FELLOWSHIPS & MENTORSHIP
AGBO strives to provide opportunity to talented first-time filmmakers and seeks to increase representation of diverse creative voices. Since its formation, AGBO has granted fellowships that provide emerging filmmakers with the opportunity to fund their projects and to collaborate with AGBO artists and creatives.
AGBO/AFI CONSERVATORY DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Established in 2019, the program awards $25,000 to a recent AFI Conservatory graduate to develop at least one project, with year-long mentorship from AGBO.
RECIPIENTS
ANGELA CHEN
2019 Recipient
TRIAD OF US
Based on a true story, a multi-perspective portrait of a Chinese immigrant family’s first-generation daughter unveiling dark family secrets as an assassination is executed a and a sting operation is underway. Deadline.com Feature
MARINA KATO
2020 Recipient
DIA DE LAS CARPAS
A fairytale about a little girl who escapes deportation by becoming a mermaid. Deadline.com Feature
SLAMDANCE RUSSO BROTHERS FELLOWSHIP
Established in 2018, the fellowship consists of a $25,000 prize for a deserving filmmaker selected by Slamdance Film Festival alumni Anthony & Joe Russo, and gives them the opportunity to have a mentorship with the filmmaking duo.
RECIPIENTS
CARLOTA MARTINEZ-PEREDA
2020 Recipient
PIGGY
Her clothes stolen by a clique of cool girls, an overweight teen must walk home in nothing but her bikini. A walk she won’t soon forget.
HANNAH PETERSON
2019 Recipient
EAST OF THE RIVER
Teonna is unexpectedly suspended from school and is faced with a day on the streets of Washington, DC. Teonna encounters Malik, who is also out of school, and Sara, who left school because she saw more economic opportunity on the streets. The three set out for an adventure that takes them east of the Anacostia river. Deadline.com Feature
YASSMINA KARAJAH
2018 Recipient
RUPTURE
Rupture follows the journey of four Arab teens on their quest to find a public pool in their new city on a hot summer's day. Film Festival Today Feature
RUSSO BROTHERS ITALIAN AMERICAN FILM FORUM GRANT AWARDS
Established in 2017, the program annually awards multiple $8,000 grants to ambitious filmmakers around the country to create documentary, fiction or nonfiction narrative films that explore the Italian American experience for the benefit of future generations. Learn More
RECIPIENTS
AMY CAMPIONE
2020 Recipient
UNTITLED
Creates the story of an award-winning chef who struggles to define her identity.
LAURA CARPAROTTI
2020 Recipient
TUTTI EN SCENA!
Documents the history of Italian American theater.
GIOVANNA CAPONE
2020 Recipient
ITALIAN AMERICANS IN OAKLAND: OUR COMMUNITY, OUR HISTORY
Examines the importance that Italian American social clubs have in maintaining the Italian American cultural identity.
VALARIE D'ELIA
2020 Recipient
SAVING SOUTHERN ITALY
Tells the story of Italian Americans going back to their roots to buy and renovate a home in Italy.
TONY DE NONNO
2020 Recipient
A CENTURY OF LAUGHTER, HEART AND SONG
Explores the birth and life of Italian American comedy.
FRANCIS DICLEMENTE
2020 Recipient
WORLD SERIES OF BOCCE
Highlights this celebration of Italian American culture.
ALESSIA GATTI
2020 Recipient
THE GRUCCI
Focuses on the artistry, innovation and values of America’s world renowned family of fireworks.
CHARLES MARSALA
2020 Recipient
WHO KILLA DA CHIEF?
Provides a plausible explanation as to who killed the police chief whose death resulted in the unjust lynching of eleven Italian immigrants in New Orleans in 1891.