The HFPA has been a proud supporter of Project Involve, the mentoring and artist development program run by Film Independent. For over 25 years the program has incubated the careers of aspiring filmmakers by pairing young creators with top Hollywood mentors to pursue industry tracks ranging from animation to festival programming, editing, cinematography, writing, directing and producing. Participants attend master workshops and collaborate on new short films. The project focuses on filmmakers (30 each year) from underrepresented backgrounds as part of the ongoing effort to build a more inclusive and equitable industry, a cause the HFPA Philanthropy program fully espouses.

Notable alums of the program include Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Justin Simien (Dear White People), Linda Yvette Chávez, Marvin Lemus and Aaliyah Williams (Gentefied) and Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians).

Film Independent is virtually screening the 2020 Project Involve short films in their First Look event. Screenings begin today, May 18 with a 48-hour viewing window, and the Q&A is Thursday, May 20 at 5:30 pm PT.

For further information and registration to screenings and Q&A:

First Look Screening

First Look Q&A