Submit yours for consideration! 

Three powerhouse forces are joining together to showcase and amplify Indigenous talent and stories, which is right up the Cherokee Nation Film Office’s alley of increasing the presence of Native Americans at every level of the film and television industries.

It’s called The Indigenous List, and its purpose is to promote Indigenous voices in film, highlight the very best in Indigenous storytelling, and place qualified Indigenous screenwriters in the film industry.

The new list is made possible by the joining of forces of three major, high-level organizations: The Black List, Sundance Institute Indigenous Program and IllumiNative.

In case you aren’t familiar with what these three organizations do, they each work individually on amplifying
marginalized voices through film and media. The Sundance Institute Indigenous Program is committed to supporting the voices of Indigenous artists through filmmaking. The Black List is recognized as a prominent force in the film industry, as it was originally created by Franklin Leonard as a way for Black voices to be recognized in film. IllumiNative is a Native, nonprofit initiative designed to increase the visibility of – and challenge the negative narrative about – Native nations and peoples in American society. Their partnership came together in an effort to create a force of diverse growing talent in Hollywood and in realization that there is a need for more Indigenous voices in film.

Here’s how the list will amplify Native voices and how YOU can be a part of it. Native filmmakers can submit their work for the chance to be featured as the best in their field. When selected, Native filmmakers get a chance to showcase their talent and workshop their scripts with feedback from an industry professional.

Ready to apply? Indigenous filmmakers, screenwriters and content creators are encouraged to submit their scripts for consideration to the Black List by Sept. 27, 2020. The requirements for the 2020 Indigenous List are below:

  • Indigenous film artists working in the U.S. are eligible.
  • Any kind of story is eligible and will be considered.
  • Feature film scripts, half-hour scripts and one-hour episodic scripts will be considered for this partnership – no web series, please.
  • All levels of experience considered.
  • Scripts submitted should be as free from attachments as possible.
  • Submitting writers should be prepared to answer the following:
    • What is your Tribal Nation/First Nation?
    • Please describe how your Native culture has supported your ideas and process as a screenwriter.

Share this opportunity with your peers, and take advantage of this exciting and exclusive opportunity to showcase your talent. Click HERE to submit your script!

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