ABOUT THE COHORT PROGRAM:

Our Community Filmmaker Cohort Program is designed to help new and emerging filmmakers collaboratively develop a film. Under the guidance of our professional filmmaker mentors, all of the Cohort participants learn about their skillset in depth, with a collective emphasis on learning about general production. In addition to the production of their short films, each Cohort member has free access to all of our independent filmmaker workshops.

AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM:

At the 2022 New Orleans Film Festival, our Cohort, Jill Campbell, took home the award for Best Louisiana Short Documentary for “Ode to Oda Benga.”

At the 2023 New Orleans Film Festival, our Cohort team of Luke Harris (Director), Jay Falice (Director of Photography) and Lauren Messina (Editor) took home the Audience Award Best Louisiana Short Documentary for “SOUTH BODY.

At the 2024 New Orleans Film Festival, our cohort team of Maaliyah Papillion (Director and Culture-Bearer), Mo Grizzly (Co-Director), Ryan Marrero (Cinematographer), and Jay Evans (Editor)” won the Audience Award for Best Louisiana Short Documentary for “ISHAK”, and our cohort team of Carl Harrison Jr. (Co-Director and Culture-Bearer), Patrice Jones (Co-Director), Avery Scott (Cinematographer), and Alena Cover (Editor) won the Runner Up for the Audience Award Best Louisiana Short Documentary for “The Buzz of St. Roch.”

2024-2025

COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

“Highlighting challenges that black-birthers face while birthing in institutions and shedding light on the difference birth-workers make in Louisiana.”

Our 2024-2025 Cohort Program is funded in part by Foundation for Louisiana, South Arts and the Jazz and Heritage Foundation.

MENTORS AND FILMMAKING TEAM

INDIA KING ROBINS, CREATIVE PRODUCER

India King Robins is a writer, arts administrator, theater artist, and educator committed to affirming black women and youth through arts and advocacy. She is the Executive Director of a media-based nonprofit, New Orleans Video Access Center, and she worked as a teacher and administrator in New Orleans public schools for almost ten years. As a black, queer woman raised with limited resources in the south, India values equity and shares a vulnerable and authentic perspective on issues that impact people that live in marginalized intersections. India holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she majored in Journalism and Electronic Media and minored in Theater.

ANGELA TUCKER, PRODUCER MENTOR

Angela Tucker is an Emmy and Webby winning filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist based in New Orleans, LA. She has crafted a career of deeply humanistic, bold, and varied projects. Her work has screened at festivals globally and has broadcast on NBC, Showtime, PBS, Netflix and Lifetime. Her holiday film, “A New Orleans Noel“ starring Keisha Knight Pulliam and Patti LaBelle aired on Lifetime and she had her first solo art exhibition at The Diboll Gallery. She has an upcoming installation at True/False Film Festival and her documentary, “The Inquisitor,” about political icon Barbara Jordan will be broadcast on PBS. Angela is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and has received fellowships from Film Independent, Sundance Institute, Firelight Media, and Chicken & Egg. She received her BA in Theater and African-American Studies from Wesleyan University and her MFA in Film from Columbia University.

NAILAH JEFFERSON, DIRECTOR MENTOR

Nailah Jefferson is a New Orleans born filmmaker intrigued and inspired by the enduring human spirit, whose work spans fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent film, “Commuted,” premiered at the 2023 New Orleans film festival where it won the Audience Award for Best Documentary and Best Louisiana Documentary. “Commuted” told the story of Danielle Metz, a woman whose triple life drug sentence was commuted by President Obama after serving 23 years. The film is available on PBS. 2023 also saw the debut of Nailah’s acclaimed HBO Original documentary, “Donyale Luna: Supermodel” about the first Black supermodel to grace the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, but whose legacy was lost to history. The film was nominated for a 2024 Grierson Trust Award for Best Arts Documentary.

MISTY TALLEY, EDITOR MENTOR

Misty Talley is an accomplished Director, Editor, and Cinephile with over fifteen years of experience in the film industry. She began her career in 2009 as an Assistant Editor, quickly rising in the ranks to become a sought-after Editor on feature films and documentaries. In 2013 she made history as the first woman to direct a Syfy Channel original film, Zombie Shark. She went on to direct three more Syfy films while continuing her editing work on notable projects like Jeepers Creepers 3. With over 30 feature films edited, and many more completed as post supervisor, and VFX editor, contributing to projects like AMC’s Mayfair Witches, her knowledge extends throughout post production. Known for her work ethic, speed, and attention to detail, Misty is a resourceful and innovative filmmaker, valued for both her creative work and production management.

