Seven supported films at Athena Film Fest!

We were thrilled to see seven Chicken & Egg Pictures-supported films and five supported filmmakers on the lineup at this years’ 14th annual Athena Film Festival. The festival took place between February 29 and March 3, at Barnard College. Congratulations all!

Breaking the News

dirs. Chelsea Hernandez, Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston

prod. Diane Quon

Still from Breaking the News Film. Editor-at-large Errin Haines is smiling directly at the camera in a pink sweatshirt that reads "Represent."
Still from Breaking the News

Breaking the News is a 2022 Critical Issues Fund Grantee.

graphic of a film reel

Hummingbirds

dirs. Silvia Del Carmen Castaños, Estefanía “Beba” Contreras

co-dirs. & prods. Jillian Schlesinger, Miguel Drake-McLaughlin, Diane Ng, Ana Rodriguez-Falco

prods. Leslie Benavides, Rivkah Beth Medow

Silvia and Beba smile as they point their middle finger at the fire-work lit sky. There is a red light on Beba's middle finger, and a green light on Silvia's.
Still from Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds is a 2022 (Egg)celerator Lab finalist.

graphic of a film reel

Is There Anybody Out There?

dir. Ella Glendining

prod. Janine Marmot

Still from Is There Anybody Out There? Ella Glendining is on a a medical bend with her belly uncovered
Still from Is There Anybody Out There?

2021 (Egg)celerator Lab grantee Is There Anybody Out There? participated in multiple sections, including a panel entitled Keeping the Industry Door Open: Beyond the “Trend” of Disability.

graphic of a film reel

MnM

dir. Twiggy Pucci Garçon

prods. Colleen Cassingham, Jess Devaney

Still from MnM. Close up to the face of a person while a hand is using a brush to paint their eyelids.
Still from MnM

MnM was supported in partnership with Multitude Films as a part of the QUEER FUTURES (2022) series, and streamed in the “Shorts: A Legacy of Change” section.

graphic of a film reel

Q

dir. & prod. Jude Chehab

Still from Q
Still from Q

Q is a 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab grantee.

graphic of a film reel

The Script

dir. Brit Fryer, Noah Schamus

prod. Colleen Cassingham, Jess Devaney

Still from The Script. In a set, a person with their back to the camera, talks to two other persons that are sitting in chairs in front of a table. To the right and left, there are camera crew people.
Still from The Script

The Script was supported in partnership with Multitude Films as part of the QUEER FUTURES (2022) series. 

graphic of a film reel

Twice Colonized

dir. Lin Alluna

prods. Emile Hertling Péronard, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Stacey Aglok, Bob Moore

The main character of Twice Colonized, Aaju Peter, in a close-up shot holding her hands in front of her face so her traditional tattoos on her hands and her chin are visible.
Still from Twice Colonized

Twice Colonized is a Project: Hatched 2023 grantee.


From the AlumNest


Post written by Communications Assistant Tess Caldwell

Six Chicken & Egg Pictures-supported films and filmmakers at True/False Fest!

We were extremely proud to see two (Egg)celerator Lab premieres in the lineup of this years’ True/False festival. The lineup also included two films supported through the Chicken & Egg Award and two shorts by supported filmmakers featuring in the lineup of this years’ True/False festival! The festival took place between February 29 and March 3, in Colombia, Missouri. Congratulations to all of the films featured!

A Photographic Memory

dir. & prod. Rachel Elizabeth Seed

Still from A Photographic Memory

A Photographic Memory was a participant of the 2020 (Egg)celerator Lab and had its World Premiere at True/False Fest.

graphic of a film reel

Look Into My Eyes

dir. & prod. Lana Wilson

prod. Kyle Martin

Look Into My Eyes was supported through Lana Wilson’s 2019 Chicken & Egg Award.

graphic of a film reel

There Was, There Was Not

dir. Emily Mkrtichian

prod. Mara Adina

Four women stand on a mountain at sunrise gathering flowers
Still from There Was, There Was Not

There Was, There Was Not was a 2022 (Egg)celerator Lab finalist and had its World Premiere at True/False Fest.

graphic of a film reel

Union

dirs. Brett Story, Stephen Maing

prods. Samantha Curley, Mars Verrone

Union was supported through Brett Story’s 2022 Chicken & Egg Award.


