8 NFMLA Filmmakers Share Their Path to Sundance

      This year's Sundance showcased 18 filmmakers who gained early opportunities through NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting emerging indie filmmakers.

      NFMLA, directed by Larry Laboe, organizes monthly festivals that frequently spotlight underrepresented voices, offering many filmmakers their initial connections to industry professionals and paving the way for opportunities such as distribution and representation, ultimately leading to events like Sundance. Additionally, NFMLA presented a valuable panel at this year's final Sundance, where speakers encouraged filmmakers to cultivate friendships and collaborations to endure challenging times.

      We are excited to present interviews with notable NFMLA filmmakers each month, along with insights from NFMLA alumni who showcased their films at Sundance 2026, the “Last Dance” to be celebrated in Park City before the festival relocates to Boulder next year.—M.M.

      JOYCE LIU-COUNTRYMAN

      Producer of the Sundance 2026 short “Taga”

      When did you create your first film? 2008

      How has NFMLA influenced your journey as a filmmaker? NFMLA has made me feel valued as a storyteller and artist. They advocate for you when you're not present and even when you are, reminding you that your talent is significant and real. They counteract feelings of imposter syndrome.

      Was this your first Sundance? How did you feel about being selected, and what impact has it had? This is the first Sundance where I’ve served as the above-the-line producer. The experience has revealed the warmth and accessibility of the Sundance community, showing that it is not elitist but rather nurturing and down-to-earth. They set high standards for a reason, and once you meet those standards, it illustrates the potential for even greater achievements.

      What's next? We’re working on expanding “Taga” into a feature film, and I've just applied to the Sundance Features Producing Lab with an intelligent psychological thriller that reflects the post-Me Too era from my pipeline of features in development.

      LOUISE BARRETTO

      Producer of the Sundance 2026 short “Taga”

      When did you create your first film? 2022

      How has NFMLA assisted you in your journey as a filmmaker? NFMLA showcased a short I produced and consistently creates opportunities for filmmakers to connect. They've built a strong community that supports collaboration. Making films requires a good support network, and Larry and the NFMLA team ensure that support is there.

      Was this your first Sundance? How did you feel about being selected, and what impact has it had? Honestly, getting into Sundance was completely unexpected. With 11,000 submissions and only 54 shorts accepted, it's a tremendous honor to be included in the “Last Dance at Sundance” lineup. I am grateful to the incredible Sundance programmers for supporting new filmmakers, especially Shorts Programmer Irene Soriano, for her dedication to Filipino-American filmmakers.

      What's next? I am eager to work on a feature film but, in the meantime, I will continue collaborating with directors who have unique voices. I have some short films in progress!

      MIREIA VILANOVA

      Producer of the Sundance 2026 shorts “Living with a Visionary” and “Once in a Body”

      When did you make your first film? 2017

      How has NFMLA aided your journey as a filmmaker? In 2019, while a graduate student at USC, I received a one-year student membership to NFMLA from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (now Golden Globe Foundation). It was an amazing way for someone like me, who had only recently arrived in L.A., to meet filmmakers, explore engaging films, and—most importantly—build a community.

      Was this your first Sundance? How did you feel about being selected, and what impact has it had? I had the fortunate opportunity to co-produce "By Design," which screened at the festival last year. However, this year was especially memorable since I had two projects in competition, and “Living with a Visionary” won the Jury Award for Animation, which was a surprise for us. While it might be premature to assess the award's impact on our careers, I hope we’ll soon find out.

      What’s next? I have two feature films debuting this year: "Sender," featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and Britt Lower, premiering at SXSW, and "Moonfish," my first animated feature, which will premiere at the Venice Film Festival as part of Biennale College Cinema.

      WILLIAM D. CABALLERO

      Director and co-writer of the Sundance 2026 feature "TheyDream"

      When did you create your first film? 2009

      How has NFMLA supported your journey as a filmmaker? NFMLA has provided essential resources like panels and networking events that have significantly boosted my confidence as an emerging Latino filmmaker.

      Was this your first Sundance? How did you feel about being selected, and what impact has it had? This was my third visit to Sundance, but