ALEJANDRO DE LOS RIOS, CINEMATOGRAPHY MENTOR

Alejandro de los Rios is an award-winning Cuban-Venezuelan writer and filmmaker based in New Orleans who has worked with the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans, to name just a few. One of his first projects with NOVAC was the Audience Award-Winning “Ode to Ota Benga“ (2022 New Orleans Film Festival) as Director of Photography & Editor. While his documentary works have ranged from climate change to New Orleans community storytelling, his narrative works focus mostly on dark comedies. His blue heeler mix, Lt. Aldo Raine, is named after Brad Pitt’s iconic character in “Inglorious Basterds.“

ZANA WASHINGTON, COMMUNITY LIAISON

Zana Washington is a mother, doula, mentor, and midwifery student in New Orleans, Louisiana, known as “The Doulas’ Doula” for her holistic approach and mentorship. She founded the “Doulas Empowering The Powerful” Cohort Mentorship program in 2020 and owns Zion Doula Services, LLC. A birth worker since 2017, her passion for maternal health began in childhood, leading her to train as a Medical Assistant and later transition into professional birth work. She became an SMP Doula, a Louisiana Healthy Birth Ambassador, and a certified breastfeeding specialist, perinatal health worker, and childbirth educator. Her midwifery journey began in 2018 under the mentorship of LaMonica Hollins, and she is now in phase two of her studies. Zana has worked with organizations such as Birthmark Doula Collective and Crescent City Family Services and was selected for Louisiana’s first doula pilot program. In 2024, she became a R.E.S.T. Fellow with Sista Midwife Productions, continuing her mission to support, educate, and advocate for families, particularly in underserved communities.

KELSEY SCULT, CREATIVE SERVICES PROGRAM MANAGER

Kelsey Scult is a New Orleans-based filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist. Her work explores the femme processing of inherited memory, the psychic untangling of intimate partner violence and the physical intersection of desire and decay. She most recently produced the ‘21 Sundance Audience Award-winning feature film, Ma Belle, My Beauty (dir. Marion Hill) which was acquired for theatrical release by Good Deed Entertainment. She is an alumna of the New Orleans Film Society Southern Producers Lab and The Gotham’s Narrative Lab.

COHORT FILMMAKERS

Producer: SHARI WILSON

Shari Wilson is a rising writer and director from the heart of rural Louisiana, now making her mark in New Orleans. Her work passionately highlights and celebrates Black womanhood, juxtaposing its rich tapestry of experiences with the profound challenges and struggles explored through a lens of self-excavation. She aims to illuminate the stories of Black women in the South, ensuring that those who feel isolated find their voices and connect through her narratives.

Producer: SAMAIYAH CLAYTON

Samaiyah Clayton is a dedicated social work professional and creative advocate passionate about empowering Black communities. With extensive experience in program management, trauma-informed care, and community engagement, she has worked to support victims of violence, promote healthy relationships, and provide emotional support to those in need. Her creative background includes acting, stage managing, and advocacy theater, where she has used storytelling to raise awareness on social issues. Her work reflects a commitment to education, personal growth, and social change through professional and creative endeavors.

Director: AUSINIKKA TROY

Film and visual artist native to New Orleans, Ausinikka (Nikka) kickstarted her career after graduating from the University of New Orleans, and joining LEDE NOLA as a junior and senior fellow journalists. Following her fellowship she worked as Field Producer for IHeart Media’s Class Action Podcast hosted by MSNBC’s Katie Phang, and was 2nd Assistant Director for the southern gothic tale The Climbing Rose of the Garden District. Currently, she is Associate Producer for the upcoming PBS Documentary The Inquisitor and Media Arts Curator for Read the Leaves Magazine.

Director: KIERSTEN IFAKEMI GILLETTE-PIERCE

Kiersten TâLéigh « Gillette » Gillette-Pierce, MSPH (she/they) is a seasoned sexual and reproductive health researcher and public health advocate with over a decade of experience in community-driven research and policy. As a student of both traditional and clinical medicine, they specialize in reproductive and birth justice, having worked with organizations like the Amandla Group, LLC, the National Birth Equity Collaborative, and USAID. With expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research, Gillette has led initiatives on topics ranging from climate crisis impacts to racial bias in healthcare, and has provided doula support for Black birthing individuals. She is dedicated to advancing health equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.

