Black, Indigenous, POC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Lab

Hello dear donors! We're pleased to share with you a report from our 2021-22 graduate Sabaa: 

Being a developing writer, joining Justice for My Sister's BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriters Lab made complete sense. Despite my own insecurities and with the encouragement of friends, I decided to apply and hoped for the best. Nothing could have prepared me for the amount of ongoing care, kindness, and intention I experienced throughout the sessions. It was clear to me that the team at JFMS was and still is dedicated to making space for BIPOC writers by giving them the tools needed to generate powerful storytelling and encouraging them to believe in the power of their stories.

I’ve gained many gifts from JFMS and as a recent graduate of their latest BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriters Lab, I can confidently say every gift I’ve gained will last a lifetime. 

One major aspect of JFMS was the team. A combo of staff members and lab alum stewarded my cohort through the ins and outs of topics such as film writing, storytelling, and world-building. Each facilitator made an effort to remind us that our stories matter because we’re the ones telling them, our visions are what leads the craft forward and our voices need to be heard. 

Another potent aspect of the lab series were the visiting artists. Being able to learn from a variety of POC and queer industry professionals was such an incredible privilege. Each visiting artist offered incredible insights and advice and I always left with a new tool to translate to my work. 

In addition to the weekly guests, we offered and received peer feedback. In many dynamics, peer feedback can be incredibly intimidating but the JFMS team crafted the experience to be thoughtful and insightful. Lastly and most importantly, we were offered weekly tasks in an effort to strengthen our skills and better integrate that week's lessons into our project in development. 

I can’t reiterate enough how I constantly felt a great deal of care and intention every step of the way. From the opening session soundtrack to the after lab follow-up emails checking in about my mentor sessions or the progress of my script.  

Applying to the JFMS writers lab was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I truly hope future writers are able to experience the JFMS BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriters Lab for years to come.

Sabaa Zareena 

‘21-’22 Alumni