Where emerging filmmakers become part of something bigger

At AGBO, we don’t believe in one-and-done opportunities. A grant, a fellowship, a festival win, that’s just the beginning.

The AGBO Storytellers Collective is a community where those moments turn into momentum.

Built as an alumni network, the Collective brings together filmmakers who’ve beenrecognized through AGBO-backed initiatives like the Slamdance Film Festival Fellowship, AFI Development Grant, The Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum (RBIAFF), and our own global 48-hour competition, No Sleep‘til Film Fest.

BEYOND THE PROGRAM
Fellowships and competitions have timelines. The Collective doesn’t.

AGBO created the Storytellers Collective to keep the conversation going long afterthe awards are handed out. It’s a space where filmmakers stay connected to AGBO as mentors and champions, but just as importantly, to each other.

Because building a career is one thing. Building it alongside people who get it? That’s everything.

*Frank E. Flowers leads a Storytellers Collective panel alongside the release of his feature film The Bluff*

REAL ACCESS. REAL ADVICE.
One of the biggest ways we show up for the Collective is through intimate panels and conversations with creatives across the AGBO family—the people actively doing the work.

We’re talking producers, writers, designers, editors, legal, marketing and other collaborators who’ve been in the trenches and know what it takes to move from idea to execution.

No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just honest insight, practical advice, and open dialogue about what it really looks like to navigate this industry today.

MEET THE LATEST STORYTELLERS
Each new group of inductees brings fresh perspective, new energy, and stories we haven’t seen before.

From bold short films to deeply personal narratives, these filmmakers are pushingboundaries and redefining what the next generation of storytelling looks like.

Maky Rupert – 2025 RBIAFF Winner

Jiin Oh – 2026 Slamdance AGBO Fellowship Winner

Tony Arriola, Steven Kiefer & Mikkel Aranas – First Place No Sleep ‘Til Film Fest Winners

WHYIT MATTERS
The industry can be isolating, especially when you’re just starting out. The Storytellers Collective is AGBO’s way of changing that.

A space to share ideas.
To find collaborators.
To ask questions.
To grow.

And maybe most importantly to realize you’re not doing this alone.

GETINVOLVED
The Collective is always evolving! New voices, new conversations, new opportunities to connect.
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Ready to be part of it? Explore the initiatives at www.agbo.com/community#all find the one that fits your voice, and make sure you apply. Your story starts here.

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