Emerging voices from across the U.S. recognized for bold storytelling and meaningful impact
The next generation of filmmakers isn’t waiting for permission—they’re creating it. From the Heart Productions proudly announces the 17 finalists for the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers, spotlighting a dynamic group of emerging artists whose films reflect originality, purpose, and a commitment to stories that matter.
Selected from submissions across the United States, this year’s finalists represent a powerful mix of documentaries, narrative features, and short films—each project demonstrating the courage and creativity that define the future of independent filmmaking.
Finalists for Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers are:
| Title | Type | Filmmaker |
| “When Waipo Visits” | Fiction Short | Emily Li |
| “Host” | Fiction Short | Erik Avilez |
| “100 Meters” | Fiction Short | Julia Krys |
| “Moonflower” | Fiction Short | Adrienne deFaria |
| “Where is Home” | Documentary Short | Fuwad Ahamad |
| “A Roundearther” | Fiction Short | Luke Park |
| “Uncanny Valley” | Fiction Feature | Jordan Mirrione |
| “We Embody” | Documentary Feature | Yilin Ye |
| “Butter” | Fiction Short | Priyanka Krishnam |
| “ReSPECT” | Fiction Short | Ella Thrasher |
| “Choshim” | Fiction Short | Joan Kwon |
| “So Ever Warmly” | Fiction Short | Yun Heo |
| “Falling” | Fiction Short | Kainoa Kaeha |
| “Use-Case” | Fiction Short | Akhil Koppisetti |
| “Brian’s Assistant” | Fiction Short | Brendon Milan-Howells |
| “See You” | Fiction Short | Pei Lu Hsi |
| “Not Us” | Fiction Feature | Kenye Rollins |
This prestigious grant was created to support student filmmakers who are not only honing their craft, but using it to make a meaningful contribution to society. Through both financial support and professional resources, the grant helps bridge the gap between vision and completion.
“These finalists remind us why we do this work,” said Carole Joyce, Vice President and Director of Grants at From the Heart Productions. “They are telling stories that are urgent, personal, and deeply human. Supporting student filmmakers at this stage is critical—because this is where voices are formed, confidence is built, and careers begin.”
What the Winner Will Receive
The Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Student Filmmakers offers a combination of cash and valuable in-kind services designed to help bring each project to life. The grant winner will receive:
- $3,000 cash grant from From the Heart Productions
- 20% discount on crowdfunding campaign setup, management, and consulting from Jenny Waldo
- 10% discount on broker fee with Debbie West of Movie Insure
- 15% discount on expendables from Filmtools
- 35% discount on lighting services from Paskal Lighting, Hollywood
- 40% discount on printed materials (postcards, posters, press kits, business cards, etc.) from Copymat, Hollywood
- Additional support from generous industry donors committed to empowering student filmmakers
As part of From the Heart Productions’ mission, the grant reflects a long-standing commitment to helping filmmakers fund and complete films that might not otherwise be made—especially those with strong social relevance and artistic integrity.
The recipient of the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant will be announced in late April or early May.
About From the Heart Productions
From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to helping independent filmmakers secure funding and bring their projects to fruition. In addition to the Roy W. Dean Grant, the organization offers fiscal sponsorship, personal guidance, and free classes on fundraising and filmmaking. Through its fiscal sponsorship program, From the Heart has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million in donations for their films.
President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.
