Disney and AFI Launch Underrepresented Storytellers Initiative for New Filmmakers (Exclusive)

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Group, will serve as Production Mentor to the four filmmakers. The Disney Launchpad Team and AFI will oversee applicant mentorship together.

The program itself will be managed and overseen by AFI Conservatory’s Bridge to the Future program, as well as the Alumni Affairs office in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center.The program marks Disney and AFI’s latest collaboration on programs supporting diversity and talent in the entertainment industry.

The companies previously partnered on AFI’s Diverse Storytellers Scholarship Fund, AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women.

Disney Launchpad and AFI most recently collaborated on the program curriculum for Launchpad filmmakers.“Building on the success of our innovative programs that have redefined the landscape of the entertainment industry, the Disney/AFI Underrepresented Storytellers Initiative provides a critical opportunity for emerging filmmakers, and we look forward to working with our notable Alumni to serve as mentors and our esteemed Faculty to provide the necessary tools for success for each of the finalists,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory and EVP of the American Film Institute. “Thank you to our collaborators at Disney for their continued commitment to increasing creative representation and championing the AFI community.”Phillip Domfeh, Senior Manager, Launchpad said: “AFI has long been a successful training ground for the filmmakers of tomorrow.