Film Independent and Netflix announce the five Black filmmakers given grants to create short films for Netflix Film Club

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organisation that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, has announced the five filmmakers and projects that formed part of a short film grant program in partnership with Netflix Film Club. The five short films are now live on Netflix Film Club on YouTube and Strong Black Lead on IGTV.

“As we collectively find ways to confront systemic racism in this country, Netflix was swift in taking action towards merging creativity and equity by partnering with Film Independent to amplify the voices of talented Black filmmakers,” said Lisa Hasko, director of artist development, Film Independent. “Our five dynamic filmmakers created such distinct fiction and non-fiction works that speak to both the beauty and struggles of the Black community.”

The $10,000 grants were eventually given to five incredibly exciting creatives, with the goal to empower filmmakers to tell their stories amidst a pandemic and social unrest.

The winners were as follows:

Sheldon Candis for Queen Bess: The allegory ascension of the first female African American aviatrix. Based on the true story of Bessie Coleman, the daredevil aerodynamic queen of the sky.

Jarrett Lee Conaway for My Brother Jesus: After an unorthodox painting of Jesus goes viral, the artist and his muse discuss its significance in the wake of BLM protests in Richmond, Virginia.

Ellie Foumbi for Home: Moving is always hard, especially when the new neighborhood turns against you.

Nijla Mu’min for Black Prom: A Black girl’s dreams of going to the prom are disrupted when she and her boyfriend are faced with a hostile police encounter.

Frederick Thornton for Injustice System: A mother struggles to deal with the unknown condition of her incarcerated son during the worst pandemic in over 100 years.

All five filmmakers will participate in a live, virtual conversation hosted by Film Independent on Thursday 8 April April at 7pm GMT, providing insight into how they pulled off the creation of these shorts in the midst of a pandemic, what inspired them to tell these particular stories at this time and what’s next on the horizon for each. The conversation is free and open to the public. Learn more and RSVP here.