Celebrating diverse voices in film: Sundance Institute and Gold House announce winners

In a historic move, the Sundance Institute and Gold House have revealed the recipients of the One House Filmmakers Fund. This initiative has been created to provide unrestricted financing, educational support, and amplification for filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities, allowing them to bring their unique stories to a broader audience.

The ten outstanding filmmakers

The 10 filmmakers selected to receive this prestigious support are:

Pierre Coleman for Ricky
Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan for Hum
Colette Ghunim for Traces of Home
Julia Kennelly for Clare
Sofian Khan for Karachi Sky
Naomi Ko for Marry Korean
April Maxey for Work
John Sutter for Planet A
Angela Tucker for The Inquisitor
Jing Wang for Ride With Delivery Workers

Unveiling at the One House Filmmakers Fund Soiree

The announcement took place during the One House Filmmakers Fund Soiree. This exclusive event was not only a celebration but also featured a pitch session where these talented creatives had the opportunity to present their projects to potential financiers and distributors. This unique platform ensures that these underrepresented voices have a chance to shine, both through financial support and through direct exposure to industry heavyweights.

Embracing diverse perspectives

Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bank, expressed his pride in partnering with Gold House and the Sundance Institute. He emphasized the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and narratives to enrich collective innovation and create a more inclusive environment. “Celebrating diverse cultural experiences broadens a market base and builds empathetic connections between communities,” Ng said, highlighting the synergy between entertainment and business.

Christine Yi, general partner of the Gold House Creative Equity Fund, added, “The One House Filmmakers Fund powers stories that create a tomorrow for all.” She emphasized the collaboration with several organizations to provide crucial funding, mentorship, and amplification for these storytellers.

Addressing the diversity gap in Hollywood

A recent industry report indicates a growing demand for diverse storytelling. On-screen representation has made substantial strides, with BIPOC actors representing 45% of leading roles in streaming films in 2023. However, the same progress hasn’t been mirrored behind the camera. Less than one-third of streaming film directors and writers identify as BIPOC, and similar trends exist for women.

Hajnal Molnar-Szakacs, director of institute granting at Sundance Institute, expressed excitement about the selected filmmakers for the second year of the fund. These artists, she said, reflect the rich diversity of storytelling needed to drive the industry forward. With the strong support of Gold House, Sundance Institute is steadfast in its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.

A legacy of supporting multicultural creators

The One House Filmmakers Fund is part of a broader mission by Gold House to empower the Asian Pacific diaspora and multicultural partners to create a more inclusive future. This mission continues with various initiatives, including:

The official pan-AAPI “Sunrise House” at the Sundance Film Festival, co-hosted with Daniel Dae Kim’s 3AD and TAAF.
The annual Multicultural Dinner, bringing together multicultural organizations present at Sundance.
One House Toasts at major entertainment awards, including the Oscars and Emmys.
The One House Open, supporting the opening weekend successes of multicultural films.
The One House Leadership Coalition, aiming to fill over 60 board seats with diverse candidates.

These initiatives reinforce a strong foundation for inclusive growth, ensuring that new and diverse perspectives continue to influence and enrich the global entertainment landscape.

Impact of the One House Filmmakers Fund

By addressing the clear gaps in representation, the One House Filmmakers Fund is not merely a supportive program but a transformative force within the industry. The inaugural cohort of filmmakers set a high precedent with films that premiered at prestigious festivals, underscoring the power and potential of diverse storytelling.

Initiatives like this are critical in reshaping the narrative and offering a platform for voices that have historically been marginalized. By investing in these innovative storytellers, we pave the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society — one enriched by the vast spectrum of human experience and creativity.

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