Editor: KAI DAVIS

Kai Davis is a 25 year-old native to New Orleans, Louisiana. In undergrad, she served as a Videographer, Editor, Producer, and President of the Student Media Organization at Xavier University of Louisiana where she received her bachelor’s in Mass Communication. Kai has worked on two documentary films: One about XULA and USC Annenberg students’ mental health during COVID-19 and their return to campus; the other about exploring expats who reside in Ghana and their experience. She has her master’s degree in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing. She currently works as a freelance photographer, writer for The Now and is a member of the marketing team under Future Now Media Foundation.

Editor: TIA ALPHONSE

Tia Alphonse is an emerging filmmaker and educator with hands-on experience in production and a background in storytelling for social media and journalism. Based in New Orleans, she is currently an adjunct professor at Xavier University of Louisiana where she teaches courses like film appreciation, Black cinema, and various reporting classes. She is excited to blend her passion for film and reporting background in this latest documentary project with NOVAC.

Director of Photography: MARA MACHETE

Mara Machete is a filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist from Oakland, California, whose work explores identity, resistance, and liberation. As a Black queer woman, her films confront systemic oppression, grief, and survival, transforming personal and collective struggles into powerful narratives of healing and empowerment. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in filmmaking, Mara has spent the past three years working full-time in the film industry, honing her craft and deepening her vision. Influenced by her upbringing in a household of Black Studies professors and her activist work in Cuba, Mara’s storytelling blends surreal visuals with raw emotion, offering a visceral call to action through art.

Director of Photography: JOANITAH NAKIGGWE

Joanitah Nakiggwe (she/hers) is a compassionate thinker eager to document and highlight the stories of others. Her identities as a Black woman and Ugandan-American impact a lot of the work she does. She has always wanted to use her creative pursuits to empower others and help make their stories visible. For instance, in university, her participation in undergraduate student government led her to serve as the chair of the diversity, inclusion, and equity committee, where she facilitated discussions on systems of oppression as a community engagement advocate, conducted research on women of color in modern pop music within library archives, and worked for the Black Feminist Rants Podcast. Joanitah hopes to one day combine her passion for sociology, mental health, and photography to tell stories about how identity is formed and shifts with experiences like migration or motherhood; she has started on this with her photo journal entitled PEARLESCENT: My Photo Journal of Ugandan Femininity. She has since participated in the Lede Community Reporting Fellowship–helping produce a short documentary called “For the Love of Land” – and has been collaborating in a small design studio with her friends. In the meantime, she will be watching pottery videos, writing letterboxed reviews, and refining her photography skills.

2023-2024

COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

“Preserving Traditions & Heritage Through the Lens of Louisiana Cultural Practioners.”

Our 2023-2024 Cohort Program is supported in part by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, New Orleans Culture and Tourism Fund, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, and a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the RAC

MENTORING TEAM

KELSEY SCULT

Kelsey Scult is a New Orleans-based filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist. Her work explores the femme processing of inherited memory, the psychic untangling of intimate partner violence and the physical intersection of desire and decay. She most recently produced the ‘21 Sundance Audience Award-winning feature film, Ma Belle, My Beauty (dir. Marion Hill) which was acquired for theatrical release by Good Deed Entertainment. She is an alumna of the New Orleans Film Society Southern Producers Lab and The Gotham’s Narrative Lab.

ALEJANDRO DE LOS RIOS

Alejandro de los Rios is an award-winning Cuban-Venezuelan writer and filmmaker based in New Orleans who has worked with the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans, to name just a few. One of his first projects with NOVAC was the Audience Award-Winning “Ode to Ota Benga“ (2022 New Orleans Film Festival) as Director of Photography & Editor. While his documentary works have ranged from climate change to New Orleans community storytelling, his narrative works focus mostly on dark comedies. His blue heeler mix, Lt. Aldo Raine, is named after Brad Pitt’s iconic character in “Inglorious Basterds.“

GIAN FRANCISCO SMITH

Gian Francisco Smith is a New Orleans based, multi-disciplinary artist and community organizer. Currently, Smith is serving as festival director for the annual Black Film Festival of New Orleans, which he founded in 2018, and as Creative Services Coordinator for New Orleans Video Access Center, while he works to complete his feature length film “The Capitalist” expected to premiere in 2024.

