IF/Then x Hulu Short Documentary Lab 2021

IF/Then Shorts, in partnership with Hulu Documentary Films called short-documentary filmmakers based in North America to take part in the Inaugural IF/Then x Hulu Short Documentary Lab. This lab will channel Hulu and IF/Then’s shared vision of creating a new pipeline of diverse talent and incubating strong voices who will be the next class of non-fiction storytellers.

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Four filmmaking teams were chosen to participate in a one-year lab focused on short-documentary production and career training. For the first six months, filmmakers will be individually mentored through production by IF/Then staff and take part in monthly virtual cohort trainings, consisting of keynotes from industry heavy-hitters and edit consultations. Upon rough cut of their projects, filmmakers will be invited to debut their works-in-progress to an invitation-only audience and receive feedback. For the remainder of the program, filmmakers will finalize their cuts and receive high-level festival and distribution strategy consultations, along with guidance creating their publicity materials, and pro-bono legal support. Hulu will have the right to review the projects for potential acquisition or further development.

Each team will receive a $25,000 grant to use for the production of their film.

This opportunity was open to individuals living in/from North America, with an emphasis on Black and/or Indigenous filmmakers, people of color, women, LGBTQ+, recent immigrants, and individuals who identify as having a disability. We welcomed any and all stories from underrepresented voices, with a strong preference around subjects related to gender, the LGTBQ community or issues unique to the BIPOC community.

PARTICIPANTS:

A PLACE ON THE EDGE OF BREATH

Director: Veronica Rutledge

Storytelling and Co-Producers: Shaawan Francis Keahna, Ava Sofịadh Aodha

A duet of the intersecting lives of Ava Sofịadh Aodha and Shaawan Francis Keahna over the course of a year, as their relationship evolves with the seasons, from lovers to friends, family, and finally, collaborators. Rejecting the socialization of gender norms from their childhood, they forge a new path towards adulthood, sharing moments of healing together on their journey to a place called home

EVERYBODY’S WATCHING

Director: Omar Aldakheel

In New York City's Muslim neighborhoods, a group of volunteers launch the first Muslim Patrol to watch over their community from the rising hate crimes while also solving their own issues internally.

MADULU

Writer/Director/Editor/Producer: Akley Olton

Co-Producer/Cinematographer: Laura Sanz

Omari’s young life in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines revolves around playing football, and through the sport, he sees the world. That all changes when his grandfather, the last of the Barrouallie Whalers, teaches him about the traditional practice of hunting “blackfish”.

SLICE

Director: Zaire Love

Co-Producer: Joyya Baines

Black folks and water don’t mix, right? Slice explores how Rico Golden and his homeboys from Memphis submerge themselves in an original swimming art form of athleticism, creativity, and joy called “slicing” while refusing to drown in a pool of low life expectancy.