Cinestruct, LLC announces a groundbreaking partnership with 18 film festival organizations across North America to support independent filmmakers through its new Debut program. The inaugural cycle, running November 13, 2024 through December 3, 2024, combines filmmaker support, community engagement, and innovative funding mechanisms through the company’s Cinevite platform.
Featured Filmmakers
The November cycle spotlights three emerging talents:
- TEDRA (most notable as TT The Artist): Following her Netflix success with “Dark City Beneath The Beat” (produced by Issa Rae), TEDRA presents “DENIM,” a short film and series pilot chronicling the brilliant minds of LGBTQIA+ creatives. The artists featured are: Project Runway All Stars Season 20 winner and alum Bishme Cromartie, music artist Kidd Kenn, and stylist Deniim.
- Keshav Shree: A London based medical doctor, actor, and director. With his new film “Where are you really from?,” Shree explores his cultural identity as an Indian British immigrant through a comedy that uses accents to explore identity and multicultural idiosyncrasies.
- Alessandro Pulisci: The program’s “Los Angeles Spotlight” selection, Pulisci transitioned from touring musician to horror filmmaker. His latest film “Hi I Just Moved Here” is a thriller set in the Hollywood Hills.
Industry Mentorship
Acclaimed music video director Alexander Bergman, known for his work with Kid Cudi, Busta Rhymes, Usher, and The Roots, joins the cycle as an industry mentor. Bergman, who has successfully transitioned to feature film directing while mentoring emerging filmmakers, joins Cinestruct founder Mikhail Howell for a video podcast discussion on navigating the independent film landscape.
Virtual Community Events
During the November cycle, Cinestruct will facilitate scheduled virtual community events through its Cinevite technology platform, where the public can engage directly with TEDRA, Keshav Shree, Alessandro Pulisci, and their collaborators in real-time discussion. Event dates will be announced by Cinestruct on Instagram and on the Cinevite platform.
Program Innovation
The Debut program introduces two key initiatives:
- Matching Pledge Grant: Cinestruct supports participating filmmakers by matching contributions made by their supporters through the Cinevite platform, effectively doubling the impact of community support.
- Travel Giveaway: Members of the public who support this cycle’s spotlighted filmmakers or participate in the virtual community events will have the chance to win:
- $500 cash prize
- Two complimentary passes to one film festival of their choice from a list of 17 partner festivals featured on the Cinestruct website.
- Festival options spanning from January through September 2025
- Premium access opportunities, including Palmyra passes to the Academy-qualifying Mountainfilm festival
Festival Partners:
- Mountainfilm (May 22 – 26, 2025) – Academy Qualifying Festival
- Wicked Queer 41 (April 4 – 15, 2025)
- Denton Black Film Festival (January 29 – February 9, 2025)
- Port Townsend Film Festival (September 18 – 21, 2025)
- Short. Sweet. Film Fest. (February 24 – March 2, 2025)
- Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (April 24 – 28, 2025)
- San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, located at and occurring during Comic-Con International (July 27 – August 2025)
- NOHO CineFest (August 28 – 31, 2025)
For a complete list of partner festivals and more information about the Debut program or to participate in virtual community events, visit www.cinevite.com.
About Cinestruct
Founded by Mikhail Howell and Veronica Gonzalez Howell, Cinestruct developed the Cinevite platform to create community around cinema and to solve the biggest challenges that affect filmmakers after they make their films. Launched in spring 2024, the Cinevite platform offers comprehensive tools for marketing, fundraising, and community building throughout the festival circuit.
Meet Cinestruct’s Debut November 2024 Spotlight Films & Filmmakers
