RUSSO BROTHERS ITALIAN AMERICAN FILMMAKER FORUM (RBIAFF) - FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 1, 2025

(Photo Courtesy of AGBO: Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, Joe Russo)

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 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 $450,000 in RBIAFF grants, aiding 52 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.