Production Training for Rising Filmmakers of Color

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for believing in Justice for My Sister’s Production Assistant Certification Program and helping us create paid pathways into the film and TV industry for emerging filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities.

We are excited to share that our most recent PA Certification cycle has wrapped, with participants receiving 157 days of paid placements. In the past year alone, PA Certification graduates have stepped onto film sets and supported departments including Production, Art, Camera, Sound, Grip & Electric, Assistant Directing, and Script Supervision, and gained the kind of hands-on experience that is often inaccessible without personal connections or the ability to work unpaid entry-level jobs.

One producer shared, “The production assistants [Justice for My Sister] provided showed up with care, skill, and real commitment to the work. Independent film is a community effort, and they were an essential part of ours.” Another producer reflected, “ PAs were punctual, positive, and incredibly helpful throughout the shoot. Their energy and willingness to jump in made a real difference on set.”

For participants, these placements are a chance to build their confidence, professional networks, and a real sense of belonging in an industry that has historically excluded them. One PA shared “As a PA, I learned how to anticipate needs and not be afraid to try something new. I really enjoyed being a PA as I got to help many different departments, experience new things, meet a lot of people, and connect with my fellow JFMS peers.”

This month, we launched a new cohort, with 32 early-career filmmakers beginning Phase 1 of the program. Participants are learning film production fundamentals, set etiquette, professional communication, nonviolent communication, collaboration, production safety, and how different departments work together on set. After training, selected participants will move toward hands-on workshops and paid placement opportunities where they can apply what they have learned in real production environments.

We are also looking forward to celebrating our PA Certification participants and broader community at our upcoming Justice for My People Film Festival and PA culminating event on September 10 at the Japanese American National Museum. Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter to receive event details and join us in celebrating our community of storytellers shaping the future of film.

Your support makes this work possible. Please visit our donation page to help sustain this impactful program.