Latina Filmmakers Rise: Netflix, Shondaland & Sundance unveil new talent in 2024 Adelante Fellowship

Netflix, Shondaland, and the Sundance Institute, in collaboration with The Latinx House, have revealed the three directors selected for the 2024 Adelante Directors Fellowship. The fellowship, aimed at supporting Latina and non-binary Latine filmmakers, is designed to break down barriers for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.

The chosen directors—Barbara Cigarroa, Iliana Sosa, and Michelle Salcedo—will gain invaluable industry experience, including shadowing episodes of high-profile TV shows. Cigarroa, recognized as one of Filmmaker Magazine's Top 25 New Faces of Independent Film, will work on Netflix's Black Rabbit, directed by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. Sosa, an award-winning director from SXSW, and Salcedo, known for her Cuban romance Cinnamon Skin, will shadow the final season of Shondaland’s Station 19 on ABC.

The fellowship, now in its second year, provides a grant to support fellows for up to four weeks, along with a two-day orientation featuring masterclasses and guidance from industry professionals. "The Adelante Directors Fellowship was created to dismantle barriers and elevate Latine talent in the industry," said Olga Segura, co-founder of The Latinx House.

Shondaland’s head of creative production, Tom Verica, emphasized the importance of fostering diverse voices, stating, "We are proud to support the next generation of Latine creators and open doors for diverse talent." Sundance Institute's Jandiz Estrada Cardoso echoed this, noting that these filmmakers bring years of independent experience to their new ventures.

With programs like the Adelante Directors Fellowship, the future for Latina and Latine filmmakers looks increasingly promising as industry leaders rally behind the next wave of bold, diverse talent.