The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has announced a new initiative in which rising filmmakers from the 2018 Venice International Film Festival and the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival will be selected for a three-week residency program in partnership with Film Independent. The announcement was made at a reception during day three of the 75th Venice Film Festival, by HFPA president Meher Tatna and Alberto Barbera, Artistic Director of the Venice International Film Festival

Three filmmakers (writers, directors, producers) from The Orizonti Section of the Venice International Film Festival and three filmmakers from TIFF’s Filmmaker Lab, the Festival’s flagship talent development programme, will be selected to travel to Los Angeles from January 2 – 23, 2019 for mentorship, master classes and workshops. They will be paired with individual mentors who are respected filmmakers to help hone their skills, attend screenings and education events hosted by Film Independent, and attend the HFPA-hosted 76th  Annual Golden Globe® Awards viewing party.

“The HFPA has supported Film Independent for 20 years and is committed to providing the resources needed to empower the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers,” said Meher Tatna, 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 to bring this residency program to life.”

The President of the Biennale di Venezia, Paolo Baratta, has stated: “Among the things we like most is helping new talents. Each institution, whether private or public, can contribute with acts of generosity’.

“The Toronto International Film Festival is delighted to be involved in an initiative that helps foster the future of filmmaking and emerging creative voices,” said Kathleen Drumm, TIFF Director of Industry. “Our annual Filmmaker Lab has proven a fruitful source of exciting new talent – and I’m thrilled that three from this year’s group of artists will go on to experience the Residency, helping them further develop their craft and industry understanding.”

‘As Film Independent continues to expand its support of filmmakers working internationally, we can’t imagine a better partner than the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,’ said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. ‘We look forward to meeting the talented filmmakers from the Venice and Toronto film festivals and introducing them to the film community of Los Angeles.’