The Mission:
The Emerging Filmmakers Scholarship is dedicated to supporting and uplifting underrepresented voices in film and animation. In partnership with San Jose State University's Film and Animation Programs, this scholarship provides financial assistance and resources to talented students pursuing their passion for storytelling. Our goal is to empower the next generation of filmmakers to create impactful, diverse, and innovative work that reflects the richness of our communities.
The Team:
The Emerging Filmmakers Scholarship is proudly 100% volunteer-led, powered by a shared commitment to uplifting diverse voices in film.
Lorena Cortez is a Latinx filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist from San José dedicated to creating inclusive stories and expanding access for underrepresented creatives. Her work centers on building community and opening doors for the next generation of filmmakers.
Maritza Ortiz is a Latinx creative writing educator from San José who champions literacy, cultural competency, and the development of young voices in both Spanish and English. She is passionate about nurturing discernment, creativity, and confidence in emerging storytellers.
Enrique Labrada Prieto is an established Producer, Director, and Editor living in the San Francisco Bay Area. His work spans narrative and documentary filmmaking, and he is committed to mentoring and supporting the growth of emerging filmmakers.
2026 Scholarship Winners:
Morgan Notari is a creative director and animator dedicated to telling meaningful stories through animation. Her award-winning 2D short Pushing Up Daisies follows a lingering ghost who discovers the beauty of life through loss. Morgan strives to create visually compelling work that leaves a lasting emotional impact and fosters deep audience connection.
Nalai Gray is a fourth-year Animation/Illustration student at San José State University who centers their storytelling around identity and personal growth. Their work reflects an ongoing exploration of self, with the goal of directing projects that resonate as deeply with audiences as they do personally.
Damian Huffman Orpustan is an emerging filmmaker committed to creating earnest, expressive art. Drawing inspiration from the world around him, he approaches filmmaking as a form of personal documentation and human connection, using storytelling as a powerful tool to communicate ideas, dreams, and lived experience.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Tickets
Join us for our Second Annual Scholarship Celebration, following the success of our inaugural event in February 2025. This year, we’re proud to award three outstanding students with $1,000 scholarships each. Proceeds from the event will support the next scholarship round, while amplifying diverse voices and investing in the filmmakers of tomorrow through mentorship opportunities, networking, and access to essential resources.
📍 Center for Employment Training (CET) Patio: 701 Vine St, San Jose, CA 95110
🕖 April 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM
🚗 Free Parking: Enter at the corner of Vine St. and Locust St.
👗 Business Casual Attire
Your ticket includes:
🎷 Live Jazz and DJ
🍴 Small Bites
🍸 Complimentary Drinks
🤝 Networking with Filmmakers & Industry Professionals
Highlights
See all activity34Activity
Join us for our Second Annual Scholarship Celebration, following the success of our inaugural event in February 2025. This year, we’re proud to award three outstanding students with $1,000 scholarships each. Proceeds from the event will support the next scholarship round, while amplifying diverse voices and investing in the filmmakers of tomorrow through mentorship opportunities, networking, and access to essential resources.
📍 Center for Employment Training (CET) Patio: 701 Vine St, San Jose, CA 95110
🕖 April 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM
🚗 Free Parking: Enter at the corner of Vine St. and Locust St.
👗 Business Casual Attire
Your ticket includes:
🎷 Live Jazz and DJ
🍴 Small Bites
🍸 Complimentary Drinks
🤝 Networking with Filmmakers & Industry Professionals
