MARIA BOZZI, Senior Director, Film Independent, USA

Maria Raquel Bozzi is the Senior Director of Film Education & International Initiatives at Film Independent. Under her leadership, the Film Education Department produces over 150 events a year, bringing together over 250 guest speakers representing the best professionals in the independent film community. Bozzi has also spearheaded several international initiatives for Film Independent in Mexico, France, China, Saudi Arabia and Australia and is currently leading Global Media Makers, an innovative mentoring program that connects visual storytellers from around the world with U.S. entertainment professionals; and Film Arabi, an online film education series to serve aspiring filmmakers in the Arab region. As an independent filmmaker, her filmography includes the short Instructions for Crying; the documentary ‘Palenque: Un Canto’ and ‘The Colombia We Never Left.’

In addition to producing, directing, and editing her own projects, she has also worked as an associate producer for public television documentaries and as a writer of educational films. Bozzi holds an MFA in Film and Television Production from UCLA and taught film and video production in colleges and universities throughout Los Angeles for seven years.

INSTITUTE PROFILE

For over 38 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit’s mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Weekly Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. While working to make the entertainment industry more inclusive, Film Independent provides access to a network of like- minded artists.

Apart from producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs, and signature mentorship program Project Involve that fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities.