Community Filmmaker Cohort

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.”

COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT MENTORS

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.

KELSEY SCULT

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.

GIAN FRANCISCO SMITH

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 ``Inglorius Basterds``.

ALEJANDRO DE LOS RIOS

2024-2025 COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

“Black Maternal Health: Birthing Outcomes and Birth Work As Revolution in Louisiana“

APPLICATION NOW OPEN! APPLY HERE BY DEC. 1

Are you passionate about Black Maternal Health in Louisiana? Want to learn about documentary filmmaking? Apply to our Community Documentary Cohort! This year’s Documentary topic is: Black Maternal Health; Birthing and Birth Work As Revolution.

IMPORTANT INFO:

* Production time frame: Dec. 2024-Sept. 2025 (10 months)
* Number of Cohorts accepted: 8 New Orleans-based community members to learn and produce films
* Prior filmmaking experience not required!

ABOUT THE COHORT:

Black women and birthing people are suffering the worst birthing outcomes and gynecological care in American health care systems, but why? Our cohort filmmaking teams will respond to the Black maternal health and womb care crisis with investigative reporting and problem solving around better Black birthing and health outcomes.

We will create two films: one will explore the historical and current landscape of the challenges and discrepancies related to Black Maternal Health in Louisiana, and the other will highlight local birth workers’ advocacy, policy, and holistic healing modalities to address these inequities.

While we are prioritizing filmmaker roles in the cohort for Black womb-carriers, we encourage people across gender and cultural identities to apply.

The cohort of 8 filmmakers will be broken down into 2 separate film projects and the following roles, with 1 role per film:
* 2 Directors
* 2 Producers
* 2 Editors
* 2 Cinematographers

All of the cohort participants will learn about their skillset in depth, with a collective emphasis on learning about general production. Each cohort member will be required to attend our independent filmmaker courses over the course of the 10 month program strengthening their technical and creative filmmaking skills. Each cohort participant will receive a $1,200 stipend upon the completion of the cohort.

Questions? Contact kelsey@novacvideo.org

This program is supported in part by Foundation for Louisiana, South Arts and The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

2023-2024 COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

“Preserving traditions & heritage through the lens of Louisiana Cultural Practitioners.”

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. Co-Directed by Culture Bearer Maaliyah Papillion and Mo Grizzly. Cinematography by Ryan Marrero. Edited by Jay Evans.

THE BUZZ OF ST ROCH: Follow 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. Co-Directed by Culture Bearer Carl Harrison Jr. and Patrice E. Jones. Cinematography by Avery Scott. Edited by Alena Cover.

Our 2023-2024 Cohort Program is supported by awards from the National Endowment of 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.

EDITOR: THE BUZZ OF ST. ROCH

Alena Cover is a film editor, writer, and visual artist from Iowa. She studied English literature and journalism at Loyola University New Orleans, and is focused on non-fiction storytelling. She is an assistant editor at the documentary production company Gusto Moving Pictures. She has lived in New Orleans for nine years.

ALENA COVER

EDITOR: ISHAK

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.

JAY EVANS

CO-DIRECTOR: ISHAK

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.

MO GRIZZLY

CULTURE BEARER AND CO-DIRECTOR: THE BUZZ OF ST. ROCH

Carl Harrison Jr. is a filmmaker and multimedia artist whose thought-provoking work delves into race, music, and Southern cultural traditions. He crafts compelling narratives through documentaries, fiction shorts, and web series. Beyond the camera, Carl is an urban farming enthusiast and passionate beekeeper, weaving sustainability into his creative journey.

CARL HARRISON, JR.

CO-DIRECTOR: THE BUZZ OF ST. ROCH

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.

PATRICE E. JONES

CINEMATOGRAPHER: ISHAK

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.

RYAN MARRERO

CULTURE BEARER AND CO-DIRECTOR: ISHAK

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 owns 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) retells her ancestors' stories in modern ways.