From the AlumNest


Post written by Communications Assistant Tess Caldwell

Meet our 2024 Spring Interns!


Chicken & Egg Pictures welcomes two new Spring Interns: Natalia Weaver and Tasnuva Shehrin. Each of them brings a passion for nonfiction filmmaking, which permeates through their work. We are very excited to have them on our team!

Natalia Weaver

Communications Intern


As Communications Intern, Natalia supports the Communications team on various projects and tasks, including assisting the dissemination of promotional materials for our community of filmmakers and executing social media campaigns. Natalia is currently a student at The New School pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Culture and Media and is beyond excited to be joining the Chicken & Egg Pictures team. Prior to studying at The New School, Natalia earned her Associates Degree in Communications. When she was 19, Natalia moved to New York from Orange County, California to pursue her passion in Film and Media. Since then, Natalia has worked on several creative projects ranging from short films, TV sets, to co-writing and starring in a stage play which premiered at the Black Box Theatre. Natalia seeks to challenge current perceptions of Mexico in Western media while also highlighting and bringing awareness to cultural issues through film.

“I am ecstatic to be joining an organization whose vision and mission (to provide a global community of women and gender expansive documentary filmmakers with creative and financial support while striving for a gender-inclusive media industry) align with my own personal goals.”

Tasnuva Shehrin

Program Intern


As Program Intern, Tasnuva provides logistical support for programming and grant applications. With a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and a minor in Anthropology from Brooklyn College, she brings a comprehensive understanding of media and cultural dynamics to the role. Following her graduation, Tasnuva embarked on a solo month-long journey to Italy, where she filmed a documentary about migrant workers. With past roles as a Festival Coordinator and Public Health Educator, as well as an internship at American Documentary, Tasnuva is well-versed in various aspects of the industry. Outside of her role, Tasnuva pursues her interests as an independent filmmaker and an amateur gluten free baker.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a company that champions inclusivity for women and gender-expansive filmmakers, providing the support and resources needed to bring their visions to life. It’s wonderful to be involved in bridging the gap and fostering a more diverse and equitable creative landscape.”


Post by Communications Assistant Tess Caldwell. 

Welcome Deepa Donde to our Board!

Headshot of Deepa Donde.

Chicken & Egg Pictures is proud to announce our newest Board Member, Deepa Donde. Deepa is an independent film, television, and radio producer based in Austin, Texas. Her work has appeared on the following outlets: NPR, Huffington Post, PBS, BBC, CBS, and NBC. In addition to her work with the Futuro Media Group, Deepa also serves on the board of The Austin Film Festival. She has in the past served on the advisory boards of Fusebox: Contemporary Multi-Disciplinary Art Festival, Youth Radio (NPR’s premier provider for youth-oriented content), Girls Impact The World Film Festival, as well as on the board of Ballet Austin.

Deepa received her Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Medieval History from Brown University. She is close to completing her first independent narrative feature film, PERIPHERY, and developing a documentary feature.

Deepa says of joining our Board, “Documentary filmmaking is one of the most powerful forms of truth-telling. Chicken and Egg Pictures transforms our world with creativity, freedom, and the unique expression of storytelling. I love how this incredible organization champions both emerging and veteran filmmakers from all over the world. I am honored and delighted to join this Board, which so strongly supports women and now gender-expansive voices to be global catalysts for change. Let’s celebrate the next generation of storytellers like Maite Alberdi whose film, The Eternal Memory, a beautiful love story, captures the power of optimism, courage, and hope.”

Welcome to the Chicken & Egg Pictures Board, Deepa! 

Supported films at the SXSW Film Festival

We are extremely grateful to have three (Egg)celerator Lab grantees premieres and an Alumni film at this year’s South By Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival! The festival will take place between March 8-16, 2024. Congratulations all! 

7 Beats Per Minute

dir. Yuqi Kang 

prods. Ina Fichman, Anita Lee

Long shot of a diver clenching her knees under water
Still from 7 Beats Per Minute

7 Beats Per Minute is a participant of the 2022 (Egg)celerator Lab and will have its World Premiere in the Documentary Spotlight.

graphic of a film reel

The In Between

dir. Robie Flores

prod. Alejandro J. Flores, Kellen Quinn

Still from The In Between

The In Between is a participant of the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab, took part in the 2018 Diversity Fellows Initiative (past program), and will have its premiere in the Documentary Competition.

graphic of a film reel

Songs from the Hole

dir. & prod. Contessa Gayles

prods. Richie Reseda, David Felix Sutcliffe

Close up of a pair of feet jumping in a bed.
Still from Songs from the Hole

Songs from the Hole is a participant of the 2022 (Egg)celerator Lab and will premiere in the Visions Program.


