Italian American leaders and entertainment industry luminaries came together in Los Angeles at AGBO Studios on Jan. 18 in support of the new Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum, launched by the AGBO Foundation in collaboration with Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA).
RBIAFF is a fellowship program that offers production grants to emerging filmmakers who seek to create stories for the screen that illuminate aspects of the Italian American experience.
AGBO Announces 2024 Winner of the ‘Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum’
Five selected applicants will each receive a $10,000 production grant to develop their submitted concepts into short films. Additionally, out of the five applicants selected, the one that creates the best film will be awarded an extra $10,000 and admittance into the AGBO Storyteller’s Collective, an alumni network of young filmmakers that have been honored by AGBO fellowships or competitions.
The Storyteller’s Collective offers ongoing mentorship and industry guidance from AGBO executives. Beyond mentorship, it also serves as a community for these filmmakers to connect with one another and collaborate, nurturing and supporting each other’s growth as artists. To date, we have proudly awarded over $400,000 in RBIAFF grants, aiding 47 passionate filmmakers to realize their creative visions.
“The new Filmmaker Forum will reshape the form of Italian American storytelling on the big screen, as we honor and uphold our culture, history and heritage,” said ISDA National President Basil Russo, who co-developed RBIAFF.
The application process for the RBIAFF grant opened on Feb. 1st, 2024, and it closed on Feb. 29. You can find more information at AGBO.com.
Russo Brothers’ Italian American Filmmaker Forum Presents Inaugural Renaissance Award to Louis D’Esposito
RBIAFF, launched under the AGBO Foundation — a philanthropic initiative committed to harnessing the transformative power of storytelling, media, and the arts to inspire meaningful change — presented its inaugural Renaissance Award to Marvel Studios Co-President Louis D’Esposito on Jan. 18 at AGBO Studios in Los Angeles.
The Renaissance Award celebrates outstanding contributions to Italian American heritage and the entertainment industry. This was the first annual event for RBIAFF.
D’Esposito has made a significant impact in his 30-plus year career in the entertainment industry. Under his stewardship, Marvel Studios has carved an impressive path, boasting 33 films that collectively have grossed nearly $30 billion worldwide, including ten that have achieved the billion-dollar milestone.
“We’re greatly privileged to honor our esteemed friend, Louis D’Esposito, for his remarkable contributions. His tireless dedication to preserving and promoting Italian American culture profoundly resonates with us and perfectly aligns with the Filmmaker Forum’s commitment to cultural preservation through storytelling and film,” stated Anthony and Joe Russo.
Jon Favreau presented the award to D’Esposito, and Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Josh Brolin, Paul Rudd, Robert Downey Jr. and many others congratulated the famed producer and co-president on this distinct honor.
Several ISDA District National VPs — including Sharon Cerrone (Western PA), Anthony Basso (Indiana/Illinois), John Viola (New York City), Marie Frank (Ohio/Michigan) and Charles Marsala (Louisiana) — attended the precedent-setting event in support of RBIAFF and D’Esposito.
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+ (19+ in AL/ NE, 21+ in MS) who have not earned more than $25K as a screenwriter or director. To enter, submit an original sizzle reel of 3 minutes or less presenting your story of the Italian American Experience, between 2/1/24 at 12:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) and 2/29/24 at 12:00 PM PST. Top 5 Sizzle Reels Submissions after judging will each receive $10,000 Grants to create a short film by 11/1/24. One (1) winner will win $10,000 and admittance into the AGBO Storyteller’s Collective.
Visit http://www.agbo.com/community/the-russo-brothers-italian-american-filmmaker-forum for full eligibility and entry requirements, timelines, judging criteria, and other details. Limit: One entry per person. Sponsor: AGBO Films LLC, PO Box 13564, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
