SOAZFILM MENTORSHIP

- Learn the process of creating as a Producer -

Our one-of-a-kind Mentorship program is committed to amplifying and elevating diverse voices in Southern Arizona by teaching local filmmaking artists to enhance their careers and develope skills in budgeting, breakdowns, pitch decks, and other essential tools to help them grow as film producers and creators. Participants are matched with local directors and writers who are actively developing projects, allowing for meaningful collaboration and hands-on experience while creating a system of support in the local film community.

This program accepts filmmakers of all levels and is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes professional growth and creative development with an emphasize on supporting Female, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and filmmakers with disabilities.

Artist in Residency at the Catalyst Creative Collective by SAACA

Our Approach

Our Mentorship program is designed to provide personalized, one-on-one guidance tailored to the specific needs of each mentee. Unlike structured training programs, which have broad objectives and standardized activities, our mentoring approach focuses on the unique challenges and goals of the individual.

In this program, mentees are paired with mentors and local filmmakers who are carefully selected based on their passion for their films and the needs of the mentee. This allows for a customized mentoring experience where mentees can develop and strengthen specific competencies, skills, and a problem-solving mindset in a supportive and positive environment.

The goal of our mentoring program is to facilitate professional growth and help mentees take the next step in their careers exploring their own paths and making informed decisions about their future while building connection and network with fellow creators in the Southern Arizona film community.

Meet the 2024 Mentees

Diana Cadena

Diana Cadena graduated from the UofA film program in 2021 and began her career in broadcast television. She worked as a video journalist in local news and now is a videographer at AZPM, creating short documentaries about Tucson and the Southern Arizona area. She is a
local Tucson filmmaker, having worked on short films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials.

Ezra Milla

Ezra Milla is a passionate filmmaker from Arizona known for his innovative storytelling and compelling visual style. Ezra has directed, produced, and written a diverse range of short films and has begun the process of producing his first feature-length film.

Raegan Thompson

Born in Columbus, Georgia, an unsung city of the dirty south, Raegan Thompson is an aspiring film director and producer. She will begin her first semester this fall as a film and television student at the University of Arizona Online. Raegan’s passion for the arts is rooted the time she spent as a fine arts magnet student. Ultimately, she aims to cultivate altruistic connections throughout communities across the nation, by presenting narratives of underrepresented people through visual storytelling

José L. Rodriguez

José is an actor and filmmaker with a desire to help people and projects thrive. He looks forward to contributing and learning from every opportunity he is fortunate to get and aims to help tell amazing stories.

Caleb Bailey

I am a film student at Pima Community College. My love for film has been a lifelong passion, but a significant event when I was 18 changed my perspective and direction. After a serious accident, I found myself at Pima, where I discovered that film was truly my calling. I am excited to see where my career in film takes me.

Ruben Reynoso

Ruben Reynoso, a senior at the University of Arizona, studies Film and Television and Information Science with minors in Spanish and Game Development. He’s passionate about using technology for diverse storytelling and aims to become a screenwriter, animator, or game developer. On campus, he shoots 360 videos for the Center for Digital Humanities and serves as Vice President of PAMFAD. Ruben has interned with the Arizona International Film Festival and co-directed the university's 24-Hour Film Festival. In his free time, he enjoys reading comics, writing, and skating.

MJ Watz

Monika Jane Browatzki (MJ Watz) is a storyteller with over 10 years of experience in media production. Raised between Arizona and California, she holds a BA in Film Production from UCLA, specializing in Cinematography and Theater, and certifications in Directing, Producing, and Production from Los Angeles City College.

Known for her strong organizational skills and attention to detail, Monika is committed to creating engaging comedic content in the media industry.

Writers/Directors

Submit your short film screenplay to be used as an educational tool for mentees and receive free breakdown, budget, pitch deck and other developmental services. Must make time and instructional commitment to the program and mentees. Other Restrictions apply. For submission and program info email info@soazfilm.org

Overview

The Southern Arizona Mentorship Program is a 2-4 month initiative for up to 10 filmmakers from underrepresented communities. It is an opportunity for filmmakers to spend as much time as they feel is needed developing their career path and supporting fellow local filmmaking artists actively creating in Southern Arizona. Whether applicants have a current project underway or are looking to start a new one, this program provides tools to help support participants’ professional path forward by teaching film production and the creative process from a producer's perspective.

ELIGIBILITY

The Southern Arizona Mentorship Program is different from other programs in that it does not require previous experience, active projects, or film credits to attend. Anyone with a passion for filmmaking at any level of film production expertise can apply regardless of background.

Filmmakers must live in any of the cities, counties, or sovereign nations of Southern Arizona

Filmmakers must have access to a working laptop and transportation to Tucson Az.

There will be special consideration for applicants that demonstrate a connection to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in media, including those defined by race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, geographic location, socio-economic status, or other factors.

Timeline

JULY 18th 2024 - Applications open.

AUGUST 2024 - Personal Interviews

AUGUST 16th 2024 - Final Notification

SEPTEMBER 2nd-8th - Orientation

October 28th - Re-assess program trajectory and mentee commitments