MAALIYAH PAPILLION

CINEMATOGRAPHER: THE BUZZ OF ST. ROCH

Avery Scott was born I New Orleans and raised in Kenner, LA, and Lafayette, Co. He attended Centarus High School in Lafayette and Grace King High School in Metairie. Currently working as a pest control technician, his ultimate goal is to become a full-time documentary filmmaker.

AVERY SCOTT

2022-2023 COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

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

``SOUTH BODY`` explores the untold stories of plus-sized Black men in the South talking about their relationships with their bodies. Winner of the 2023 New Orleans Film Festival Audience Award for Best Short Louisiana Documentary. Directed by Luke Harris. Cinematography by Jay Falice. Edited by Lauren Messina.

``Homecoming`` looks at the many factors - from gentrification, to climate change, to lack of resources - that pushes many native New Orleanians to relocate, and asks those who choose to stay what has kept them here. Directed by Fred Olaleye. Cinematography by Lemar Arceneaux. Edited by Harley King.

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.

DIRECTOR: SOUTH BODY

Luke's first short film, “The Choice,” won silver at the NAACP Act-So. Afterwards, he created Lucky Luke Productions and has worked on numerous films and productions in New Orleans, including an internship at NOVAC, and created a film club at his local library. Luke graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, majoring in Film and Television. While there, he was the President of the African American Cinema Society founded and created by John Singleton. His short film ``Tambou`` won the #CreateLouisiana French Culture Film Grant of $25,000 and was released in early 2023.

LUKE HARRIS

CINEMATOGRAPHER: SOUTH BODY

Jason “Jay” Falice, born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, graduated college in 2014 with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Jay was introduced to the film industry working as an extra in a Tyler Perry film when he lived in Atlanta, Georgia in 2018. Once he stepped foot on set, he instantly knew that he needed to work behind the camera. For over 6 years, Jay has worked behind the camera as a videographer working on music videos, docs, short films, and commercials. Within the past year, Jay transitioned careers to pursue a career as a cinematographer.

JAY FALICE

EDITOR: SOUTH BODY

Lauren Ashlee Messina, M.F.A. (she/her) is a Big Easy Award-winning dance choreographer with a heart for community. Born in Springfield, IL, Lauren has developed her career in the GNO area in collaboration with a variety of dance related organizations, including the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans and NOVAC. She is a 2023-2024 cohort member for New Orleans Museum of Art's Creative Assembly, founder of My Free Dance Class, and host of The Parent Artist Podcast on YouTube. She aims to create meaningful movement experiences that inspire empathy and transformation by collaborating with artists across disciplines in a thriving collective environment that prioritizes mutual respect, trust, and care.

LAUREN MESSINA

DIRECTOR: Homecoming

Surrealist storyteller with a love for daily life. Their work draws on cultural heritage and explores themes of belonging. Experienced in big box narratives, branded content, reality, and documentaries- they are venturing into producing, directing, and crafting content that empowers communities by platforming cultural stories.

FRED OLALEYE

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Homecoming

The stone the builder refused.

LEMAR ARCENEAUX

EDITOR: Homecoming

Originally from New York City, Harley has lived in New Orleans for 10 years. She recently edited ``Community In Conflict: The Santa Fe Internment Camp Marker`` which screened at the Santa Fe International Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, and LA Femme Film Festival this fall.

HARLEY KING

2021-2022 COMMUNITY FILMMAKER COHORT

“WHAT IS HOME?”

Our 2021-2022 Cohort Program is under SYNC UP Cinema and SYNC UP Seminar and presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation in partnership with NOVAC with primary sponsorship by Film New Orleans and supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ota Benga was forced into enslavement throughout his lifetime. One family tried to make him a home here in his captive country. This is their story. Winner of the 2022 New Orleans Film Festival Audience Award for Best Short Louisiana Documentary.

In attempt to escape an abusive and violent relationship, a woman seeks refuge at a woman sheltered, but she is turned away. Out of desperation, she the goers on a journey to find a Kabbalist priestess to have a glance into the future, as her present looks dismal.

