KOSINIMA, Inc. Announces 2023 Recipients of Short Film Grants, Empowering Black Creatives in Film

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Dec. 22, 2023 - PRLog -- Oluwaseun Babalola, Executive Director and Founder of KOSINIMA, Inc., proudly reveals the recipients of the 2023 Kosinima Short Film Grant, now in its second year, and the inaugural Mosadi Writes grant. KOSINIMA, Inc. is a groundbreaking organization committed to providing vital funding and support for Black creatives within the film industry. When Oluwaseun, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker herself, saw the disparities within the industry as she grew in her career, she decided to create a solution by founding KOSINIMA, Inc.

There is a lack of funding provided to Black creatives, especially to those seeking to create a short film--often an entry way into the industry that showcases your skills. To begin to close the gap, the Kosinima Short Film Grant and the Mosadi Writes Grant were created. These grants, offered by KOSINIMA, Inc., represent a beacon of opportunity for Black creatives seeking to make their mark in an industry where access to funding and resources can be challenging.

In a statement regarding the grants, Oluwaseun Babalola remarked, "There are limited pathways for funding, resources, and accessibility within the entertainment industry. Those pathways rarely speak from the perspective of a Black creative, narrow when it comes to our stories, and become almost obsolete when living outside of the West. Black creatives, especially Black femme creatives, remain significantly underrepresented in front of, and behind, the camera. This lack of representation has a profound impact on the stories being told and the perspectives shared in the media."

The Kosinima Short Film Grant provides a crucial avenue for Black femme filmmakers anywhere in Africa or the African diaspora to bring their stories to life, ensuring diverse and authentic voices are heard and seen in the cinematic landscape. It funds 4 filmmakers with $2,500 USD.

The recipients for 2023 are below:
● Mariana Luiza (Brazil)
● Felene Cayetano (Belize)
● Wanjeri Gakuru (Kenya)
● Caroline Renard (USA/Haiti)

Simultaneously, the Mosadi Writes Grant is a partnership between KOSINIMA, Inc. and Bantu Film Festival in Botswana. The winning screenwriter will have their film produced by Kosinima, Inc. and a local production company, Butterscotch Productions.

The recipient for 2023 is below:
● Thato Akoonyatse

KOSINIMA, Inc. continues to break barriers and build bridges in the film industry, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes. The announcement of the 2023 Short Film Grant and Mosadi Writes recipients marks a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing mission to empower and elevate Black creatives.

For more information about KOSINIMA, Inc. and its initiatives, please visit http://www.kosinima.org. Want to engage with them on social media? Connect with them on Facebook and Instagram, @kosinima.