Media Mentorship Program
Washington Filmworks piloted its first Workforce Development Program, the Media Mentorship Program, offering folks from BIPOC and underrepresented communities access to film education, one-on-one mentorships, and the opportunity to work as a production assistant on one of Washington Filmworks approved productions.
Thank you to our inaugural cohort — meet them below!
Aaron Jin (any)
Aaron Jin is an aspiring young film professional and storyteller. An enthusiasm to learn makes him a pleasure on sets of all sizes. Aaron’s artistic passion is in stories centered in humor or humanity, particularly in BIPOC or queer narratives. He recently produced the indie short Stormy Skies (NFFTY premiere 2019) and wrote the libretto…
Daniel Chang (he/him)
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Daniel Chang moved to Seattle in 2015 and eventually found his way into the local film industry. He is a graduate of the San Francisco State University cinema program, and is eager to continue working in production. Daniel especially likes emotionally intense narratives that put QTBIPOC…
Anikka Se’a Suguitan (she/her)
Anikka Se’a Suguitan is a screenwriter and filmmaker currently residing in Spokane, Washington. Her passion for film grew intensely after she moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2013. She is currently a production assistant while she continues to thrive towards a BA in Film Production. She strives to gain as much experience on set as…
Frances Grace Mortel (she/her)
Frances Grace Mortel is a photographer and filmmaker, born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She studied in University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) and worked as art director/production designer for several film and television projects. She moved to Spokane, Washington in 2016 and completed the Digital Media Production program at Spokane Falls Community College…
Monica Anegbeode (she/her)
Born and raised in Washington’s Eastside, Monica Anegbeode is a graduate of Howard University’s Africana Studies program. She has been working as a production assistant on various sets along the west coast while expanding her creative experience. Despite an involvement in theater from a young age, a college minor in Theater Arts exposed her to…
Ha’aheo Auwae-Dekker (they/them)
Ha’aheo Auwae-Dekker is a 21-year-old artist and filmmaker currently attending Seattle University where they study filmmaking. Ha’aheo works as an apprentice in the Northwest Film Forum company, Remove the Gap Productions. They are an intentional creator with an emphasis on their Indigenous experience in the world and hope to create films that reflect a world…