The Michael Latt Legacy Fund has announced its third cohort of grantees for its 'Leading With Love: Grants in Support of Courageous Creativity' initiative. This year's recipients are a diverse group of artists, filmmakers, activists, educators, and organizations, each selected for their commitment to culture, advocacy, storytelling, social impact, and community transformation. The fund, established by Michael Latt's parents, Michelle and David, aims to honor their son's legacy by supporting rising creatives who embody the values he held dear. The grants will be used to fund artist fellowships, advocacy projects, documentary films, and organizational support, ensuring that Latt's vision of 'leading with love through action' continues to inspire and drive positive change.
One of the standout recipients is SoLa Foundation / Art in Action, which will partner with the fund for a second year to empower young artists in South Los Angeles. This initiative focuses on ending intergenerational poverty through education and community development, providing workshops, guest speakers, and mentorship programs. Protect the Sacred, led by Allie Redhorse Young, will also receive support for youth programming, emphasizing storytelling, sports, and cultural expression to strengthen Indigenous sovereignty and protect elders' traditions.
In the realm of artist fellowships, Leo Aguirre, a filmmaker whose project 'Verano' explores the challenges faced by an unruly teen and an asylum seeker, will receive a Panavision package to aid in his debut film. 'The Friend's House is Here', a film directed by Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz, will also receive a grant to support its release from Greenwich Entertainment. Kasey Elise Walker and Andrea Ellsworth, co-directors of 'Too Many Hoops', are the inaugural recipients of the Michael Latt Legacy / Further Adventures Fellowship, designed to support exceptional first-time directors whose work reflects Latt's belief in the power of storytelling.
The fund also supports short film and advocacy projects, including a documentary short co-directed by Chiké Okonkwo and Chris Advansun, which explores the human impulse to create and its transformative power. Jarrett Harper's 'Better Days' organization, which amplifies the stories of foster youth, will also receive support. Additionally, the Represent Justice organization will use storytelling to engage audiences in reimagining the legal system, and the Sundance Collab/Michael Latt Artist Residency will provide resources and opportunities for underrepresented storytellers.
Community and collaboration initiatives are also a key focus. The Harness Practitioner in Residency Program, created in partnership with Harness, will support activists and artists in strengthening their community advocacy work. Get Lit's Creative Career Lab, Howard University's Michael Latt Legacy Fellowship, and the Young Women's Freedom Center's Freedom Conversations will also provide valuable resources and opportunities for young adults and marginalized groups.
Lastly, Deon Jones' American Rave initiative will bring music, discourse, and joy together in cultural revivals. The Michael Latt Legacy Fund's third cohort of grantees is a testament to the power of creativity and community, and their work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive positive change in the world.
