CINEMATIC HORIZONS: EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS FILMMAKERS

Youth economic advancement

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

This project addresses the critical issue of underrepresentation and stereotypical portrayal of Native American and Indigenous peoples in media, which limits visibility and impacts public perceptions. Our initiative aims to counter these stereotypes by providing educational and professional filmmaking opportunities to Indigenous youth, particularly those from low-income communities. By empowering these young voices to tell their own stories, we align with RNCI’s goal of increasing diverse representation in media. This effort not only challenges existing narratives but also enriches the media landscape with authentic content that promotes understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, focusing on Youth Economic Advancement.

Our project will address the significant underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in media by empowering Indigenous youth through filmmaking. Here are the key components of the program:
Educational Labs: We will conduct workshops on scriptwriting, directing, and post-production. These labs are designed to provide both foundational and advanced filmmaking skills, preparing students to create their own content and contribute to diverse media narratives.
Scholarships & Internships: Financial aid and internship opportunities will be provided to selected students, enabling them to attend the Red Nation Film Festival in Los Angeles and engage in a 3-month internship with RNCI. This combination of support not only reduces financial barriers but also offers a significant platform for students to showcase their work, gain practical experience, and build professional networks.
Film Showcase Event: Films produced by workshop participants will be featured in a dedicated screening at the festival. This event enhances their visibility and offers valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, helping to launch their careers in filmmaking.
Standing Rock Youth Then & Now Program: The program will specifically involve youth from Standing Rock, giving them a platform to express their stories and perspectives. This component emphasizes social justice, highlighting the unique challenges and insights of this community, and further enriching the program’s impact on media diversity.

By the end of the one-year grant period in October 2025, we aim to have substantially increased the visibility and influence of Indigenous filmmakers within the local film industry. This will be evidenced by more Indigenous-led projects being showcased at festivals, greater representation in local media, and increased awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures among the broader Los Angeles community. Our vision for long-term success involves scaling the initiative to support more Indigenous students and expanding our outreach to include more local festivals and educational institutions across the county. We aim to establish partnerships with Los Angeles-based media companies to ensure ongoing opportunities for our participants. This expansion will enrich the City of Los Angeles by showcasing diverse narratives and creating a more inclusive media environment.

Our project amplifies Indigenous voices in media, with a strong focus on youth engagement. We assess impact using surveys and interviews to collect feedback, and by tracking metrics like workshop attendance and alumni success in the industry. Our success is evidenced by increased participation of young Indigenous creators in workshops, more Indigenous-led films at festivals, and significant career advancements among our participants.
We plan to refine our evaluation methods to better understand the long-term impacts on our youth participants' careers and contributions to the media landscape. Additionally, we aim to expand industry partnerships to enhance career opportunities for our alumni, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in reducing the underrepresentation of Indigenous youth in media.