Athena Film Festival at Barnard College announces a new partnership with AMC Networks. "AMC Networks Athena Emerging Writers Fellowship" will provide $10,000 to an up-and-coming writer working on a women centered TV project in the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab along with a writers' room experience at AMC Networks on an upcoming series.

"This year's National Women's History Month's theme celebrates those who have committed their lives to building a more inclusive future by eliminating barriers to opportunity and access in our industries and institutions," said Naila McKenzie, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at AMC Networks.  "It's in this spirit that we are proud to partner with the Athena Film Festival in creating pathways for emerging creatives to refine their craft through meaningful connections and experiences, while amplifying women-centered narratives."

"This partnership with AMC Networks is an exciting new step for Athena's Creative Development Program. Previously, we have never had direct funding go to a television writer in one of our programs. This fellowship will not only provide funding, but an excellent opportunity for this writer to experience the industry in a way they have not been able to before. We are thrilled to continue awarding fellowships to writers who have traditionally been excluded from industry opportunities and who are working on projects centering women's leadership" said Melissa Silverstein, co-founder and Artistic Director of AFF and founder of Women and Hollywood.

Submissions for the Athena Film Festival Writers Lab will open in June of 2024. To learn more about the AFF Writers Lab and Athena's Creative Development Program, visit https://athenafilmfestival.com. The fellow will be selected and announced in the fall.