When we founded Cinematography for Actors in late 2022, it was because we saw a gap. Independent filmmakers were navigating a landscape with limited opportunities, fragmented support, and little transparency between what happened above and below the line. We knew that if we wanted to change the industry, we had to build something that offered more than instruction.

This past year marked a turning point. What began as an idea between friends grew into a full ecosystem of programs and partnerships. We helped provide alternative financing to more than 60 projects. We launched the Indiewood Screenwriting Fund to give writers direct access to mentorship. Our film challenge expanded to over 100 films across 17 countries in its first complete year. We welcomed The Reel Champions mentorship program, pairing emerging filmmakers with industry executives for one-to-one career development.

Over the past three years, CFA has evolved into a talent incubation pipeline that supports filmmakers from their earliest ideas through development, production, post, and distribution. Our goal is to be a resource at every stage as partners in the careers of our community.

As we look ahead, we’re building new structures to deepen access, expand mentorship, and create clearer bridges from idea to impact. What continues to move us most is the way filmmakers support one another.

We created this catalog as a reflection of where we’ve come and the momentum we’re building together. As you look through the metrics, programs, and stories in these pages, we hope you feel the same sense of pride and possibility that drives our work every day.

CFA is constantly growing, and that growth is only possible because of supporters like you. If you feel inspired to help us continue this mission, whether by sharing our work, or making a contribution, we’re grateful for your support.

Thank you for growing with us and standing with independent filmmakers!

Indeana Underhill & Haeleigh RoyallFounders, Cinematography for Actors Institute