Project Involve

Regular Deadline: Jul 13, 2026

For over 30 years, Project Involve has been Film Independent's most vital and impactful program, providing invaluable hands-on filmmaking experience from inception to completion.

Participants are paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.

Filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, create short films and gain industry access needed to succeed as working artists. Project Involve accepts filmmakers in various tracks that, together, form short film production teams. 

Running January through October, Project Involve offers career-changing opportunities and experiences: 

Mentorship: Working industry professionals share knowledge and give guidance on craft and career.
Conversations: 10+ master workshops offer insight on the art and business of filmmaking.
Short Films: Fellows are given resources to produce short films that debut at a special First Look Screening event.
Events: Fellows attend Film Independent's signature education programs, screenings, networking events and more.
Fellowships: Fellows may be selected to receive cash grants from industry sponsors.

Fellows include Andrew Ahn (The Wedding Banquet); Linda Yvette Chavez (Flamin' Hot); Jon M. Chu (Wicked); Jomo Fray (Nickel Boys); Marvin Lemus (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Roadtrip); LaToya Morgan (Duster); Jennifer Phang (Descendents: The Rise of the Red); Justin Simien (Haunted Mansion); Lulu Wang (Expats), Harry Yoon (Thunderbolts) and Kim Yutani (Director of Programming, Sundance).

For more information, visit https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/project-involve/.

Call for entry posted May 21, 2026