Genesis House and The Gotham Name Inaugural Shorts Fellowship Winners

The selection process focused on identifying filmmakers with audacious creative visions. Brette will develop her project Mumma, while Ning—fresh off a selection for the Venice Orizzonti competition—will work on The Only Man to Ever Exist. Wen rounds out the cohort with her project, A Natural History. Each filmmaker receives a $10,000 grant, specialized one-on-one guidance, and a spotlight during Gotham Week this autumn.

To bridge the gap between emerging talent and established professionals, the fellowship pairs each creator with seasoned industry figures. Mentors for this cycle include directors Sean Wang, Raven Jackson, and Josephine Decker, alongside producer Matthew Gross. The initiative officially launched at a cocktail event held on July 22 at Genesis House in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, an evening that emphasized the fellowship's goal of fostering a sustainable community for independent voices.