IF/Then Shorts, in partnership with Hulu Documentary Films called short-documentary filmmakers based in North America to take part in the Inaugural IF/Then x Hulu Short Documentary Lab. This lab will channel Hulu and IF/Then’s shared vision of creating a new pipeline of diverse talent and incubating strong voices who will be the next class of non-fiction storytellers.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Four filmmaking teams were chosen to participate in a one-year lab focused on short-documentary production and career training. For the first six months, filmmakers will be individually mentored through production by IF/Then staff and take part in monthly virtual cohort trainings, consisting of keynotes from industry heavy-hitters and edit consultations. Upon rough cut of their projects, filmmakers will be invited to debut their works-in-progress to an invitation-only audience and receive feedback. For the remainder of the program, filmmakers will finalize their cuts and receive high-level festival and distribution strategy consultations, along with guidance creating their publicity materials, and pro-bono legal support. Hulu will have the right to review the projects for potential acquisition or further development.
Each team will receive a $25,000 grant to use for the production of their film.
This opportunity was open to individuals living in/from North America, with an emphasis on Black and/or Indigenous filmmakers, people of color, women, LGBTQ+, recent immigrants, and individuals who identify as having a disability. We welcomed any and all stories from underrepresented voices, with a strong preference around subjects related to gender, the LGTBQ community or issues unique to the BIPOC community.
Storytelling and Co-Producers: Francis Keahna Warrior, Ada Avery Fiadh Bogetti Pérez
After Avery undergoes bottom surgery and finds home in her own body as a trans woman, she and her boyfriend, Francis, embark on a poetic exploration to create a home together through winter, spring, summer and fall.
In New York City's Muslim neighborhoods, a group of volunteers launch the first Muslim Patrol to watch over their community from the rising hate crimes while also solving their own issues internally.
Omari’s young life in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines revolves around playing football, and through the sport, he sees the world. That all changes when his grandfather, the last of the Barrouallie Whalers, teaches him about the traditional practice of hunting “blackfish”.
Black folks and water don’t mix, right? Slice explores how Rico Golden and his homeboys from Memphis submerge themselves in an original swimming art form of athleticism, creativity, and joy called “slicing” while refusing to drown in a pool of low life expectancy.
Partners:
This application portal opened on January 25, 2021, and closed on February 15th, 2021.
January 15, 2021: Application Opened
February 15, 2021: Application Closed
April 6, 2021: Finalists Announced
April 12, 2021: Virtual Program Kickoff
Please direct any questions regarding this program to ifthenshorts@fieldofvision.org
An open call for short-documentary filmmakers based in North America. This lab channels IF/Then and Hulu’s shared vision of creating a new pipeline of diverse talent, incubating strong voices who will be the next class of non-fiction storytellers, and spotlighting creators elevating LGBTQIA+ narratives with their filmmaking prowess.
