AFI & Canva Graphic Design Platform Partner On Initiatives To Bolster Rising Filmmakers, Set Recipients Of Inaugural Canva Fellowship

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: The American Film Institute on Tuesday announced the launch of a multifaceted partnership with the graphic design platform Canva, which will look to bolster rising filmmakers and improve access to the tools and skills necessary to realize their visions.

The flagship initiative under this partnership is The Canva Fellowship, which as of this year will begin providing annual scholarships to Fellows at the AFI Conservatory, based on merit and financial need.

Additionally, Canva will provide Canva Pro subscriptions to 250 AFI Fellows and 1,000 AFI Conservatory Alumni, along with in-depth design training and workshops.

The recipients of the inaugural Canva Fellowship for 2023-2024 are AFI First Year Fellows Alex Bush (Directing), Hayoun Kim (Production Design), Dominika Podczaska (Cinematography), He “Shirley” Sui (Producing), Sydney Sullivan (Editing) and Darcy Wytko (Screenwriting), who will start the MFA filmmaking program on AFI’s Los Angeles campus in August.       “The AFI and Canva collaboration embodies the forward-thinking partnerships that are critical in supporting rising filmmakers,” said Susan Ruskin, who serves as Dean of the AFI Conservatory and Executive Vice President of the American Film Institute. “By breaking down barriers to education and technology and giving underrepresented filmmakers the opportunity to tell their stories, we are creating a pathway to a more diverse and inclusive industry.” Added Canva’s Head of Global Brand Marketing, Natalie Schwartz, “We’re delighted to partner with AFI to support the goals of the next generation of filmmakers in such a meaningful way.