COHORT FILMMAKERS

ISHAK

The Atakapa-Išhak Nation of Southwest Louisiana is experiencing a cultural resurgence. A new leader has been tapped to learn the ways of her elders and carry on their sacred traditions. Determined to advocate for her tribe, this is her story of remembering her heritage in a state that has forgotten her people.

Produced by NOVAC and Gian Smith, Cinematography and Editing Mentor Alejandro de los Rios.

Director & Culture-Bearer: MAALIYAH PAPILLION

Maaliyah Papillion is a Creole and Indigenous actress, singer, model, director, and third-generation healer from a long line of Indigenous leaders. She’s a master’s student in the MLS Indigenous Law program at the University of Oklahoma and an enthusiastic council member of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Southwest Louisiana. She is also the owner of Chrysalis Transformative Healing, a wellness-focused collective that specializes in teaching emotional regulation techniques with an emphasis on self-care. Her debut poetry book Feathers, Fledglings and Flight (2025) focuses on retelling her ancestors’ stories in modern ways.

Co-Director: MO GRIZZLY

A storyteller at heart, Mo Grizzly spent the past two decades crafting narratives through the power of still images. Now, their passion ignites with filmmaking. Their keen eye and storytelling ability translate seamlessly into film, bringing a unique perspective to the director’s chair.

Director of Photography: RYAN MARRERO

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ryan Marrero is an American freelance photographer, videographer, creative, and documentarian. Ryan seizes audiences’ attention through stunning visuals and beautiful images through his photography & film production company Marrero Production LLC. Ryan has a passion for capturing timeless moments during events, weddings, concerts, & more. In the near future, Ryan plans to open an educational film production studio, empowering others to bring their creative visions to fruition and creating a pathway for individuals to succeed.

Editor: JAY EVANS

Jay Evans (Ifadamilare Fayemi) is a nonbinary, multidisciplinary visual artist and storyteller from New Orleans, LA. Their commitment to preserving and sharing narratives through digital mediums seeks to bridge the past and present, filling in the gaps of lost perspectives with hope for the future.

The Buzz of St. Roch

This film follows beekeeper Carl Harrison Jr. in his journey of building a bee sanctuary on his family land in St. Roch and preserving the legacy of Black beekeepers in Louisiana.

Produced by NOVAC and Kelsey Scult. Cinematography and Editing Mentor Alejandro de los Rios.

Co-Director & Culture-Bearer: CARL HARRISON, JR.

Carl Harrison Jr. is a New Orleans-based filmmaker, artist, and educator whose work explores the powerful intersection of storytelling, cultural heritage, and environmental justice. Through film and media, Carl captures and celebrates the rich traditions and vibrant communities that shape his city. His short film, “The Buzz of Saint Roch,” beautifully documents his family’s legacy of urban farming and community resilience in New Orleans’ Saint Roch neighborhood. Carl’s creative vision extends beyond the camera lens. As a member of The Front, the Brackish Artist Collective, the NOMA Creative Assembly, and a former Southern Foodways Alliance artist-in-residence, he bridges art and activism. His dedication to food sovereignty and environmental education led him to establish an urban farm and bee sanctuary, creating a living classroom where theory meets practice. In his work with young people, Carl sparks imagination and builds confidence, guiding them to tell their own stories and forge deeper connections with their surroundings. Now, as NOVAC’s Youth Instructor for Environmental Justice Filmmaking, he brings this holistic approach to a new generation of storytellers—empowering them to use media as a tool for change and to celebrate the beauty, strength, and urgency of their communities’ narratives. Discover more of Carl’s work at carlharrisonjr.com.

Co-Director: PATRICE JONES

Patrice E. Jones is a storyteller and cultural preservationist based in New Orleans. Inspired by her rich ancestral legacy, Patrice’s work explores liberation through land, family tradition, and archival materials.

Director of Photography: AVERY SCOTT

Born in New Orleans and raised in Kenner, LA, and Lafayette, Co, Avery attend Centarus high school in Lafayette and Grace King High School in Metairie. He currently works as a pest control technician, but his ultimate goal is to become a full-time documentary filmmaker.

Editor: JAY EVANS

Jay Evans (Ifadamilare Fayemi) is a nonbinary, multidisciplinary visual artist and storyteller from New Orleans, LA. Their commitment to preserving and sharing narratives through digital mediums seeks to bridge the past and present, filling in the gaps of lost perspectives with hope for the future.

2022-2023

COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

“The Intersection of Local Cultural Practices and Matters of Social Justice.”

Our 2022-2023 Cohort Program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the RAC. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.