Director Omar S. Kamara with Djimon HounsouHIGHWAYS LAB DIRECTORS PROGRAM
The Highways Lab Directors Program Phase 1 is designed to
support accomplished filmmakers whose work has made a
meaningful impact in the industry. This invitation-only opportunity invites creators to submit a proposal for a short film that represents the creative vision and thematic foundation of a feature-length project they aspire to develop.Our goal is to support underrepresented filmmakers in the early
stages of their next project, providing them with the resources
to express their larger vision through a high-quality short film.WHAT FELLOWS RECEIVE
Short Film
PW: highwaysLabShort
Behind The Scenes
PW: highwaysLabBTS
A distinguished group of accomplished producers and top-
level executives reviews submissions and helps select
four finalists. Each selected filmmaker receives a $50,000
grant to produce a compelling short film that encapsulates
the essence of their story.As part of the program, finalists are invited to attend the
Sundance Film Festival, where they participate in curated
networking opportunities and meet key industry leaders,
expanding their visibility and opening doors to advance
their projects.Year 1 Cohort
Aitch Alberto Writer/Director
Project: The Long Con
Named one of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch,
Aitch Alberto is celebrated for her bold, personal storytelling across film and television, including the acclaimed feature Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe—featured on “Best Of” lists from Vanity Fair and The Los Angeles Times—as
well as HBO Max’s Duster and Apple TV+’s Little America.