LGBTQ+ film and media organization, NewFest, and Netflix have teamed up and created a new initiative called the New Voices Filmmaker Grant in order to support emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers by distributing a total of $100,000 in funds to support projects in development.
Columbia alumnus Rodney Llaverias '20 has been named one of the recipients of the New Voices Filmmaker Grant and will receive a $25,000 grant to support his professional development and create new work. In addition, Llaverias will have access to network-building opportunities through industry events and a mentorship track facilitated by NewFest.
NewFest Executive Director David Hatkoff remarks that he was “astounded and excited by the volume and strength of applications received. The four grant recipients all submitted auspicious work samples from wide-ranging genres and come from varying backgrounds...we can’t wait to share the voices and work of Blanche, Livia, Nyala, and Rodney within the industry and throughout the world—and, above all, see what brilliant and powerful queer work they create next.”
In addition to the $25,000 grant and the opportunity to be connected with an industry mentor relevant to their work, fellows had their work showcased and participated in events at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Rodney Llaverías is a Dominican-American filmmaker with a graduate degree in Screenwriting & Directing from Columbia University. His shorts have screened in Rotterdam, New Orleans Film Festival, Miami Film Festival, Max Ophüls Preis Film Festival, Outfest, and the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
Rodney is the co-writer of the short film Darling which won the Orizzonti Award for Best Short at the Venice International Film Festival in 2019, Special Mention at SXSW, and an official selection at TIFF. In 2021 he also participated in Berlinale Talents. Rodney received the Katharina Otto-Bernstein production grant for his short film Tropicalía. Tropicalía will screen at the PÖFF - Black Nights Film Festival in November, in the Shorts New Talents competition. It recently screened at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival, the Curta Kinoforum International Short Film Festival and the Lago Film Festival.
