Amazon Studios and the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) today announced LALIFF Works in Progress, a finishing fund to enable independent US-based Latino filmmakers the completion of a feature film. Funds will be allocated to movies in the final stages of production with a unique directorial voice, cultural significance, and commercial viability.
Individual directors and independent production companies are invited to submit a picture-locked cut of their feature-length scripted or documentary film. Based on their post-production needs, a jury of post-production professionals will divide the funds among the three top projects. Funds recipients will be announced at this year’s LALIFF, presented by the Latino Film Institute (LFI) and in Los Angeles from May 31-June 4.
“We are very excited to announce the expansion of our collaboration with Amazon Studios through the inaugural LALIFF Works in Progress initiative. By supporting this program, Amazon is supporting our work as we continue to elevate Latino voices in a landscape where it’s difficult for filmmakers from our community to secure post-productions funds”, said Academy Award® nominated actor, founder of the Latino Film Institute and co-founder of LALIFF, Edward James Olmos.
“At Amazon Studios, we strive to remove barriers to success in the creative process. It is part of the equity work we are committed to doing,” said Latasha Gillespie, global head of DEIA for Amazon Studios and Prime Video. “LALIFF Works in Progress is a compelling example of our Inclusion Policy and Playbook in action.”
LALIFF Works in Progress expands Amazon Studios and LFI’s current relationship; Amazon Studios is the exclusive sponsor of LFI’s Youth Cinema Project (YCP) Alumni program for the 2022-2023 school year. The program connects over 300 students to hands-on access and learning opportunities across the industry, including mentoring and assistance with college applications. The sponsorship also includes the inaugural YCP Fellowship initiative, which provides 19 college-bound students with resources to make a high-quality short film to strengthen their film school applications and scholarship opportunities. The finished film will screen at LALIFF in June.
For details on LALIFF Works in Progress program and how to submit, https://laliff.org/programs/wip/
About LALIFF:
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is a premier international event dedicated to showcasing the entirety of human experience from the Latino perspective, whether through film, television, digital, music, art, or any other vehicle, regardless of platform.
About LFI:
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating infrastructure for equity, diversity, and excellence for the Latino community in the entertainment industry. LFI houses three signature programs: the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, the Youth Cinema Project, and Latinx in Animation.
About Amazon Studios: Amazon Studios is the home for talent, creating and producing Original films and television series for a global audience. The original series premiered exclusively on Prime Video, available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Amazon Studios also produces and acquires Original movies for theatrical release and exclusively for Prime Video, in addition to creating Original content for Freevee, Amazon’s premium free streaming service.