ReFrame Rise Announces Selection of Third Cohort for Fellowship Program

ReFrame, an initiative founded by the Sundance Institute and WIF, has just announced the new class of ReFrame Rise™ fellows for their comprehensive two-year program. Designed to accelerate high-level, sustainable advancement for mid-career talent, this year’s group of directors includes Maureen Bharoocha, Ashley Eakin, Raven Jackson, Zoey Martinson, Nicole Mejia, Laura Moss, Kate Tsang, and Anu Valia. Cinematographers Ino Yang Popper, Aymae Sulick, and Maddy Talias round out the impressive list. This program, in partnership with Netflix, aims to provide strategic support for filmmakers to achieve resilient and lasting careers.

Over the next two years, these fellows will be connected with industry professionals who will serve as sponsors, offering them a more engaged level of support than traditional mentorship. With access to various ReFrame and WIF events and stakeholders, the fellows will receive support in personal PR and publicity materials, craft refinement sessions, and strategic guidance toward achieving their career goals. They will also have the chance to connect with other filmmakers in their fields to continue building relationships and support systems within the industry.

According to Kirsten Schaeffer, CEO of WIF, ReFrame Rise is all about catalyzing careers by bringing together exceptionally talented storytellers and connecting them with influential leaders in the industry. By providing strategic sponsorship and visibility, the program aims to not only change individual careers but also shift the landscape of the industry as a whole.

The selection committee for this year’s fellows is made up of esteemed industry professionals from companies like Netflix, Paramount Pictures, and Blumhouse, among others. The program has already supported previous fellows like Desiree Akhavan, Haifaa al-Mansour, and Nijla Mu’min, providing them with an invaluable network of support and guidance as they navigate their careers.

ReFrame’s work is made possible by IMDbPro and Endeavor, with support from Netflix for the ReFrame Rise program. The 2025-2027 ReFrame Rise class promises to be an exciting cohort of talented individuals who are poised to make a significant impact on the industry.