Kino Lorber is collaborating with filmmaker and programmer Kate Gondwe on a “new distribution initiative that will showcase short films by emerging talent, aimed at fostering and mentoring young filmmakers including college-aged students.” A press release has announced Dedza Films, founded by Gondwe, is now accepting submissions. It is the first project for Kino Lorber’s new industry diversity incubator.
Dedza’s namesake is the village in Malawi where Gondwe shot her first short film. Gondwe, a former Kino Lorber theatrical assistant, launched the initiative in April 2020, against the backdrop of COVID-19.
Selected by Gondwe and a team of curators, eight to 10 shorts from high school- and college-aged filmmakers will be released via Kino Now, Kino Lorber’s digital platform. A compilation DVD of the projects will be put together and distributed. Dedza and Kino Lorber will also join forces on “a series of virtual panels, talks, and workshops that will be open to all, and provide mentorship in the areas of distribution, communications, and film journalism.”
Dedza a will consult with Kino Lorber on programming, marketing, publicity, packaging, and distribution. The latter will provide the former with mentorship and material support. “Both teams’ collective goals are to help break down existing barriers to entry into the film industry, provide young filmmakers and industry professionals access to resources and expertise, and create a platform for short films to be released, viewed, and supported,” the source explains. “The team seeks unique new voices, particularly those that align with arthouse, low budget, experimental approaches from U.S. and non-U.S. filmmakers.”
“I believe our existence is a step at long term change. I’m excited to work with Kino Lorber to provide support for the next wave of cinema. As a young filmmaker myself, I know the importance of early work being supported and shown,” Gondwe stated. “Due to COVID-19, our industry is on pause and has no excuse to not address the problems we face with innovative solutions. We believe that Dedza Films will provide the curation, community, and create the future my generation deserves.”
Kino Lorber SVP Wendy Lidell added, “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have too long faced inequitable barriers to entry into the entertainment industry. We at Kino Lorber hope that our incubator initiative will assist its participants to overcome those barriers and make a small contribution to the industry’s long overdue need to diversify its ranks. We have known Kate since her college internship with us. We were deeply impressed by her passion and professionalism and couldn’t be more proud than to work with her new company, Dedza Films, and support its mission to support diverse storytelling, and to find and elevate the next generation of talent.”
To submit your short or find out more, head to Dedza Films’ website.
