Palmtrees and Neon Collaborate to Elevate Underrepresented Filmmakers

Palmtrees, a screenplay incubator founded by Funa Maduka, has announced a development partnership with Neon, the independent studio known for acclaimed films such as “Anora” and “Parasite.” This collaboration aims to support emerging writers from historically underrepresented regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The inaugural program will select eight to ten writers, with applications opening on March 31 and closing on June 1.

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Writers interested in participating must submit a treatment along with the first 15 pages of a feature-length genre screenplay. The selection process will prioritize the strength of the project over prior credits, allowing writers at all career stages to apply. Selected participants will receive one-on-one guidance from story analysts and will engage in a three-week in-person residency, during which they will be compensated for their involvement.

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Funa Maduka established Palmtrees with the belief that many compelling stories and filmmakers originate from regions lacking the necessary infrastructure for development in the global market. Maduka, who previously led international original films at Netflix and directed the first Nigerian film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, emphasizes the importance of providing sustained attention to talented writers from these areas.

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Tom Quinn, founder and CEO of Neon, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Some of the most vital voices in cinema today are emerging from places that have been historically underrepresented on the global stage.” He highlighted Neon’s commitment to expanding the definition of world cinema and noted that the collaboration with Palmtrees is rooted in a shared vision of supporting creative risks.

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Funa Maduka remarked on the challenges faced by writers, stating, “The most seasoned screenwriters still fight writer’s block at 3 a.m. It is not a process that necessarily gets easier... We built Palmtrees to provide [writers] with sustained, serious, skilled attention.”

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While the initiative has received positive feedback, some critics may question the effectiveness of such programs in truly addressing the systemic barriers faced by filmmakers from underrepresented regions. Concerns may arise regarding the long-term impact of this partnership on the global film industry and whether it will lead to sustained opportunities for these writers beyond the residency.

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As the application period approaches, Palmtrees and Neon will likely focus on outreach efforts to ensure that potential applicants are aware of the opportunity. The success of this program could pave the way for similar initiatives aimed at fostering diverse voices in cinema, potentially influencing industry practices regarding representation in film.

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• “Popular on Variety “Some of the most vital voices in cinema today are emerging from places that have been historically underrepresented on the global stage.” — Tom Quinn, Founder and CEO of Neon

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