Who We
are
The Collective Futures Film Lab transforms filmmaking by supporting marginalized voices, funding justice-driven projects, and providing tools, mentorship, and research-backed solutions for filmmakers committed to equity and sustainability. We move beyond documenting barriers to creating real change in the industry. Another world is possible. Let's build it together.
What we Do
The Collective Futures Film Lab transforms filmmaking through research, grant-making, and certification programs. We investigate equitable practices, fund justice-driven projects, and train filmmakers in inclusive methods that prioritize social justice and sustainability. Together, we're building the film industry that should have existed.
Research
Our research initiatives develop evidence-based solutions for transforming film industry practices and supporting equitable filmmaking. We study production methods and protocols to create tools for change.
Negotiating consent on set protocols
Non-extractive documentary participation methods
Fair labor standards implementation
Trauma-informed production practices
Grants
We support filmmakers through funding and professional development. Our grants and certification programs provide training and mentorship for justice-driven, and equitable filmmaking.
All grant applications for this cycle are now closed. Our next funding round will open in Winter 2026. Please check back then for new opportunities.
our mission
Our comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge research, grant-making, mentorship, education to build sustainable careers for filmmakers from underrepresented communities.
We believe in the power of storytelling to create social change and are committed to dismantling systemic barriers that have historically excluded voices from the film industry.
Impact
8
Projects mentored
140+
Students Educated
4
innovative projects
Enhanced DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts reputation as a leader in inclusive and innovative film education while advancing the university's mission by supporting marginalized students and empowering all film students to promote social justice and human dignity through their work.
Since launching in 2023, we've been building a community of changemakers and developing concrete solutions for equitable filmmaking.
Community Building
We've educated over 140 students, faculty, and community members through workshops and seminars, creating a growing network of advocates for equitable filmmaking practices. All the lab's activities provide information to help us codify inclusive filmmaking practices. Our findings will be published in reports for the public. We especially plan to codify our findings in ways that will be usable for other film schools, as well as industry leaders.
Research & Innovation
We've launched 4 innovative research projects, including hosting seminars with national leaders in reparative filmmaking and supporting student research on addressing production harm.
MENTORSHIP
We mentor students throughout the lifecycle of a project including development, screenwriting, production, postproduction, marketing, and distribution. We implement this through hosting educational trainings, consulting on student projects, and organizing events and conferences with innovative filmmakers and community organizations that are leaders in equitable, inclusive, and sustainable production.
Our work has established the School of Cinematic Arts as a leader in inclusive, innovative film education while supporting marginalized students across all programs.
Community Partners
We believe transformative change happens through collaboration. We're actively seeking partnerships with organizations that share our vision.
Partnership Opportunities
We actively seek partnerships with industry organizations, community groups, educational institutions, funding partners, mentorship networks, sustainability organizations, and research institutions that share our commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable filmmaking practices.
About Us
Co-Directors
Jess is a Professional Lecturer and Chair of the Screenwriting Program Committee at the School of Cinematic Arts in DePaul University’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. Their creative scholarship reimagines screenwriting and filmmaking practices towards radical equity and social justice. King designs and instructs numerous original courses focused on infusing storytelling and production practices with an ethos of care and accountability. They published a ground-breaking first book, Inclusive Screenwriting for Film and Television, with Routledge in 2022. They currently serve on the evolutionary governing board for OTV, an intersectional artist incubator and independent television hub in Chicago.
Jess King (they/them)
Abby Plante (she/her)
Abby Plante is a working Writer and Producer based in Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in Digital Cinema with a concentration in Screenwriting from DePaul University. After participating in the second cohort of the DePaul Los Angeles Quarter, Abby launched her career by working as a Hollywood Assistant at companies like Paradigm Talent Agency to then working in creative development at Bunim-Murray Productions. Versed in scripted and unscripted television, as well as documentary writing, she has since produced various scripted and digital series for networks including Netflix, SyFy, LOGO, and NBCUniversal, and production companies including Participant Media, SoulPancake and Funny Or Die. She is also a Board Member for nonprofit PollenNation which strives to create representation and opportunities for youth from historically underserved Los Angeles-based communities.
Anuradha Rana (she/her)
Anuradha Rana is a filmmaker, educator, and program leader whose work aims to catalyze a more diverse media ecosystem. She has produced and directed award-winning films internationally, supported by Kartemquin Films, Tribeca Film Network, If/Then, PBS, DOC NYC, IL Arts Council, Chicago’s DCASE, and CAAM. Anuradha is the Director of the School of Cinematic Arts and Vincent de Paul Professor at DePaul University. She is on the steering committee for the Asian American Doc Network (A-DOC) and has been named one of Chicago’s 50 Screen Gems, a DCASE esteemed artist, DOC NYC’s Documentary New Leader, part of the ArtEquity BIPOC Leadership circle, and most recently, a Rockwood Documentary Leadership Fellow.
