Films, News, Women Directors

3 Women Directors Selected for Film Independent’s Directing Lab With Mentor Catherine Hardwicke

Remember these names: Philiane Phang, Christina Choe, and Sylvia Sether. According to Film Independent, these are some of the most promising talents in the world of independent filmmaking today. Film Independent is, of course, the the non-profit arts organization behind the Spirit Awards, the Los Angeles Film Festival, and Film Independent at LACMA.

Phang, Choe, and Sether account for half of the six directors who have been chosen to participate in Film Independent’s 15th annual Directing Lab, an intensive eight-week program that will support emerging indie film directors in prepping their next feature films. Of special note is the fact that Phang has been awarded the inaugural Ammon Foundation Fellowship for a Female Director, which includes a $10,000 cash grant.

Catherine Hardwicke, whose latest feature Miss You Already will star Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette, is among the three directors who will serve as the 2015 Directing Lab Creative Advisors. The Lab’s top priority is helping directors work with actors in the rehearsal process. The Creative Advisors will assist the Fellows in choosing short scenes from their scripts to workshop and shoot. Digital cameras and lighting packages, as well as small stipends to shoot their scenes, will be provided to the Fellows courtesty of Film Independent.

“This year’s Directing Lab Fellows embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision, the pillars of our mission at Film Independent. We are looking forward to nurturing these exceptional artists through the Lab and helping these vital stories become realized as extraordinary independent films,” said Jennifer Kushner, Director of Artist Development at Film Independent. Industry vets, including experienced casting directors, cinematographers, and editors, will be available to consult and collaborate with the fellows.

The Directing Lab is provided free to invited filmmakers, and upon completion they will become Film Independent Fellows, receiving year-round support, including eligibility for grants and awards, access to Film Independent’s annual film education offerings, and a pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Ana Lily Amirpour, who recently made waves — and caught the attention of Megan Ellison — for her directorial debut A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, is a past Directing Lab Fellow.

See below for descriptions of Phang, Choe, and Sether’s projects:

The Space Between: Philiane Phang — writer, director

On her journey to becoming a professional bodybuilder, a woman is forced to confront her tragic past with her father when she unexpectedly falls in love.

Nancy: Christina Choe — writer, director

A psychological drama about Nancy, a serial imposter who lives at home with her abusive, elderly mother. Desperate for love, she creates a fake blog and catfishes a lover, but her hoaxes cause epic and tragic consequences.

Norway: Sylvia Sether — writer, director, producer

A troubled young woman returns to Norway to say goodbye to her dying father, and in the process, finds deliverance through love and letting go.


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