Black, Indigenous, POC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Lab

Dear Donor, 

Justice for My Sister has successfully completed the lecture series for our 4th year cohort of the BIPOC Sci-Fi Lab. The 2023-24 cohort are a talented and promising group. The mentors who were paired with the participants through JFMS guided them on their writing journeys with care and intention. The overall consensus from this cohort was deep gratitude for the safety, inclusivity and visibility of BIPOC in a writing space. This program not only provides opportunities for these BIPOC stories to be further developed and shared, but inspires hope and instills confidence in the participants’ abilities. 

This cohort is committed to the community they’ve created beyond the space JFMS provides for them. Five out of these twenty screenwriters have been chosen for phase two, which will begin next week. Justice for My Sister will pair these 5 participants with a personal mentor this March in order to complete an industry-standard pilot script. We received much interest from participants who have shown dedication from the very beginning and those who found their voice as the program expanded their knowledge. 

Here is a testimonial from one of this year’s participants, Joanna G:

“Being a part of the BIPOC Sci-Fi Lab was absolutely amazing. I don't think I went into the lab with any expectations, but if I would have then the lab would have gone above and beyond my expectations. It was physically exhausting to meet almost every week for three hours. That said, once the meetings started it felt like time went by so fast because the labs were so dynamic. The breakout groups were hella useful and I really enjoyed having Cassandra as my mentor. She was really helpful and she always gave me good feedback. Overall, the program was so eye-opening to the many ways I can write a story... I learned that when it comes to Sci-Fi the sky is not the limit, nor the closest galaxy to the earth, nor the length of all of the mycelium network combined – I can go anywhere where sacred imagination takes me. I felt inspired and affirmed. I learned so many new skills and tools, and I'm beyond grateful for this space.  

I was completely new to screenwriting so everything in the labs/classes is a takeaway. From the theoretical presentations of Black futurisms and Indigenous futurity to the beat sheet, the plot structures, and the pitch.”

All of us at Justice for My Sister are grateful for your support. We would not be able to offer our programs and support our community without the generosity of those like you. We strive to gain your ongoing support, as we do the continuation of our BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriting labs. Your contribution goes a long way. 

Warmly,

Alix Azuike

Programs Assistant

Justice for My Sister