Highways Lab

The Highways Lab Filmmakers Program

  • Created by Producer Olga Segura in collaboration with Rideback RISE, with major support from Adobe
  • Supports advanced filmmakers on their next feature film project
  • Provides valuable capital to make a short film and marketing materials representing the  commercial creative vision of the feature
  • 4 directors are selected annually to receive a $50k grant, mentorship, access to production resources, and travel to the Sundance Film Festival to amplify industry touchpoints
  • 6 filmmakers to date will have access to a Development financing fund to help fortify the film’s creative and production assets (i.e. script, budget) for potential investors/partners on the road to the production phase

Created by producer Olga Segura in collaboration with Rideback RISE, with major support from Adobe, this initiative supports advanced filmmakers developing their next feature film.

Each year, four directors receive a $50,000 grant, mentorship, production resources, and travel to the Sundance Film Festival to build industry momentum.The program also helps filmmakers create a short film, marketing materials, and key development assets that strengthen the creative and production vision of their feature on the path to financing and production.

Cohorts

Aitch Alberto

2025

Isabel Castro

2024

Yolanda Cruz

2024

Ana Maria Hermida

2025

Omar S. Kamara

2025

Aristotle Torres

2025

Gloria Schoemann Program

Named after Gloria Schoemann, one of the most prolific film editors in history, the program provides expert training, mentorship, and visibility for the award-winning editors shaping tomorrow’s stories

  • A two-week curated master class program empowering bilingual (Spanish/English) intermediate editors to refine their storytelling skills
  • Led by industry experts and top filmmakers, the fellowship helps editors elevate their craft and fully harness the power of Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Each fellow receives a $15,000 grant and a living stipend as financial support during the fellowship, based out of LA’s iconic Rideback Ranch in historic Filipinotown
  • 4 editors are selected annually; 8 Highways Lab fellows have participated to date

Cohorts

Alejandra Armijo

2024

Daniel Chávez-Ontiveros

2025

Mario Fierro

2024

Salvador Pérez García

2025

Alma Herrera-Pazmiño

2025

Daniela I. Quiroz

2025

Mónica Salazar

2025

Maria Gabriela Torres

2024