Movies are a window into a different world. They can take us from our lived reality and submerge us into the point of view of a people or a time that may be different from our own. But, if the mainstream lens through which stories are told only focuses on a handful of perspectives, how do we uplift and nurture the stories from communities that have are often left out? 

Detroit Narrative Agency is a local organization that makes a point to highlight compelling storytelling from people of color. 

Through its Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship, Detroit Narrative Agency selects four filmmakers to receive mentorship, funding, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities to support the creation of a short film. 

In Sequence — A Premiere Showcase of the Detroit Narrative Agency ’24-25 Fellowship Films debuted at Senate theater. 

Ashley Calhoun is Interim executive director of Detroit Narrative Filmmaker Fellowship and Lindsay Robillard is a Director of Development at Detroit Mercy and a volunteer with Senate Theater. They joined the show to talk more about supporting metro Detroit’s film community.