A Beacon for Emerging Talent: The Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award

Now in its seventh year, the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award has solidified its position as a vital incubator for cinematic excellence. This initiative is a collaborative masterpiece, bringing together the financial backing and cultural commitment of Deutsche Bank with the artistic vision of Frieze Los Angeles and the educational prowess of Ghetto Film School. The partnership is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic alliance designed to identify, support, and elevate filmmakers who are poised to make significant contributions to the industry.

Frieze, renowned globally for its leading art fairs in London, New York, and Seoul, established its Los Angeles presence as a natural extension of its mission to celebrate contemporary art and culture. Recognizing the profound intersection between visual art and cinema, the institution wisely integrated a dedicated film award, acknowledging Los Angeles’s unparalleled legacy as the heart of the film industry. Deutsche Bank, with its long-standing tradition of supporting arts and culture worldwide, found a perfect synergy in this program. Their involvement extends beyond financial contribution, embodying a shared belief in the power of creative expression to drive social discourse and cultural enrichment.

The Ghetto Film School (GFS) plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. Founded on the principle of educating, developing, and celebrating the next generation of storytellers, GFS provides unparalleled access and training to young people from underserved communities. Their curriculum is rigorous, focusing on practical filmmaking skills alongside critical thinking and creative development. The collaboration with Frieze and Deutsche Bank offers GFS fellows an extraordinary platform, bridging the gap between education and professional opportunity, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and amplified within the competitive film landscape.

“El Rio Nuestro” and “Julian”: Stories of Renewal and Resilience

Joey Bueno Breese’s “El Rio Nuestro” stood out to the jury, earning him the top prize. While specific details of the film’s plot are often kept under wraps before wider release, its title, translating to “Our River,” evokes themes of connection, journey, and the lifeblood of communities. Given the award’s overarching theme of “Renewal and Resilience,” it is plausible that Breese’s film explores the intricate relationship between people and their environment, perhaps delving into historical narratives, cultural heritage, or the challenges and triumphs faced by communities tied to a specific landscape. Such stories often serve as powerful metaphors for human endurance and the capacity for growth even in the face of adversity. The $10,000 prize provides not only financial relief but also a significant validation of Breese’s artistic vision, enabling him to pursue future projects with greater momentum and visibility.

Devin O’Guinn’s “Julian,” receiving the $2,500 Audience Award, resonated deeply with the festival-goers. The Audience Award is particularly significant as it reflects the unfiltered sentiment of the public, demonstrating a film’s ability to connect on an emotional and visceral level. The title “Julian” suggests a character-driven narrative, potentially an intimate portrait of an individual’s journey through transformation, struggle, or self-discovery. In the context of “Renewal and Resilience,” “Julian” might explore personal battles, the rebuilding of lives, or the quiet strength found in everyday existence. O’Guinn’s success in capturing the hearts of the audience is a testament to the universal appeal of his storytelling and his ability to craft narratives that feel authentic and relatable.

The Distinguished Panel: Guiding the Future of Film

The selection process for the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award is overseen by a jury composed of esteemed professionals from across the film and art worlds, ensuring a rigorous and insightful evaluation of submissions. This year’s jury was a powerhouse of talent and expertise, including Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and producer Connie Britton, celebrated for her nuanced performances and her advocacy for compelling storytelling. Her presence on the jury brings a profound understanding of narrative impact and character development.

Joining her were Claudio de Sanctis, Head of Private Bank and member of the Management Board at Deutsche Bank, representing the institution’s commitment to cultural patronage; Ché Chisholm, Chief Executive Officer of Ghetto Film School, whose leadership ensures the program stays true to its mission of empowering diverse voices; Oscar-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel, known for his powerful documentary work that often tackles global issues with profound humanity; and Jorge Villon, founder of Grace Lab, a creative agency dedicated to fostering artistic innovation. This diverse panel, comprising artists, executives, and educators, brings a multifaceted perspective to the judging process, valuing both artistic merit and social relevance.

