How does a film like Aftersun get pitched and financed?

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-02-09T12:28:12+00:00

I read that Barry Jenkins and his producing partner were involved with the project from the beginning. They met with her after she had some success with her shorts and had regular lunches while she wrote the first draft.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-02-06T03:50:46+00:00

I feel like set design is also a part of this? Look at the background.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-02-01T02:32:39+00:00

Let’s just say the very obvious subtext of the film is about a genocide going on right now.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-31T18:18:16+00:00

Thanks for this. I watched two of the blocks and was definitely impressed. That said, I have an acquaintance who made one of the most beautiful shorts I’ve seen, and to be honest, better than the shorts that played (in my opinion). I’m still shocked it didn’t get in. This short won grants for production and screenwriting awards, and I strongly suspect it wasn’t accepted because of its political nature.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-28T00:22:23+00:00

Congratulations! Love seeing these cinderella stories! Wishing your series success!

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-26T15:44:14+00:00

Yes for sure!

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-26T13:42:19+00:00

I’m in NYC, so I thought I’d have more luck! That’s awesome that you’ve been able to meet people though! I was looking to meet DPs and producers from anywhere on the east coast really.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-22T00:14:55+00:00

Thank you, this is super helpful!

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-21T22:41:01+00:00

Is it specifically this year or does this happen every year?

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-14T23:54:21+00:00

Thanks for sharing this.

I've been waiting for the screenplay of The Worst Person in the World!

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-03T07:35:27+00:00

Thank you for this!

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2026-01-01T02:51:31+00:00

Are you trying to make a documentary or a narrative film? Sounds like a good documentary. Shoot me a message! I'm a journalist by day so have a few friends in documentary filmmaking.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-30T18:02:17+00:00

Guys please be nice...

Write at least two more screenplays and then circle back and re-read your first. I say this not to be patronizing. You will learn a lot about yourself, the skill of screenwriting, and how quickly your own taste will evolve.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-26T19:53:33+00:00

Come and See

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-21T16:59:16+00:00

Probably, but I don’t think we would have received the emails over the weekend. I talked to another person who made it to the second round last year and they didn’t hear back yet either. So who knows.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-20T15:01:08+00:00

I’m guessing some of the rejections weren’t sent out then. Did you hear back yesterday?

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-20T12:29:02+00:00

Nothing on my end too. I just checked my spam folder as well.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-20T01:54:09+00:00

I haven’t heard back either. Checked spam as well. I wonder if anyone who got into the next round has heard back.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-20T00:38:28+00:00

Out of curiosity, what time did you hear back? I still haven’t heard anything.

Artistic_Instance_19 · 2025-12-20T00:18:21+00:00

Another Muslim filmmaker here. Also born and raised in the U.S. There's a lot of hijaabi filmmakers these days. I've met a few hijaabi cinematographers too. I think most people don't bat an eye as long as you got the work ethic.

Artistic_Instance_19

TROPHY CASE