*The industry was in attendance for this year’s NBCUniversal Short Film Festival and the evening was magical.
The red carpet filled with budding stars of film and television as they prepared to present their productions to thousands of people who were in attendance at the Director’s Guild of America Theater. If film and television are a passion of yours then you were, or should have been, in attendance as well.
Inspiring and groundbreaking. All in the name of diversity. The festival started out with a submission count of over 6,500. 9 semi-final films screened in New York City last month before the 6 final films came to Los Angeles for the finale hosted by Zainab Johnson. The 6 final films were “B.U.T.S: Spanish Class,” “Kyenvu,” “Masks,” “Monday” and “We Know Where You Live.”
Karen Horne SVP of Programming Talent Development & Inclusion at NBC reveals that she looks for “stories that resonate with us. Quality in director and acting and writing. We are a company that tries to feed pipelines to build the talent for our company so we are always looking for talent in the filmmakers. This is for the filmmakers.”
As far as advice for future applicants Horne suggests “tell your authentic story, tell your truth and expand your network.”
Filmmakers and their cast and crew were presented with many opportunities throughout the festival. Hammad Rizvi the writer/director of “Rani” says he appreciates “The networking definitely. It’s great to be able to connect with so many wonderful filmmakers and I’m excited about what can come from these connections.”
“Kyenvu” by Kemiyondo Coutinho took home the Harness Award. “My goal as a filmmaker is to disrupt narratives that are harmful that’s Africam American Narratives, female narratives, LBGTQ narratives. I want to change the way people think.”
The filmmakers were well supported by industry veterans and influencers. “Pose” actress Trace Lysette emphasizes that support for these filmmakers is important because “It’s everything especially now that we need an emphasis on diverse storytelling and this festival champion’s that. As a transwoman it was difficult to break into the gates of Hollywood and my duty to come here and celebrate the filmmakers who are getting out there so we can build storytellers of tomorrow.”
The delightful Kellee Stewart of “Midnight, Texas” was there to support as well. Her reasoning:
“So I can ask all of these wonderful filmmakers for a job. Opportunities like this are for them to show their voice and as it grows too. Who they are as well as who they are developing into. I’m excited to watch and be inspired by their work.”
Submissions for next year’s festival opens up in Spring, 2019
More snaps from the event (by Nicole Collins):
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