Netflix is unveiling “Fresh Perspective: Short Films,” a collection of 12 shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers in the U.S. and Canada who have been supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. Through strategic partnerships with Gold House and Tribeca Studios, the Latino Film Institute (LFI), the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and WIA Vancouver, Netflix has provided these directors with the necessary funding and resources to bring their unique stories to life.
Before arriving on Netflix, these short films played at over 145 film festivals around the world, including the Berlin International Film Festival, Spark Animation Festival and SXSW’s Film & TV Festival, with many claiming prestigious awards.
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“Tribeca is extremely proud to have championed the visionary filmmakers that created films through the Future Gold Film Fellowship program, a collaboration between Tribeca, Gold House and Netflix that seeks to support the pipeline of Asian and Pacific Islander talent in Hollywood,” said Tribeca Studios’ director of artist programs Bryce Norbitz. “The wealth of talent highlighted through this partnership, as well the amazing organizations we join in this showcase, prove the importance of investing in the next generation of underrepresented storytellers. We’re excited to have Lloyd Lee Choi’s ‘Closing Dynasty,’ Erin Lau’s ‘Inheritance’ and Derek Nguyen’s ‘The Resemblance’ reach wide audiences through Netflix’s platform.”
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NALIP executive director Diana Luna said, “Through our partnership with Netflix, NALIP is advancing the careers of women of color and reshaping storytelling by showcasing fresh, diverse perspectives. For the first time, Netflix is highlighting the work of filmmakers from programs they’ve invested in, proving the success of this groundbreaking collaboration. The films touch on deeply personal themes like motherhood, following dreams, grief and fulfilling family wishes — stories that resonate with all of us. Netflix’s support has been key to making these voices heard. And of course, they’re perfect short films to binge with friends and wine!”
“In partnership with WIA Vancouver, the Animation Career Excelerator Canada Program (ACE) is honored to celebrate the inclusion of ‘Ostinato’ in Netflix’s ‘Fresh Perspectives: Short Films.’ At ACE, we are committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and breaking barriers in the animation industry,” said Rose-Ann Tisserand, ACE founder and executive producer. “With the invaluable support of Netflix Canada, we have empowered diverse filmmakers to bring their unique visions to life. The ‘Fresh Perspectives’ collection provides the opportunity to showcase these creators and connect their work with audiences around the globe.”
LFI’s VP of programs and innovation Erika Sabel Flores said, “With the generous support of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, the Latino Film Institute has provided resources and guidance for 35 talented Latino filmmakers to create groundbreaking films. Together we are building sustainable pathways for creative excellence in the industry and we are proud to see four films from the inaugural cohort of LFI Inclusion fellows now available to millions of Netflix users.”
“These filmmakers demonstrate the wonderful depth and breadth of talent that are historically overlooked by Hollywood,” said Gold House Creative Equity Fund general partner Christine Yi. “We’re thrilled for the world to see their stories on Netflix.”
See the full list of short films from the “Fresh Perspectives” collection below.
“The Blue Drum” by Angelita Mendoza
NALIP Women of Color Short Film Incubator
After her father’s death, Leticia comes to stay at her childhood home. A supernatural presence attaches to her and calls for her to discover secrets long ago hidden within her family home.
“The Braid of Time” by Tamara Shogaolu
Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellowship
Since the dawn of humanity, people have protested against erasure and oppression. They have gathered energy from protectors of time, fate, and destiny. In ancient Greece, they were called the Aion, in Mexico, Calputin, and in Korea, Samgong. But where have these mythic figures derived their power from?
“Closing Dynasty” by Lloyd Lee Choi
Future Gold Film Fellowship with Gold House and Tribeca Studios
On a school day, a precocious seven-year-old girl, Queenie, hustles and schemes ways to make money on the streets of New York City.
“Firecracker” by Caroline Guo
NALIP Women of Color Short Film Incubator
On anniversary night, a young woman is confronted with a life-changing decision for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
“Inheritance” by Erin Lau
Future Gold Film Fellowship with Gold House and Tribeca Studios
A struggling nature photographer is forced to confront the pain his family has carried for generations.
“La Ciguapa Siempre” by Monica Moore
Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellowship
Milagro just found out there is no record of her birth parents. Frustrated and feeling lost, her boyfriend takes her on a camping trip to help get her mind off things. As the trip progresses, Davis reveals he is not as wholesome as he seems, and the truth to Milagro’s identity is hiding deep in the woods.
“Mama Retreat” by Eileen Alvarez
NALIP Women of Color Short Film Incubator
A weary mother-to-be attends an all-inclusive glamping retreat in the mountains, only to have her greatest fears about motherhood realized.
“Ostinato” by Sunita Balsara and Sonia Furier
WIA Vancouver ACE Program
Nuha is a composer who sees the world as a vibrant soundscape. She is having the best and gentlest kind of morning when her playing is interrupted by a mysterious Tone. As she struggles to confine and banish it, the Tone grows larger and louder, drowning out her music. It’s only when Nuha stops fighting that she is able to discover a way to incorporate the Tone into her music and her life.
“Quinceañero” by Justin Floyd
Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellowship
Teenager Gabriel defies tradition and gender expectations to fulfill his dream of having his own quinceañeras celebration — against his father’s wishes.
“The Resemblance” by Derek Nguyen
Future Gold Film Fellowship with Gold House and Tribeca Studios
When a grieving couple go to a “rental family” agency to hire an actor to role-play their dead son, they discover that their evening of remembrance is more than they bargained for.
“Ro & The Stardust” by Eunice Levis
NALIP Women of Color Short Film Incubator
A free-spirited teen and her terminally ill grandmother build a rocket ship they plan to launch into outer space.
“Un Adios Para Lilí” by Lorena Durán
Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellowship
When an electrical job goes wrong, a cynical electrician must accept help from a spirit to bury the evidence of a fatal accident.
