In March, the organizations hosted their Open Lens Film Lab and educated 25 students on filmmaking. Next month, the young creators will debut their short films at the Open Lens Showcase.
Janelle Monáe’s nonprofit Fem The Future has partnered with Made In Her Image to bring forth the next generation of filmmakers.
The organizations plan to nurture and “focus on young women, girls of color and genderqueer individuals in film, media and technology industries.” In March, Fem The Future and Made In Her Image hosted 25 students, aged 13 to 17, at their first Open Lens Film Lab — offering the young creators courses, workshops and mentorship on filmmaking curated through the perspectives of women and genderqueer individuals of color. In August, the students will debut their short films, with topics ranging from gender identity to self-confidence, at the Open Lens Showcase.
“Looking ahead in our industry, Made In Her Image and similar organizations are crucial to its growth. The students and their films exemplify deep creativity and steadfast dedication, nurtured through the Open Lens Lab. This spirit has been at the core of Fem The Future since its inception,” Monáe said in a statement. “Supporting MIHI aligns with Fem The Future’s commitment to uplift and amplify marginalized voices in the creative industry while planting essential seeds for new horizons in filmmaking. We’re honored to support MIHI’s Open Lens Film Labs.”
Fem The Future is dedicated to a fem-forward future by cultivating radical integration of STEM and creative arts for women, girls and gender expansive people of color. Since 2018, Made In Her Image has engaged 158,000 individuals through digital education, mentored 5,610 mentees, supported 1,920 community members and launched 35 initiatives and programs while partnering with A24, Sundance, Disney and Panavision.
“Fem The Future’s support will allow Made In Her Image to not only amplify the work of these young filmmakers but to also sustain our ongoing mission. We’re creating a platform to engage, empower, and mentor future artists and filmmakers to elevate their work through their own perspectives,” Malakai, The Chi director and Made In Her Image founder, said in a statement.
Adds Sade Ndya, cinematographer and Made In Her Image organizer: “I wouldn’t be who I am without the community that we’ve made with Made In Her Image. The org has not only fostered me through the growth in my own career, but has also allowed me to give back to the next generation.”
Made In Her Image students Brazil and Akemi attend Open Lens Film Lab.
Marquette A. Johnson II