NewFest Names 2026 New Voices Grant Recipients With Netflix

NewFest, the New York LGBTQ+ film festival, announced the recipients of its 2026 New Voices Filmmaker Grant on Thursday, marking the fifth year of the program. This year's honorees, selected for their emerging talent and commitment to LGBTQ+ storytelling, include Georgia Krause, Star Amerasu, Deborah Devyn Chuang, and the collaborative duo AJ Dubler & Carmela Murphy. Each recipient will receive a $25,000 grant to support their filmmaking endeavors, alongside comprehensive career development opportunities designed to foster their growth within the industry. The grant program, now in its fifth year, aims to provide crucial financial and professional support to emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers, enabling them to bring their unique visions to the screen. This initiative is presented in partnership with Netflix, underscoring the streaming giant's commitment to supporting diverse voices in cinema. The New Voices Filmmaker Grant is a cornerstone of NewFest's mission to champion LGBTQ+ stories and filmmakers, providing a platform for underrepresented narratives. The selection process emphasizes projects that demonstrate artistic merit, cultural relevance, and the potential for significant impact. The career development component of the grant typically includes mentorship from established industry professionals, networking opportunities, and access to resources that can help advance a filmmaker's career. Previous recipients of the grant have gone on to achieve notable success, with their films premiering at major festivals and gaining distribution. The partnership with Netflix provides an additional layer of support and visibility for the selected filmmakers, potentially opening doors to wider audiences and further professional opportunities. NewFest, established in 1988, is the nation's premier LGBTQ+ film organization, dedicated to exhibiting and promoting films that explore LGBTQ+ experiences and issues. Its annual film festival is a significant event in the cinematic calendar, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world. The New Voices Filmmaker Grant is one of several programs NewFest offers to support the LGBTQ+ filmmaking community throughout the year. The selection of these five filmmakers signifies a continued investment in the future of LGBTQ+ cinema, providing them with the resources needed to develop and produce their next projects. The grant's focus on career development aims to equip these emerging talents with the skills and connections necessary for long-term success in a competitive industry. Netflix's involvement highlights the growing recognition of the importance of diverse storytelling and the role of organizations like NewFest in cultivating such talent. The $25,000 grant is intended to cover essential production costs, allowing filmmakers to focus on the creative aspects of their work without the immediate pressure of securing full funding. This financial support, combined with professional guidance, creates a robust ecosystem for these filmmakers to thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ cinema.