From the AlumNest


Post written by Communications Assistant Tess Caldwell

Welcome to the Nest, Elliot Zayas!

Meet the newest member of our team: Operations Assistant Elliot Zayas

 

Elliot Zayas headshot in black and white.

As Operations Assistant, Elliot supports the Chicken & Egg Pictures team with various financial, operational, and human resources activities, while fostering a positive, supportive environment for all team members. Elliot has prior experience in a variety of roles, including excavation at an archaeological World Heritage Site and working as a research assistant on a groundbreaking gender archaeology project. While earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Columbia University, Elliot was an active participant in the undergraduate arts community. He continues to pursue his creative interests in the experimental music scene. 

“I’m so excited to be joining Chicken & Egg Pictures at such a critical moment in the organization’s history as they expand their program eligibility to include trans men like myself. It’s an honor to provide support to my team and the filmmakers creating such inspiring work!” 

Supported Filmmakers Win Awards at Cinema Eye Honors

We are extremely proud to have three supported films, and three supported filmmakers, take home wins at the 17th edition of the Cinema Eye Honors Awards. The awards ceremony took place on Friday, January 12 at the New York Academy of Medicine in East Harlem. Congratulations!

The Eternal Memory

dir. & prod. Maite Alberdi

prod. Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Rocío Jadue

Still from the Eternal Memory
Still from The Eternal Memory

The Eternal Memory was supported through Maite Alberdi’s 2020 Chicken & Egg Award and won awards for Outstanding Achievement in Direction and in the 2024 Unforgettables Honorees section.

graphic of a film reel

Twice Colonized

dir. Lin Alluna

prods. Emile Hertling Péronard, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Stacey Aglok, Bob Moore

The main character of Twice Colonized, Aaju Peter, in a close-up shot holding her hands in front of her face so her traditional tattoos on her hands and her chin are visible.
Still from Twice Colonized

Twice Colonized is a Project: Hatched 2023 grantee and was named a 2024 Unforgettables Honoree.

graphic of a film reel

Q

dir. & prod. Jude Chehab

Still from Q
Still from Q

Q is a 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab Grantee that won the Spotlight Award


From the AlumNest

  • Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games | Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Short Filmmaking
    dirs. & prods. Michèle Stephenson, Joe Brewster 
  • Confessions of a Good Samaritan | 2024 Unforgettables Honorees
    dir. Penny Lane
    prod. Gabriel Sedgwick
  • Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project  | Outstanding Achievement in Visual Design, 2024 Unforgettable Honorees
    dirs. & prods. Michèle Stephenson, Joe Brewster
  • Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields | Outstanding Achievement in Broadcast Editing 
    dir. Lana Wilson
    prods. Jack Turner, Christine O’Malley

Post written by Communications Assistant Tess Caldwell

Maite Alberdi’s The Eternal Memory Receives Academy Award Nomination for Best Documentary Feature


We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2020 Chicken & Egg Award recipient, Maite Alberdi, and her team, whose film The Eternal Memory (La memoria infinita) has received an Academy® Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. This follows the nomination of her previous film, The Mole Agent (El agente topo), for the same category.

The Eternal Memory debuted at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the World Cinema Documentary Award. It has since garnered critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including Berlinale’s Audience Award, Cinema Eye Honors for Outstanding Direction and The Unforgettables Honor, and Maite’s third Goya Award nomination for Best Documentary. This is the second time she has been nominated for both a Goya and an Oscar® Award simultaneously.

Earlier this year, Maite was honored with the Sundance Film Festival Vanguard Award for Non-fiction. She is the founder and director of Micromundo, which has produced her signature films such as The Lifeguard (El salvavidas) and Tea Time (La once).

Maite Alberdi is the first Chilean woman to receive an Oscar® nomination, and the first Latin American woman to earn this nomination twice.

We are proud to support Maite’s groundbreaking career.

