All About Labs, Fellowships, and Incubators

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Join us for a conversation exploring the world of film labs, fellowships, and incubators, which provide invaluable support for emerging filmmakers. This group of program directors will discuss how their initiatives provide opportunities, help develop projects from script to screen and build community. Topics will include the types of resources provided, the application process, and tips for standing out. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker seeking mentorship or someone looking to break into the industry, this panel will offer insight into how these programs can help launch your career and sharpen your creative vision.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR:

Crickett Rumley

Crickett Rumley received her MFA in Film at Columbia University and is the founder and senior director of the Film Festival Department at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) in Los Angeles. With diversity, equity, and inclusion centered in her work, she develops educational programs and festival strategy for a diverse student body. She has guided filmmakers to official selections at festivals ranging from Sundance to Bronzelens and to wins and nominations at the BAFTA Student Film Awards, the Student Academy Awards, the Directors Guild of America Student Awards, and the College Television Awards. She is on the board of the Film Festival Alliance, serves as the Panels Director for the Tallgrass Film Festival, and has moderated panels, taught workshops, and served on juries for festivals around the U.S.

PANELISTS INCLUDE:

Ilyse McKimmie

Ilyse McKimmie is the Deputy Director for Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program. She oversees the Directors and Screenwriters Labs and the Screenwriters Intensive, provides year-round creative and strategic support to alumni filmmakers, and plays a key role in the Producers and Episodic Programs. Films developed at the Labs during her tenure include DÌDI (弟弟), A THOUSAND AND ONE, AFTERSUN, NANNY, THE 40-YEAR-OLD VERSION, THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO, THE FAREWELL, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, WE THE ANIMALS, BEACH RATS, SWISS ARMY MAN, DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL, FRUITVALE STATION, BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD, PARIAH, SIN NOMBRE, RED ROAD, ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW, PARADISE NOW, and MARIA FULL OF GRACE , among many others. Before joining Sundance 25 years ago, she held positions at ICM and Red Wagon Entertainment. Her roots lie in the theater; her first job after graduating from UCLA was as a production stage manager in the Los Angeles theater scene.

Diana Mogollón

Diana Mogollón is Chief Executive Officer of Rideback Rise, the 501c3 non-profit POC creator and content accelerator, founded by acclaimed producer Dan Lin, that supports experienced creators in the development of mainstream film and television to help propel narrative change and bridge the cultural gap with the goal of advancing racial equity. In her role, Ms. Mogollón oversees all aspects of Rise, including programming, recruitment, operations, and fundraising, while guiding Rise to become one of the industry’s key change agents.

April S. Chang

APRIL S. CHANG is an LA-based producer from Atlanta, Georgia. Having had her start in the music video world, she is a lover of the place where film, music, and art meet. April had the privilege of working on Michael Shannon’s directorial debut, ERIC LARUE, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2023. Following ERIC LARUE, she packed up her life in LA to Associate Produce Jeff Nichols’ THE BIKERIDERS starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy. THE BIKERIDERS had its worldwide premiere at Telluride Film Festival in 2023 followed by its theatrical release in June 2024. Currently, April serves as the Manager of Creative and Talent Development at Rideback RISE, the non-profit creator and content accelerator founded by prolific producer Dan Lin in 2022.

Ashley N. Flores

Ashley Flores joined Film Independent in 2022. She oversees the application, interview and selection process for the Fiction Labs and Sloan Foundation Fellowships. Ashley has consulted and taught for various educational institutions including the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and worked for production companies Hello Sunshine, Nickelodeon and Devon Franklin Entertainment. In 2021, Ashley was selected as a PGA Create Fellow, received a Google grant, and produced an HBO Max-distributed short film. She was also on the producing team for Blippi’s Treehouse, currently on Amazon Kids +. Recently, she produced a Sloan Foundation-funded project nominated for an Imagen Award. Ashley holds an M.F.A. from USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program and an M.Ed. from Texas State University.