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Welcome Home
The Brownsville Initiative
This 5-week community-based program in Brownsville, Brooklyn, partners with film professionals and provides tools, resources, and support to learn the craft of filmmaking from script to screen, culminating in a celebratory community screening of 3 collaborative short films.
Writing INITIATIVES
Writing Dope Shorts is a 3-month virtual workshop that develops the craft and technical elements of script writing while supporting the growth of your story in a nurturing environment. WDS culminates with Reading Dope Shorts, a live table-read with professional actors at a local theater in NYC. Kashif also offers Writing Sanctuary, a low pressure, virtual environment where beautiful creative expressions float to the surface through just being.
Community Dialogue
Who all gon’ be there? Will I feel safe and seen?
We create affirming spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, gender non-conforming, veteran, and disabled folx interested in storytelling. It’s gonna be a respectful, relaxed, and inspiring space where you can bring your whole self.
What if I’ve never done this before?
It’s never too late to get started! No experience is required, just a creative spirit and a collaborative attitude.
I want to get involved, but life gets in the way, there are just too many barriers to overcome.
We understand, life be lifein'. Kashif is here to help dismantle the barriers that keep folx from exploring what’s possible. Our programs are always free and we provide childcare, transportation, and delicious food in a safe environment so you can be present for your project in whatever way that shows up. Let us know what you need.
Do y'all support non-fiction / documentary filmmakers?
Kashif's workshops focus on story as the foundation, because all art forms benefit from great storytelling. We support filmmakers first, which is to say, if you have a dream or a scheme, we want to hear it. We're into documentary, short-form, long-form, experimental, experiential, VR, AR, and everything in between.
If I have accessibility needs, can you accommodate me?
We are committed to making sure our programming is as accessible as possible. We plan for certain accommodation needs as a matter of course, but if you have a particular need in mind, please reach out to let us know how we can hold space for you.
I’m an established creative. How can I get involved with Kashif’s initiatives?
We engage with established creatives all the time! Come join us and help guide our workshops, mentor our cohorts, and even get support with your own projects. If you’re working with us, all positions are paid, we don’t do free labor. (unless ofc you’re Ava DuVernay, we’re pretty sure she doesn’t want our money)
I’m looking for advice on creating a budget with pay parity or making sure my story is representational and authentic. Can you help?
We love this type of work and have a network of trusted collaborators to call upon for the needs of any production or consultation. Let’s talk.
Where do you get your funding?
Kashif is grateful to be doing this work with generous partners like NoVo Foundation, Ford Foundation, Surdna, and others.
Is there anything else you’d like to know? hit us up!
KASHIF PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
Resources
Variety of scripts and starter documents for film and television shows
Resource
Open Television is a no-profit streaming platform for intersectional television, with artists and their creative visions at the center
Resources
RespectAbility is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future.
Resources
As a free resource, SAGindie offers filmmakers clarity and kinship by guiding them through the SAG-AFTRA signatory process, making it even easier to hire professional actors, regardless of budget.
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