The Dandelion Institute and Alma Film Festival Continue Their Work to Amplify Voices from the Global South, Through Their Film & Television Fellowship

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The Dandelion Institute, in collaboration with the Alma Global Community Development Corporation, proudly continues its Film & Television Fellowship—an ambitious initiative dedicated to empowering visionary filmmakers from the Global South and other historically underrepresented regions. The fellowship equips them with the tools, mentorship, and a platform to tell stories that are more authentic, accurate, and complete—broadening our understanding of the vast kaleidoscope of human experience.

This four-phase fellowship integrates creative development, business strategy, and cutting-edge technology to prepare participants for sustainable, market-ready careers. Each year, 6–10 filmmaking teams are selected to receive intensive mentorship, hands-on production training, and exclusive access to global industry leaders—along with opportunities to expand their audiences and amplify their impact.

“This fellowship is about more than making films,” says Anthony R Page, Festival Director of the Alma Film Festival and Founder of The Dandelion Institute. “It’s about making space—space for stories that haven’t been heard, for perspectives that expand our understanding of one another, and for careers that can truly thrive on the global stage.”

Alongside the Alma Global Community Development Corporation, the fellowship is supported by:

  • Diana Lynch Grissette and her team at Soule Reserve (Samana, Dominican Republic)

  • Nigel Miguel and his team at Belize Global Media (Belize City, Belize)

  • Nosipho Maketo van den Bragt and her team at The Chocolate Tribe (Johannesburg, South Africa)

The program will culminate in a special showcase during the debut of the Alma Film Festival, taking place from March 17 to 22, 2026, in Las Terrenas, Samaná Province, Dominican Republic, where fellows will present their work to industry stakeholders, collaborators, and the general public.

In Today’s Shifting Social Landscape, Action is Not Optional—it is Essential.

We cannot do this work alone. We are calling on sponsors, partners, and volunteers to stand with us. Your support powers the training, production, and opportunities these filmmakers need to thrive.

Make an Immediate Impact
You can play a direct role in shaping this work. Donate to our campaign and help us deliver at the highest level—ensuring these vital stories reach the audiences who need them most.

Meet the Inaugural Fellows

Our cohort includes filmmakers from Honduras, South Africa, Jamaica, Lesotho, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands whose work spans narrative film, documentary, animation, and experimental cinema.

  • Joe Ramos (Honduras) – First Black director in Honduras’s film industry; Garifuna heritage.

  • Athi Petela (South Africa) – Known for a distinct creative voice and storytelling depth.

  • Khotso Jaden Maphathe (Lesotho) – Multi-disciplinary artist shaping Lesotho’s creative landscape.

  • Tumeli Toqota (Fiji) – Creator of Fiji’s first animated film.

  • Regina & Georgianna Lepping (Solomon Islands) – Pioneering women building a film economy from scratch.

  • Kurt & Noelle Wright (Jamaica) – Writer/director and actor/producer duo exploring Jamaican mythology.

Global Council of Culture 

In a time when many turn inward, we are choosing to reach outward—bridging cultures, building community, and creating a global cinematic movement rooted in compassion, cultural diplomacy, and collective growth. ~ Anthony R Page

At the heart of the Alma Film Festival is the Global Council of Culture—a vibrant network of cultural visionaries, industry innovators, and thought leaders spanning 46 cities in 31 countries. From the beginning, we have been intentional about building this far-reaching community so that every program, partnership, and initiative reflects the rich diversity and depth of the Global South.

Our council brings together scholars, film industry professionals, cultural architects, and business leaders whose expertise, perspectives, and lived experiences offer invaluable insight into shaping the festival’s direction and global impact.

Direct support for our fellowship has come from a wide range of respected professionals across the film, media, and creative industries, including:

  • Alahna Lark - CEO of Lark Media / Executive Director of Signify TV and SigniFest
  • Alicia Godsmasch - Film and TV Producer
  • Brandon Rochon - Co-Founder of the Fluent Group
  • Brian Owens - Co-Founder of the Fluent Group
  • Glenn Callwood - Producer / Production Coordinator
  • Karl Carter - CEO of Snake Nation
  • Lacy Lew Nguyen Wright - President of Artemisia Arts
  • Leland Benford - Director at Cupcake Rapture Studios
  • Deshuna Spencer - Founder/CEO of kweliTV
  • Niah Humphrey - Associate Producer at CNN International
  • Otis Sallid - Producer, Director, and Choreographer
  • Phaedra Dill-Benford - Producer - Story Analyst at Netflix - Co-Owner of Cupcake Rapture Studios
  • Rahmon Rose - Art Director and Set Dresser

Special thanks to the Alma Film Festival Leadership team, which includes:

  • Diana Lynch Grissette - CEO of Soule Reserve
  • Dr. Boisha Wofford - Editor-in-Chief of Afro-Mosaic Cinema Journal
  • Dr. Latangela Crossfield - Executive Producer
  • Michael Marable - Senior Technical Program Manager - The Sarah Edwin Group 
  • Ohema Divine (Latesha Wiggins) - Assistant Editor at Afro-Mosaic Cinema Journal
  • Sherrie Snipes-Williams - CEO at Charleston Promise Neighborhood
  • Stephanie Wade - Founder of J.S. Real Estate
  • Steve A. Clincy - CPA
  • Yolanda L. Chase - Executive Director of Intersect Global Leadership Institute
  • Sarah Pate - Intern
  • Taylor J. Davis - Intern
  • Trey Newton III - Intern
Pillars of Purpose

Our work is guided by six core commitments:
Conversation. Connection. Community. Collaboration. Cultural Diplomacy. Collective Growth.

In everything we do, we strive to spark conversations that cultivate meaningful connections and strengthen our sense of community. From this shared foundation, we hope to inspire greater collaboration, leading to cultural diplomacy and collective growth.

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A Complete Look at Anthony's Background


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