Amazon Sponsors Cherokee Film Institute’s Inaugural Class With Full Scholarships

variety.com:

Jack Dunn Cherokee Film Institute has set up a partnership program with Amazon that will provide full-ride scholarships to the school’s inaugural class of 25 students.

The pact between the global ecommerce giant and the newly established film institute was unveiled Tuesday at a news conference that featured Cherokee Nation and Amazon officials.

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell also made an appearance at the event held in Owasso, Okla. In September, Cherokee Film Institute announced plans for its first class of students to begin in January. “Cherokee Film Institute is more than a place of learning; it is a place of empowerment that will help create the talented Native American workforce necessary for bringing authentic Native perspectives, characters, cultures and more to a worldwide audience,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We are thankful for incredible allies, such as Amazon, for joining in our efforts to ensure Natives are seen, heard, respected and accurately represented in film and media by removing barriers for Cherokees and other Natives to pursue opportunities and sustainable careers in this flourishing industry.” CFI is the first tribally operated film education program designed to help aspiring filmmakers develop skills in below-the-line production in hopes of bolstering the entertainment workforce within the Cherokee Nation and across its home state of Oklahoma.

Although the 120-hour curriculum was primarily created to help Native Americans pursue careers in entertainment, CFI is open to anyone over 18.