America's most unusual summer, and how we're coping with pride, food, and film

As the month of June is wrapping up we wanted to give it it’s moment it truly deserves. It’s the season of self-expression, political upheaval, and an exceptionally hot summer, and we at NFA are in just as much disbelief as you. Despite Donald Trump’s attempts to steal the spotlight during Pride Month with his military parade birthday party (Donny, this is not your time to shine), he managed to strengthen celebrations of pride around the country on his 79th birthday as protestors sported signs with the phrase “No kings, YAS QUEENS!” and repping the rainbow flag. As we look back at America’s political past, we can see patterns recurring and history repeating itself. One of our monthly highlights Major Americana illustrates this powerful message, and we’re majorly proud to support films that uplift and empower people from all walks of life.

Predictably, Donald “Diva” Trump spent the whole day pouting, but we didn’t. In fact, the NFA team celebrated Pride across the US, from Jersey to Maryland to California. We went to parades, held our friends close, and learned about some of our new favorite films! We loved Come As You Are and Your Love is Burning, both of which taught us more about the queer community. We’ve been focusing on everything summer has to offer: eating good food, dancing, learning about new cultures. Of course, we were inspired by the best: we learned to flamenco dance from Lola and Julia in Corahe, and we’ve been craving Chinese food since watching Lucky Fish.

This June, take some time to appreciate film and be joyful! After all, it’s summer and we deserve a break.

New Month, New Muses. Experience the Visionaries Shaping Tomorrow. 

In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to find our place in society, turn to Lucky Fish for solace and comfort. Writer and director Emily May Jampel (@emilymayjampel) takes us on an 8-minute journey of intense self discovery, connection, and identity exploration. Through an Asian-American lens, the film delves into what it looks like to overcome familial expectations and create a new path.

We all constantly struggle to balance work and life, life and love. Corahe is the story of Lola and Julia, partners in love and flamenco. When the conflict arises of whether a life of uncertainty is worth their relationship, we see them struggle to decide which sacrifices are justifiable. Director Lucia Roman Canivell (@thisislalusi) examines Sevilla’s rich culture and its relationship to queerness in this must-see short film.

Come As You Are offers a deep, personal examination into the world a young man with HIV in a modern time. Filled with emotion, angst, and mistrust, writer and director LaQuan Lewis (@lqnlws) delves into the responsibility that is forced upon those with HIV, and what it looks like to navigate that responsibility socially, with family, and with partners.

Corey Joon Clark’s (@cjoonclark) film Major Americana looks into struggles of an African-American past through a tarot card reading. As writer, director, and cinematographer, Clark has crafted a powerful statement on the treatment of African-Americans in the United States while offering message of hope for the future. A topic that remains pertinent in our perpetually discriminatory society, this film is an attention-deserving and necessary commentary.

A young individual struggles to define love under the prejudices of Moroccan ideology in Your Love is Burning. Exploring the world around them and their own beliefs, the film’s protagonist analyzes the relationship between religion and love. Directed by Balkis Guetta Benouachkou (@guettabalkis) and shot in Marrakech, this film offers unique insight into how Moroccan society grapples with diversity.

Whatever vibe you find yourself in, trust that NextFoundArtist has exactly what you need. Stay up to date with us by following us on social media!

NextFoundArtist Is Getting a Major Upgrade🤩! 

Filmmakers, this is your moment! 🎬 With NextFoundArtist’s newly upgraded platform, sharing your work has never been easier—or more exciting. Whether you're a student or an independent filmmaker, you can showcase your journey alongside your friends’ and connect with a growing creative community. From powerful new features to a seamless viewing experience, our platform is built to spotlight your storytelling. Submit your journey with us to be amplified and be part of something bigger!

Interested in learning more about us? Fancy a chat? Reply to this email with your questions, and we’ll get right back to you😊

The Found Artist Files: Inside Filmmakers’ Journeys Podcast

We are launching a brand-new podcast where we sit down with incredible people from all sectors of the film industry to hear their stories—how they got started, the challenges they faced, and lessons they’ve learned along the way.

It would be rude of us to drop this without giving you a sneak peek of some of our upcoming guests:

• Violette Trotter (@violettetrotter) Casting director, producer (A24, NEON, Hulu etc)

• Lindsey Normington (@lindsey.bug) Actress in Academy Award-winning film Anora 

• Lily Lady (@ladylilz) Writer, and director

• Evan O’Brien (@eobmusicandfilm) Development Coordinator at NEON

• Logan Miller (@loganmiller) Actor, musician, and filmmaker, Ultimate Spider-Man, A Dog’s Purpose, Love, Simon, and more

• Robert Kolondy (@robertkolodny) Director (The Featherweight) and cinematographer (Pavements), Emmy-winner for Frankie Cooks

Keep your eye out for the first episode releasing on July 9th available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Do you know someone whose journey could inspire and uplift our community? Share their story with us! After all, secrets secrets are no fun unless they’re shared with everyone🤗 Whether it’s you or someone else, we’re here to cheer on those who are their own biggest supporters!