National Association of Latino Independent Producers Unveils Fourth Cohort of the Women of Color Incubator (EXCLUSIVE)

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers has unveiled the fourth cohort of the Women of Color Incubator.

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”), Luna Cristales (“Statelines”), Sonia Malfa (“La Sangre Llama”), Alba Roland Mejia (“Greetings From St. Helena”) and Sally Tran (“Love Cycle”) are among the chosen filmmakers.

The Women of Color Incubator is funded by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity and offers emerging filmmakers the resources needed to bring their original short films to life. With guidance from NALIP and Netflix executives, they receive comprehensive support throughout the entire filmmaking process — from pre-production through post-production and distribution.

Related Stories

VIP+

Entertainment Everywhere: A Special Report

Robert Downey Jr. Saved Tom Holland's First Spider-Man Scene From Being Cut Down, Questioned the Russo Bros: 'Where Did All of the Kid's Lines Go?'

“Women of color represent a mere 2.7% of directors and 8% of producers in the top-grossing films, according to the 2024 Annenberg Inclusion Initiative report. With the Women of Color Incubator, NALIP is committed to changing this narrative and is grateful to have Netflix’s support. By providing these talented filmmakers with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to create high-quality short films, we are helping to build a crucial foundation that can lead to their first feature film. This program aims to amplify their voices and stories, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to shape the future of cinema,” said Diana Luna, executive director of NALIP.

In addition to institutional backing, each filmmaker is awarded a $35,000 grant to produce their film. The completed works will be showcased during a special screening at NALIP’s Diverse Women in Media Forum, set to take place on April 3rd, 2024.

In a statement to Variety, Malfa said, “As a writer and director, I’m inspired by the rhythms of nature, mythology, and my Puerto Rican-American roots, weaving these elements into films that speak with a deep, poetic voice. In ‘La Sangre Llama’ (The Blood Calls), my collaboration with writer and actress Shamikah Christina Martinez, we explore the universal diasporic experience of returning to one’s homeland, reconnecting with ancestors, and celebrating cultural resilience and healing. Our film speaks to the deep-rooted ties that bind us across generations and the powerful call to reclaim and honor our heritage. By investing in our growth, they not only empower us as storytellers, but pave the way for our authentic and vibrant narratives to be seen, heard, and valued.”

Said Cristales, “Opportunities like this level the playing field and make room for representation for those who usually don’t get a chance to tell their own stories due to limited resources. Through NALIP and the WOC Incubator, I get to document and collaborate with a community that is incredibly dear to me, and the chance to preserve this town, people and memories in film.” 

Speaking about “Greetings from St. Helena,” Mejia said, “It is more than a horror film, it’s a commentary on classism. It takes a unique angle on experiences of not belonging that are felt all too often.”

Tran’s film “Love Cycle” is NALIP’s first offshore production. Speaking with Variety, Tran praised the organized for “trusting in the strength of our talented team to bring this short thriller to life. Set in the heart of Saigon’s low-income neighborhoods, it explores the haunting nuances of love and survival.”

Said Costa, “The support that comes to us and says ‘Hey I believe in you, go make this’ is actually the fundamental piece for filmmakers that historically have not been seen nor heard. It is a platform to support and promote voices that we need hearing now more than ever.”