distribute $50,000 among the three best projects, which must be in their final stage of production and have “a unique directorial voice, cultural significance and commercial viability,” according to a statement. .

Independent directors and production companies “are invited to send a version with the final edition of their fiction or documentary feature film”, which will then be evaluated by a “jury of post-production professionals” who will select the recipients of the fund.

The recipients of the fund will be announced at this year’s LALIFF, which will take place in Los Angeles between May 31 and June 4, the note added.

The initiative expands a sponsorship relationship between Amazon Studios and the Latino Film Institute (LFI) -LALIFF organizer- that includes support for the Youth Cinema Project (YCP) program, which supports learning and starting a career in the film industry. cinema for about 300 students.

Actor Edward James Olmos, founder of the Latino institute and festival, highlighted the work of both parties to “elevate Latino voices in a landscape where it is difficult for filmmakers in our community to obtain funding for post-production.”

For her part, Latasha Gillespie, global director of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for Amazon Studios and Prime Video, stressed the company’s commitment to “remove barriers” that lead to “success in the creative process.”

WITH INFORMATION FROM EFE.