WHO:
The Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum (RBIAFF), in collaboration with the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and the AGBO Foundation, invites emerging filmmakers to apply for this annual fellowship opportunity.
WHAT:
The RBIAFF offers production grants to five emerging filmmakers who seek to develop and create stories for the screen that illuminate aspects of the Italian American experience. Applicants must create a sizzle reel, no longer than 3 minutes, that effectively conveys the filmmaker’s ideas and skills to later create a short film exploring the Italian American experience. This may include, but it is not limited to, narratives that celebrate Italian American culture, language, history, land, or people through the art of film.
GRANTS AND PRIZES:
Five selected applicants will each receive a $10,000 production grant to develop their submitted concepts into short films. Additionally, the winning film among these five will be awarded an extra $10,000 and admittance into the AGBO Storyteller’s Collective, an alumni network of young filmmakers that have been honored by AGBO fellowships or competitions. The Storyteller’s Collective offers ongoing mentorship and industry guidance from AGBO executives. Beyond mentorship, it also serves as a community for these filmmakers to connect with one another and collaborate, nurturing and supporting each other’s growth as artists. To date, we have proudly awarded over $400,000 in RBIAFF grants, aiding 47 passionate filmmakers to realize their creative visions.
FORMATS ACCEPTED:
Submissions can be in documentary, narrative, fiction, or nonfiction formats. Applicants from all nationalities and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to showcase their unique perspectives on the Italian American experience.
JUDGING:
Entries will be evaluated by a committee of AGBO executives and the national leadership of the ISDA, ensuring a thorough and fair assessment process.
DEADLINE:
Submissions must be received by February 29, 2024.
WHERE TO APPLY:
agbo.com for detailed rules and application information.
CONTACT
ABOUT AGBO
AGBO is an Academy Award-Winning independent studio focused on developing and producing intellectual property universes spanning film, TV, gaming, and publishing. Founded in 2017 by award-winning and record-breaking directors Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO’s mission is to innovate and advance the next generation of storytelling to entertain and inspire worldwide audiences. AGBO’s recent productions include the Academy Award-Winning Best Picture film “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” Netflix’s “Extraction 2,” and “The Gray Man,” Amazon thriller series “Citadel.” https://www.agbo.com/
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+ (19+ in AL/ NE, 21+ in MS) who have not earned more than $25K as a screenwriter or director. To enter, submit an original sizzle reel of 3 minutes or less presenting your story of the Italian American Experience, between 2/1/24 at 12:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) and 2/29/24 at 12:00 PM PST. Top 5 Sizzle Reels Submissions after judging will each receive $10,000 Grants to create a short film by 11/1/24. One (1) winner will win $10,000 and admittance into the AGBO Storyteller’s Collective. Visit http://www.agbo.com/community/the-russo-brothers-italianamerican- filmmaker-forum for full eligibility and entry requirements, timelines, judging criteria, and other details. Limit: One entry per person. Sponsor: AGBO Films LLC, PO Box 13564, Los Angeles, CA 90013.