The Michael Latt Legacy Fund has announced its third cohort of grantees for the Leading With Love: Grants in Support of Courageous Creativity program. This initiative, established in memory of Michael Latt, aims to support rising creatives whose work aligns with his values of culture, advocacy, storytelling, social impact, and community transformation. The fund has selected 16 recipients across various disciplines, including filmmakers, artists, activists, educators, and organizations. The grants will be utilized for artist fellowships, advocacy projects, documentary films, and organizational support.
One of the notable recipients is SoLa Foundation / Art in Action, which will partner with the fund to empower young artists in South Los Angeles through workshops, guest speakers, and mentorship programs. Protect the Sacred, led by Allie Redhorse Young, will focus on youth programming centered around storytelling, sports, and cultural expression. Jon Boogz's Stories Are Living Things (SALT) will explore the intersection of movement, language, and narratives through an immersive storytelling performance and community exhibition.
In terms of artist fellowships, Leo Aguirre's film 'Verano' will receive a Panavision package to support his debut film, which explores themes of asylum seekers and family dynamics. The film 'The Friend's House is Here', directed by Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz, will also receive a grant to further its distribution and impact. Kasey Elise Walker and Andrea Ellsworth, co-directors of 'Too Many Hoops', are the inaugural recipients of the Michael Latt Legacy / Further Adventures Fellowship, designed to support exceptional first-time directors.
The fund also supports short films and advocacy projects. A documentary short co-directed by Chiké Okonkwo and Chris Advansun will explore the human impulse to create and its transformative power. Jarrett Harper's 'Better Days' will amplify the stories of foster youth, building upon his previous work 'I Got My Brother'.
Community and collaboration initiatives are also supported. Represent Justice, in partnership with Sundance Collab, will engage audiences in reimagining the legal system through storytelling. The Sundance Collab/Michael Latt Artist Residency will provide resources and opportunities for underrepresented storytellers. The Harness Practitioner in Residency Program will strengthen community advocacy efforts.
Additionally, the fund supports bold futures initiatives. Get Lit's Creative Career Lab will prepare young adults for dream jobs in the creative industry. Howard University's Michael Latt Legacy Fellowship will provide a full scholarship and creative guidance to students committed to social justice and innovative storytelling. The Young Women's Freedom Center will offer gender-specific services for youth leadership development, while Venice Arts' Center for Creative Workforce Equity will provide training and opportunities for underserved groups.
Lastly, Deon Jones' American Rave will bring together music, discourse, and joy in cultural revivals. The Michael Latt Legacy Fund's third cohort of grantees showcases a diverse range of projects that embody Michael Latt's vision of leading with love through action, supporting extraordinary storytellers, and creating positive change in communities.