Q&A with filmmaker Maite Alberdi. From left to right: Translator, film participant Pauli, Moderator Kirsten Johnson, and filmmaker Maite Alberdi. They are all sitting in front of a screen.
The Eternal Memory screening in NYC. From left to right: Translator, Film Participant Paulina Urrutia, 2017 Chicken &Egg Award Recipient Kirsten Johnson, and 2020 Chicken & Egg Award Recipient Maite Alberdi.

Best of the Nest 2023

It’s been an amazing year of remarkable growth here at Chicken & Egg Pictures as we put our 2023–2025 Strategic Plan into action. We are excited to share with you our Best of the Nest, a showcase of the incredible work we were able to accomplish in 2023, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing team, the guidance of our supportive Board Members, and the generous backing from our supporters.

This year’s Best of the Nest features a summary of our year with impressive numbers, a celebration of our filmmakers and the remarkable stories they tell,  an update and spotlight on all of our programs, and, of course, a heartfelt thank you to all of those who make our work possible. 

Thank you for being a valued member of our community.

Announcing Nekisa Cooper as our Board President!

Chicken & Egg Pictures announced today via Realscreen that Nekisa Cooper will succeed Julie Parker Benello as President of its Board of Directors. Nekisa, who joined the Board of Directors in 2021 and has served as Vice President since January 2023, will assume the new role as of January 1, 2024.

Julie co-founded Chicken & Egg Pictures with Wendy Ettinger and Judith Helfand in 2005. She served as the first Board President, a role she has held since the Board of Directors was established in 2016, and will continue as a member of the Board. 

Nekisa is a creative producer and content executive who has dedicated her career to elevating under-recognized voices. Her producing credits include two Chicken & Egg Pictures supported films, the feature film Pariah, which is part of the Criterion Collection and the American National Film Registry, and the Sundance Channel documentary Eventual Salvation. She was most recently Vice President of Content at MasterClass, the number one e-learning brand. Under her leadership, the industry-disrupting library was built from a concept to over 175 MasterClasses featuring diverse figures as Hillary Clinton, Mira Nair, Spike Lee, Roxane Gay, Massimo Bottura, Stephen Curry, and Shonda Rhimes. 

In addition to co-founding Chicken & Egg Pictures, Julie is the founder of Secret Sauce Media. She produced Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert’s Academy Award® winning feature documentary American Factory and Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk’s Emmy® Award winning Athlete A. Most recently, she produced longtime collaborator Judith Helfand’s Love & Stuff as well as Sarah Jones’ feature debut Sell Buy Date.

Jenni Wolfson, CEO of Chicken & Egg Pictures said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Nekisa Cooper as the new President of the Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Board of Directors. And we are immensely grateful to Julie Parker Benello–a force in the documentary field and a champion of women and non-binary filmmakers–for her exemplary leadership serving as Board President. Julie’s generosity and commitment to the organization is evidenced by her continuing role as Board Director.”

She continued:

“Nekisa has a long relationship with the organization. First as a grantee, then, the first-ever recipient of the Chicken & Egg Pictures Creative Producing Award in 2012, and as a board member over the past two years. Her expertise in storytelling, producing, documentary film, management, and strategic thinking will be tremendously valuable to the organization. I am honored to be expanding our collaboration with Nekisa in this next chapter of the organization.”

Nekisa Cooper said: 

“I’m honored to deepen my service to the Chicken & Egg Pictures mission, staff, board, and our filmmakers. Meeting Julie, Judith, and Wendy during my early career was critical because it was incredibly challenging for an outsider, particularly a lesbian woman of color, to create impactful work and build a sustainable career. Being a board member over the past two years has brought my journey full circle and given me the valuable opportunity to witness their transformational outcomes and radically thoughtful ways of working. I’m thrilled to build upon Julie’s leadership and to support Chicken & Egg in fostering a more gender-inclusive industry.” 

Julie Parker Benello said: 

“I’m delighted to pass the baton as Board President of Chicken & Egg Pictures to Nekisa, whom I have long admired as a creative producer with her business background and acumen, strategic mind, and depth of character. I am excited to see where the organization goes next under Nekisa’s board leadership, particularly as we broaden our work to serve greater numbers of filmmakers. Nekisa is the right person for the job at this juncture in Chicken & Egg’s history. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside her and my fellow board members of the organization I co-founded and love dearly.”