Their collective experience and discerning eyes are crucial in identifying films that not only demonstrate technical proficiency but also possess a unique voice and a compelling vision, particularly those that align with the year’s thematic focus on “Renewal and Resilience.” This theme, chosen for its contemporary relevance, invites filmmakers to explore how individuals and communities navigate change, overcome adversity, and find new purpose in a rapidly evolving world. It’s a call to examine the human spirit’s capacity for adaptation and growth, making the selected films particularly timely and resonant.

“In its seventh year, the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award continues to spotlight filmmakers whose work reflects the courage and imagination of this city,” said Christine Messineo, Frieze director for the Americas. “This year, the films respond to the theme of Renewal and Resilience in deeply personal and socially aware ways – from confronting histories to finding new purpose. The fellows remind us that storytelling is a vital tool for transformation, both for the artist and the community.”

Messineo’s statement eloquently captures the essence of the award: it’s not merely about recognizing talent, but about fostering a dialogue between art and society. The films chosen are not just aesthetic achievements; they are powerful vehicles for exploring complex human experiences and societal challenges, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring introspection. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of Frieze itself, which consistently seeks to push the boundaries of artistic expression and engage with contemporary issues.

An Incubator for the Next Generation of Storytellers

The impact of the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award extends far beyond the financial prizes. Since its inception in 2019, the program has supported over 40 fellows, effectively serving as a critical incubator for next-generation talent within the film industry. For many emerging filmmakers, securing initial funding and gaining professional exposure are monumental hurdles. This award program addresses both, providing a vital launchpad for careers that might otherwise struggle to gain traction. The opportunity to have their work showcased online and at a prestigious event like Frieze Los Angeles offers unparalleled visibility, connecting these artists with potential collaborators, producers, and audiences worldwide.

Beyond the immediate benefits, the program fosters a sense of community among the fellows. They become part of a network of supported artists, often leading to peer mentorship, collaborative projects, and a shared journey through the challenges and triumphs of a creative career. This long-term support system is invaluable, especially in an industry that thrives on connections and sustained creative output. The commitment to diversity in storytelling is also paramount, ensuring that the narratives emerging from Los Angeles are as rich and varied as the city itself.

“In celebrating the 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze LA Film Awards, I extend my warmest congratulations to Joey Bueno Breese, this year’s Jury Award recipient, and to Devin O’Guinn, honored with the Audience Award,” stated Claudio de Sanctis. “Their work leaves a lasting impression on all who engage with it. At Deutsche Bank, we are proud to champion artists whose creativity challenges and enriches cinematic expression.”

De Sanctis’s words reiterate Deutsche Bank’s deep-seated belief in the transformative power of art. Their support is not just a philanthropic gesture but an investment in the cultural fabric of society, recognizing that film, like other art forms, plays a crucial role in reflecting, questioning, and shaping our world. By championing artists whose work is both challenging and enriching, Deutsche Bank and Frieze LA are actively contributing to a more vibrant, diverse, and thoughtful cinematic future.

The Future of Film: Los Angeles Leading the Way

The success of the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award program highlights the city’s continuous evolution as a global hub for creative industries. While deeply rooted in its Hollywood history, Los Angeles is also a dynamic incubator for independent and experimental filmmaking, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing new forms of storytelling. This award reinforces that identity, positioning Los Angeles not just as a place where films are made, but where new cinematic voices are discovered and nurtured.

For aspiring female filmmakers, in particular, programs like this offer invaluable opportunities. By celebrating diverse narratives and providing equitable platforms, the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award contributes to a more inclusive industry, ensuring that women’s perspectives and stories are given the prominence they deserve. The emphasis on socially aware themes like “Renewal and Resilience” further empowers filmmakers to address pressing issues, fostering a cinema that is not only entertaining but also profoundly impactful.

As Joey Bueno Breese and Devin O’Guinn embark on the next chapters of their filmmaking journeys, they do so with the significant backing of a program that champions innovation, diversity, and the profound power of storytelling. Their films, “El Rio Nuestro” and “Julian,” now stand as powerful testaments to the vibrant creativity flourishing in Los Angeles, promising a future where cinema continues to inspire, challenge, and connect us all.