- Fem The Future and Made In Her Image have partnered to support young women, girls of color, and genderqueer individuals in film, media, and technology industries
- They hosted an Open Lens Film Lab for students aged 13 to 17, offering courses, workshops, and mentorship on filmmaking
- In August, the students will debut their short films at the Open Lens Showcase
- Fem The Future is dedicated to a fem-forward future by integrating STEM and creative arts for marginalized individuals
- Made In Her Image has engaged 158,000 individuals, mentored 5,610 mentees, and launched 35 initiatives and programs since 2018
- The partnership aims to support and amplify the work of young filmmakers while sustaining their ongoing mission
- Made In Her Image has been crucial in fostering the growth of filmmakers and giving back to the next generation.
Janelle Monáe’s nonprofit organization, Fem The Future, has joined forces with Made In Her Image to pave the way for the next generation of filmmakers, with a particular focus on empowering young women, girls of color, and genderqueer individuals in the film, media, and technology industries. Together, these organizations hosted 25 students, ranging in age from 13 to 17, at their inaugural Open Lens Film Lab in March. At this event, the young participants were provided with courses, workshops, and mentorship in filmmaking, all curated through the unique perspectives of women and genderqueer individuals of color. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to nurture and support these budding filmmakers as they explore various themes, from gender identity to self-confidence, culminating in the debut of their short films at the upcoming Open Lens Showcase in August.
In a statement, Janelle Monáe expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of organizations like Made In Her Image in propelling the industry forward. She commended the students for their creativity and dedication, traits that have been at the core of Fem The Future’s mission since its inception. Monáe highlighted the significance of supporting initiatives like MIHI, which align with Fem The Future’s commitment to uplifting marginalized voices in the creative industry and fostering new opportunities in filmmaking. The collaboration aims to plant seeds for a more inclusive and diverse future in the world of cinema.
Fem The Future is dedicated to promoting a fem-forward future by integrating STEM and creative arts for women, girls, and gender expansive individuals of color. Since its establishment in 2018, Made In Her Image has reached over 158,000 individuals through digital education, mentored over 5,600 mentees, supported 1,920 community members, and launched 35 initiatives and programs. The organization has also forged partnerships with industry giants such as A24, Sundance, Disney, and Panavision, further solidifying its impact on the film landscape.
Malakai, director of The Chi and founder of Made In Her Image, expressed gratitude for the support from Fem The Future, emphasizing the importance of amplifying the work of young filmmakers while continuing the organization’s mission. By creating a platform for engagement, empowerment, and mentorship, MIHI aims to elevate the voices of future artists and filmmakers, allowing them to tell their stories through their own perspectives. Sade Ndya, a cinematographer and organizer at Made In Her Image, echoed Malakai’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of community in shaping her own career and enabling her to give back to the next generation of creatives.
The impact of organizations like Fem The Future and Made In Her Image extends beyond just the individual participants. Through their collaborative efforts, these entities are shaping the landscape of the film industry by providing opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard and celebrated. By nurturing young talent and fostering a sense of community and support, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in filmmaking.
As the students gear up to showcase their short films at the Open Lens Showcase in August, the world eagerly anticipates the stories they will tell and the perspectives they will share. Through initiatives like these, the film industry is taking a step towards a more equitable and representative future, where voices that have long been marginalized or overlooked can finally take center stage. The partnership between Fem The Future and Made In Her Image serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring filmmakers everywhere, showing that with dedication, creativity, and support, anything is possible in the world of cinema.
/Digital Sauce