Sundance Institute Reveals 2024 Trans Possibilities Intensive Fellows
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The Sundance Institute has unveiled the artists chosen for the 2024 Trans Possibilities Intensive, a pivotal three-part online event taking place from July 22-24. This initiative aims to advance transgender storytellers of color by offering a nurturing environment for honing skills, fostering community, and overcoming barriers that have historically marginalized transgender artists. This year, six storytellers will join under the mentorship of seasoned creative and peer advisors. The 2024 fellows include Khaleb Brooks, Kyle Casey Chu, Mariales Diaz, Gulet Ahmed Isse, Sepi Mashiahof, and AX Mina. Esteemed advisors such as Zackary Drucker (The Stroll), River Gallo (Ponyboi), Lyric Cabral (P.O.V.), and Roberto Fatal (Do Digital Curanderas Use Eggs in Their Limpias?) will guide the participants.
Now in its third year, the program continues to provide direct support through project-based grants, identifying emerging trans talent and offering bespoke creative and professional development opportunities. Earlier this year, the Trans Possibilities Intensive received a grant from the Jerome Foundation, further endorsing its mission to support transgender artists of color. The 2024 Intensive saw the highest number of nominations in its history, highlighting the growing demand for spaces that center, lead, and focus on trans artists of color.
Moi Santos, Manager of Equity, Impact, and Belonging at Sundance Institute, emphasized the significance of the Intensive: "The response to the Intensive — both from applicants and the industry — proves how vital creating spaces like the Trans Possibilities Intensive is. Visibility has never been enough nor has it been our sole goal; we need sustainability, intentionality, and opportunity and that is what our program uniquely offers. Uplifting a variety of trans voices and offering these storytellers intentional resources and a lasting community opens up opportunities for the artists and audiences eager to hear their stories alike."
During the Intensive, fellows will engage in various discussions, including a fireside chat with filmmaker Lilly Wachowski, who will share her journey and work with Anarchists United. The event will conclude with an exclusive conversation on Sundance Collab, Sundance Institute's digital space for artists, titled "Toward Trans Possibilities: Transgender Storytelling." This session, moderated by Moi Santos, features filmmakers Zackary Drucker and River Gallo, who will reflect on the potential that authentic trans storytelling can unlock.
Previous fellows have made significant strides post-Intensive. River Gallo completed and premiered the feature Ponyboi, supported by the Intensive. StormMiguel Florez was selected as a 2024 NALAC Artist Grantee, and Malik Ever's film Gorditx won Best Narrative Short at the Seattle Trans Film Festival. Alumni advisors include notable names such as Sam Feder, Yance Ford, Tourmaline, Rowan Haber, Felix Endara, Aitch Alberto, Chase Joynt, and Sydney Freeland.
The 2024 Trans Possibilities Intensive is backed by the Jerome Foundation and forms part of Sundance Institute's Equity, Impact, and Belonging program. This initiative is made possible by support from various organizations, including The Walt Disney Company, Apple, Gold House, NBCUniversal, United Airlines, Golden Globe Foundation, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Rotten Tomatoes, The Harnisch Foundation, SAGIndie, and an anonymous donor.
The six fellows selected for the 2024 Intensive bring diverse and compelling projects to the table. Khaleb Brooks, with "May the Road Rise Up to Meet You" (U.K.), explores the lives of a married woman and a transgender man at a London bus stop. Kyle Casey Chu's "After What Happened at the Library" (U.S.A.) is inspired by his true experience of a Drag Story Hour disrupted by far-right extremists. Mariales Diaz's "Today and Tomorrow" (U.S.A.) delves into the evolving relationship of two best friends. Gulet Ahmed Isse's "Khutbah" (U.S.A.) tells the story of a genderqueer Somali American navigating faith, queerness, and rock ’n’ roll. Sepi Mashiahof's "Tell Me About The Fairies" (U.S.A.) uses horror to explore queer monstrosity and cultural diaspora. AX Mina's "Rubbish: The Queer Kingdom of Leilah Babirye" (U.S.A., Italy, Uganda, U.K., France) chronicles a queer artist-activist from Uganda transforming rubbish into visions of liberation.
These artists, with their unique voices and perspectives, represent the future of trans storytelling. The Sundance Institute Trans Possibilities Intensive continues to pave the way for their success, offering resources, support, and a platform for their invaluable stories.