Sundance Institute has announced the names of the six transgender storytellers of color selected for the second edition of the Trans Possibilities Intensive. The three-part event, led by Moi Santos, founder of the Trans Possibilities Intensive, will take place from March 27-29.

Here’s everything you need to know about the program and the 2023 Fellows:

The Trans Possibilities Intensive is a one-of-a-kind program founded in 2021 that directly supports transgender artists of color through project-based granting, supporting the advancement of trans-led projects at all stages of their life-cycles; nurturing and identifying emerging trans talent; and year-round custom creative and professional development opportunities. The Intensive is an ancillary environment for participating artists to enhance their voice and craft, foster relationships with each other, and challenge the obstacles that continue to exclude transgender artists.

Trans Possibilities Intensive 2023 Fellows

The Fellows selected for the 2023 edition of the program are Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John, and Tee Park Jaehyung. The Fellows were selected through a nominations-based application, and this year’s Intensive received more than double the nominations than the inaugural cycle of the program.

This year’s Creative Advisors for the program include Sydney Freeland, Aitch Alberto, Félix Endara, and Chase Joynt. These experienced advisors will provide guidance to the Fellows and help them enhance their craft.

As part of the program, Moi Santos will moderate a live conversation on Sundance Collab, Sundance Institute’s digital learning space for artists from around the world. This conversation, called “Trapped In Transit: Transgender Storytelling with Visionary Filmmakers Aitch Alberto and Sydney Freeland,” will take place on March 29 and is open to the general public.

The previous Fellows of the program include River Gallo, Savannah Ward, StormMiguel Florez, MiSha Owens, and Ava Davis. These Fellows have achieved great success after completing the program, with some of them winning awards and others becoming members of reputed organizations like Women in Film and Film Fatales.

The 2023 Sundance Film Festival was a landmark year for trans-led projects, with several films winning awards. Some of the award-winning films include Kokomo City, The Stroll, Mutt, and Rest Stop.

The Trans Possibilities Intensive is a remarkable initiative by Sundance Institute that supports and uplifts the voices and stories of transgender artists of color. With the help of experienced advisors and project-based grants, the Fellows of the program can enhance their craft and create meaningful work that challenges the status quo.

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.