``People Are Trees`` follows the journey of a new homeowner (Ashley) who decides to cut down the tree in her front yard due to safety concerns. She soon discovers that this cut-down tree holds sentimental value for members of her community, including Ms. Trena Diles, who planted the tree and lived in the house for twelve years. After learning of the tree's significance to Ms.Trena and how it helped her overcome personal hardships, Ashley decides to interview her and others about the tree's history and connection to the neighborhood. Feeling remorseful for what she had done, Ashley creates a tree sculpture that pays homage to Ms.Trena and her beloved tree. Ashley presents the tree sculpture to Ms. Trena and the neighborhood in the hopes it repairs the fabric of the neighborhood.

DIRECTOR: Ode to Oda Benga

Jill Campbell fell in love with filmmaking during her childhood filming her elders, listening to their stories, roots and family history. In 1995, she moved to Washington DC with her two-year old daughter, Mai Pearl, to attend Howard UniversitY earning a BBA and a MA in Educational Leadership. After her studies and Marketing career in DC, Jill returned home to Sacramento to be closer to family and helped schools and communities build their capacity to support underserved students and their families. Living in New Orleans, since 2019, the city that she has come to call home (with pride and joy), Jill is following her passion for film, storytelling and adventure. “Ode to Ota Benga,” her debut film, is a proof of concept for a larger project to share with the world. Jill is also the founder of “R” Babies “R” Us and Mai Pearl Films.

JILL CAMPBELL

DIRECTOR: Homeless NOLA

Viviana de la Rosa is a visual artist, who is proud to call New Orleans home. She's a fashion designer, a painter, an accomplished opera singer, and now adds to her profile film directing, as she debuts as a filmmaker, forming part of NOVAC's Filmmaker Community Cohort 2022. Viviana de la Rosa's career as a filmmaker has just begun, and there is a bright future ahead of her in the film industry. In the Fall of 2022, she showcased her director's skills in the docufilm: A DAY AND A LIFE OF A HOMELESS WOMAN. Drawing from her personal experience as a battered and abused woman, she explores the struggles of a single homeless individual, bringing awareness to a social problem, not only plaguing the City of New Orleans, but the nation as a social pandemic. Desperately, this social problem is in need of social change and justice. She is a proud alumni of Dillard University, earning a BA in Spanish and French; and MA in Visual and Critical Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

VIVIANA ELENA DE LA ROSA

DIRECTOR: People are Trees

Ashley Jones is a native New Orleanian, an educator, and filmmaker. Ashley considers herself a community filmmaker. She is committed to bringing her communities collective power, beauty, and humanity to life.

ASHLEY JONES

``Once Upon a Time in New Orleans: Sacred Rhythms`` is a micro-doc about Louisiana’s underrepresented and marginalized Indigenous Tribes.

DIRECTOR: Once Upon a Time in New Orleans: Sacred Rhythms

Julie D. Holman is a visual story-teller, Nurse, Yoga Instructor & Climate Optimist advocating for the underserved and indigenous populations by intentionally crafting stories that humanize issues related to health/ wellness, the climate crisis and social justice into digestible information. Using performative engagement such as theater, film, music, poetry and advocacy to redefine how information is communicated while cutting through the content pollution. She is co-founder and former Co-Director of IFP/Phoenix, Creative Director of the Independent Voices Health and Justice Film Festival and host of the weekly radio show Independent Voices on 102.3FM / WHIV.org. A descendant of Cherokee & Choctaw Nations and Romanian/Greek Jewish heritage, Julie joyfully embraces the interconnectedness of all things.

JULIE HOLMAN

CREW: Ode to Oda Benga, Homeless NOLA, People Are Trees and Once Upon a Time in New Orleans: Sacred Rhythms

Renée Johnson, a New Orleans native, is a fashion designer, costume designer and a modiste. She is the owner and designer of a ladies couture fashion brand, Afri Modiste. Afri Modiste, where culture meets couture is a homage to the culture and traditions she grew up seeing in New Orleans; Not only is Renée interested in preserving the fashion culture of New Orleans, but also in elevating it as seen in her popular, fashion forward illuminated designs.

RENÉE JOHNSON