2022-2023 Imaginar Producers Residency Launches

Furthering their commitment to support independent creative producers, Film Independent is thrilled to announce the launch of the Imaginar Producers Residency for Latinx Producers, made possible by The Walt Disney Company, Searchlight Pictures, and in consultation with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). Over the course of nine months, three selected Fellows will receive a $50,000 cash grant, mentorship, professional and financial coaching, project development support, and more to build traction for their projects. They will also be able to collaborate with Disney and Searchlight executives to gain a better understanding of how to package and set up projects for studios and independent endeavors. Applications for the Imaginar Producers Residency opened November 1, 2022.

“Film Independent is deeply committed to championing creative producers,” said Angela C. Lee, Director of Artist Development. “And this innovative new partnership with The Walt Disney Company and Searchlight Pictures tackles the need for a pipeline of diverse studio producers. We couldn’t be more thrilled to further our support to producers with the launch of this Fellowship, as we welcome the talented and intrepid cohort of producers in this year’s Film Independent Producing Lab.”

“The Walt Disney Company is committed to embracing stories and storytellers who reflect the rich diversity of our world. Alongside Searchlight Pictures, we are thrilled to collaborate on this meaningful initiative with Film Independent and in collaboration with NALIP in support of expanding the Hispanic and Latinx producing community,” said Christine Cadena, VP, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, The Walt Disney Company. “We look forward to the launch of the program and engaging deeply with the Fellows as we reimagine a more inclusive tomorrow, together.”

“We are incredibly proud to be combining the resources and experience of these organizations together to form the Imaginar Producers Residency for Latinx Producers,” adds Matthew Greenfield, Searchlight President and Film Independent Board Member, and David Greenbaum, Searchlight President. “Producers are a key driver in bringing new, exciting, and diverse stories to audiences worldwide, and this program will identify emerging talent and give them the tools they need to succeed.”