The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) today announced the renewal of its Residency Fellowships to filmmakers participating in the Biennale College section of the Venice International Film Festival in collaboration with Film Independent. The program aims to educate and foster the filmmakers’ professional development through a three-week residency in Los Angeles.

“We are pleased to renew this exciting fellowship program in collaboration with Film Independent and the Venice International Film Festival to give young filmmakers a wonderful opportunity to learn from established filmmakers and develop the connections to help launch their professional careers,” said Helen Hoehne, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. “Film Independent has extensive experience in organizing cultural exchange and artist development programs with a particular focus on international filmmakers and we are thrilled to partner with them again to bring this residency program to life.”

Four filmmakers (writers, directors, producers) from the Biennale College section of the Venice International Film Festival will be selected to travel to Los Angeles in 2023. During their stay in Hollywood, they will be paired with individual mentors – who are respected filmmakers in the industry – to help hone their skills. They will also be given the opportunity to showcase their work, as well as attend screenings and education events hosted by Film Independent.

“The Venice International Film Festival welcomes the continuation of the HFPA Residency Fellowship and the commitment of the HFPA to support international filmmakers,” said Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice International Film Festival. “The HFPA’s philanthropy supports the growth of young filmmakers and serves as a vital bridge between Hollywood and the rest of the global film industry.”

The residency experience includes:

• Orientation for the filmmakers to acquaint them with the residency schedule, goals, partners and mentors;
• Film Independent membership to allow attendance at educational activities throughout the program; and
• A robust program of screenings with Q&A sessions, guest speakers, master classes,  workshops and writing and directing sessions paired to the filmmaker’s career level.

“As Film Independent continues to support the global community of visual storytellers working in film and television, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association with their strong commitment to educating the next generation of filmmakers,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “We look forward to welcoming the talented filmmakers from the Venice International Film Festival and introducing them to the Los Angeles creative community.” 

The renewal of the HFPA Residency Program reaffirms the Association’s commitment to active mentorship of emerging filmmakers through a custom program designed in partnership with Film Independent. It also continues its partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious film festival in Venice to promote ties between Hollywood and the global film community