Shutterstock and Pond5 are thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of our partnership with Made In Her Image—an organization committed to shaping the next generation of filmmakers. We sat with the founder of MIHI to discuss the impact it is having on the creative industry.
Here, you’ll find:
Shutterstock Expands Partnership with Made In Her Image (MIHI)
At Shutterstock and Pond5, we believe that the most authentic content emerges when diverse voices are behind the camera. That’s why we’re dedicated to expanding opportunities for the creators of tomorrow, ensuring that often-overlooked stories are told in ways that resonate with a broader audience.
Which is why we’re thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of our partnership with Made In Her Image (MIHI). We’re contributing $5,000 and providing participants in MIHI’s Open Lens film labs—who are shaping the next generation of filmmakers—with free access to our extensive content library.
This initiative will support their film creation and offer invaluable resources. Additionally, we will collaborate with MIHI to provide mentorship and educational support to these emerging filmmakers, helping them hone their skills and pursue their careers.
Since 2018, MIHI has been at the forefront of empowering young women, girls of color, and genderqueer individuals, working with industry leaders like A24, Disney, and Panavision to deliver transformative educational programs and grassroots support.
Despite the challenges faced by Black women-run nonprofits, MIHI has remained steadfast, using their new Open Lens film curriculum to host an inaugural film lab where 25 mentees created their own films with expert guidance in just two days.
With Shutterstock and Pond5’s support, MIHI will continue to amplify the voices of these young filmmakers and advance their mission of fostering diverse talent in the creative industry.
Our Interview with Malakai, Founder of MIHI
We sat with Malaki, the founder of MIHI to talk about the impact the organization is having on the creative industry.
What inspired you to start MIHI, and what’s the story behind its creation?
Growing up in Arizona, there wasn’t much diversity, especially in the world of Black filmmakers. As a young Black woman pursuing a career in filmmaking, I often felt isolated, struggling to find a safe space where I belonged.
At the same time, I was working full-time as a STEM educator and programmer, and I saw firsthand how challenging it was to bring other young women of color into creative spaces, like workshops or camps, because those spaces simply didn’t exist for us. I wanted to create something different—a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for young people who are often overlooked.
MIHI was born from that desire to carve out a space where young women and non-binary creatives of color could come together, share their stories, and build a community that truly sees them. It’s about breaking down barriers and making sure these young storytellers have the resources and support they need to thrive.
As we began our movement, it started humbly with a single workshop in 2018 in Arizona, where we laid the foundation for what MIHI could become. That same year, we expanded to Los Angeles, partnering with CAA to reach even more young creatives.
Since then, MIHI has grown into a force within the industry, building collaborations with giants like A24, Universal, Disney, Panavision, Converse, Sundance, and more. These partnerships have been instrumental in providing our students with unparalleled opportunities, resources, and mentorship.
Now, we’re thrilled to unveil a new chapter in our journey by offering the Open Lens curriculum and programming, designed to fast-track equity within filmmaking. Our mission is to ensure that young women and non-binary creators of color are not just included but empowered to lead and thrive in an industry where their voices have historically been underrepresented.
We are ready to push forward, creating a lasting impact that will reshape the future of storytelling.
How are the Open Lens film labs helping to move MIHI’s mission forward?
The Open Lens film labs are a cornerstone of MIHI’s mission, providing young filmmakers with the resources, mentorship, and technical skills they need to bring their visions to life. Our custom curriculum book, The Opens Workbook, has become a standout favorite among students.
One participant shared, “The shot list helped the director realize how they want it to look.” While another said, “The strategizing section helped get ideas out and onto paper.”
We’ve seen that 95% of our students learned new skills and thoroughly enjoyed the program, and 100% are eager to return for a longer camp. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing that we’ve created a unique and powerful program.
For example, the quality of the films our students produced using our curriculum in just two days is nothing short of phenomenal. These results reaffirm that we’re on the right track in fostering growth and creativity for the next generation of filmmakers.
There are countless success stories that illustrate MIHI’s impact. Zahra, for example, attended our Open Lens camp and is now applying to top film schools like NYU and USC.
Another participant shared how their mentor helped them break out of their shell, saying, “My mentor helped me step out of my comfort zone and made me feel like I was the best actor ever.”
These stories, along with the fact that 95% of our students learned new skills, show that MIHI is providing real opportunities for growth, both creatively and professionally.
How do you think the partnership with Shutterstock and Pond5 will impact MIHI and its participants in the long run?
Partnering with Shutterstock and Pond5 is a significant step forward for MIHI and our students. Being able to use these powerful platforms to provide our young filmmakers with access to high-quality stock footage, sound, and media resources that dramatically elevate their projects.
It’s not just about aesthetics—this access allows our participants to produce work that meets professional standards, which is essential for building competitive portfolios in the industry. The foundation of this partnership has been grounded, authentic, and truly supportive from the start.
In 2022, during Juneteenth, Shutterstock awarded MIHI a grant that kickstarted our relationship. This support wasn’t just financial—it symbolized a shared commitment to uplifting diverse voices in filmmaking. The partnership has continued to grow with authenticity, helping us give our students the tools they need to succeed on a professional level.
In the long run, partnerships like these will empower our participants to create industry-standard films and set them up for long-term success in their careers. It’s about breaking down barriers and providing real opportunities for growth and achievement in a competitive industry.
What are some other ways companies or organizations can get involved and support MIHI’s mission beyond just making a financial contribution?
As we expand our Open Lens program with the goal of establishing three official camps across the U.S., we are ready to move forward but also recognize the importance of creating long-term programs that give students the sustained nurturing they deserve.
Supporting these camps is essential, and companies can contribute in various ways beyond financial donations. Offering internships, mentorship opportunities, or access to industry-grade equipment can have a profound impact on these young filmmakers.
One participant shared, “I really thought it was a great camp, I just wish it lasted longer.” By partnering with us, companies can help extend these opportunities, hosting workshops or creating platforms for our students to showcase their work.
Together, we can ensure these young creatives have the ongoing support and resources they need to grow and succeed, building a strong network that nurtures the next generation of filmmakers for the long term.
The Importance of Authentic Content
At Shutterstock, authenticity is key. We strive to provide this in each and every arena we participate in and contribute to.
From the images and footage in our extensive library to artists we choose in our Create Fund program, as well as our innovative Shutterstock Studios partnerships and in-house hub for ideation and custom content production—authenticity is our goal.
Here are just a few examples of our commitment to this goal:
Cover image courtesy of Made In Her Image.
This post was originally published onSeptember 13, 2024
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