We are thrilled to announce our class of 2023 Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab fellows! ⁠ ⁠ This year's filmmaker lab includes two tracks: directing and producing. The directing fellows are ashley ijoema omoma, David Gaines, Simone Holland, and Zardosht Afshari. The producing fellows are Aaron Brokenbough Jr., Elizah Turner, Samiyah Wardlaw, and Stephanie Malson. The directing and producing fellows have been paired together, each team of two will work together to create one short film. Visit the link in our bio to read more about the fellows and the incredible short films that they will be bringing to life.⁠ ⁠ “In this second year of the Lab, we are excited to add a producing track, offering support for producers of color, who often receive fewer opportunities for mentorship in our region. Both directors and producers play a vital role in telling our communities’ stories, and we’re thrilled to honor their work and nurture their creativity through the Lab," said @maorikarmael, Chief Executive and Artistic Officer at BlackStar.⁠ ⁠ The Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab, presented by Comcast's Black Experience on @xfinity, is a fellowship program designed to uplift emerging and mid-career Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists in the Greater Philadelphia area. Over the course of a year, BlackStar will provide equipment, space, crew, mentorship, funding and critical feedback to the filmmakers. BlackStar will act as an executive producer on the short films created during the Lab and premiere the films at the 2023 BlackStar Film Festival.⁠ ⁠ Learn more about the filmmaker lab and this year's fellows at the link in our bio. ⁠ Additional support from William Penn Foundation, @allagesproductions, Independence Public Media Foundation, @sevenknotsfilms, @mellonfdn, Wyncote Foundation, @gucciequilibrium, and @expresswaycine. ⁠ #ByIndieMeansNecessary