Janelle Monáe’s Fem The Future to Highlight Young Filmmakers

Janelle Monáe’s nonprofit Fem The Future and Made In Her Image have formed a partnership aimed at nurturing young women, girls of color, and genderqueer individuals in the film, media, and technology industries. This initiative includes educational programs like the Open Lens Film Lab, which hosted 25 students aged 13 to 17. These young creators received courses, workshops, and mentorship focused on filmmaking, curated through the perspectives of women and genderqueer individuals of color.

The culmination of this effort will be showcased in August, where the students will debut their short films at the Open Lens Showcase. The themes of these films range from gender identity to self-confidence, reflecting the diverse experiences and voices supported by Fem The Future and Made In Her Image.

Janelle Monáe expressed her support for Made In Her Image, stating that their collaboration aligns with Fem The Future’s commitment to uplifting marginalized voices in the creative industry. She emphasized the importance of organizations like Made In Her Image in fostering creativity and dedication among young filmmakers.

Made In Her Image, founded by Malakai, director of The Chi, aims to engage, empower, and mentor future artists and filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. They have engaged with over 158,000 individuals through digital education and supported numerous initiatives in collaboration with industry leaders like A24, Sundance, Disney, and Panavision.

Sade Ndya, a cinematographer and organizer at Made In Her Image, highlighted the organization's impact on her own career growth and its role in building a supportive community for the next generation of filmmakers.

Together, Fem The Future and Made In Her Image are working towards a fem-forward future by integrating STEM and creative arts for women, girls, and gender expansive people of color, ensuring they have the resources and mentorship needed to thrive in the creative industries.

Source: Hollywood Reporter