NewFest Announces New Voices Filmmaker Grant in Partnership with Netflix to Support Emerging LGBTQ+ Filmmakers

NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization, today announced the New Voices Filmmaker Grant, a new initiative in partnership with Netflix to support emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers. Through the New Voices Filmmaker Grant, a cohort of four filmmakers will each receive a $25,000 grant to support professional development and create new work, as well as network-building opportunities through a customized mentorship track facilitated by NewFest. 

In addition to the $25,000 grant and the opportunity to be connected with an industry mentor relevant to their work, fellows will also have their work showcased and participate in events at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the largest queer film festivals in the world. Fellows will also have the opportunity to travel as guests of NewFest to other North American film festivals. 

“NewFest is thrilled to partner with Netflix in launching the New Voices Filmmaker Grant to equip emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers with the resources, tools and exposure they need to succeed,” said David Hatkoff, Executive Director of NewFest. “This is how the industry changes – focusing on the pipeline. By supporting the next generation of LGBTQ+ filmmakers, NewFest and Netflix can work to combat the structural barriers that have historically led to lack of representation, and at times harmful decisions and inauthentic representation. This program is a step toward increasing queer representation and supporting authentic stories that showcase the talent and skill of queer storytellers.”

With support from Netflix, the program will bolster four filmmakers a year, over the next two years. This partnership between NewFest and Netflix is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, an effort to help create more behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented communities within the TV and film industries. 

The program will be eligible to LGBTQ+ filmmakers in America who have not previously made a feature film or had a film (short or feature length) publicly distributed by anyone other than themselves. Fellows will be selected in May 2022 by a jury made up of LGBTQ+ programmers, community leaders, established filmmakers and industry professionals. Submissions are now open for the first class of fellows, with an application deadline of February 28, 2022. 

More details on eligibility requirements and how filmmakers can apply for can be found at newfest.org/newvoicesgrant 

About NewFest

Founded in 1988, NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media and the largest convener of LGBTQ+ audiences in New York City. NewFest’s mission is to give voice and visibility to the full scope of the LGBTQ+ experience through films and programs that entertain, educate, and empower. NewFest presents year-round screenings and events, including the annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival. In bringing diverse audiences and filmmakers together, NewFest creates spaces and conversations that have the capacity to open minds, shift cultural bias, and create positive change. NewFest is dedicated to bringing together filmmakers and audiences to build a community that encompasses the wide range of representations of the LGBTQ+ experience. For more information, visit www.NewFest.org.

 About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with 214 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.