The HFPA Residency brings young filmmakers to Hollywood for a three-week intensive program of master classes and workshops on film making and distribution and intensive sessions on financing as well as screenings. Fellows are paired with individual mentors who are respected filmmakers to help hone their skills and help them onto the next stage of their careers. The program is a partnership with two of the world’s premier Film Festivals. HFPA members select three participants in the Toronto Film Festival Film Makers’ Lab based on their submitted shorts. Winners are joined by three winners of the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti section. The Residency is managed for the HFPA by Film Independent. The non-profit dedicated to creative independence in visual storytelling supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision and is a long-time HFPA grantee. Here is a look back at last year’s inaugural Residency through the eyes of the first class of Fellows. It was great to have you, and we look forward to many more.