EXCLUSIVE: Film Independent has named the trio of program alumni set for their 2026 Changemaker Award.

The creatives set to be recognized for their contributions to the independent film and television landscape are filmmakers Alysa Nahmias (Cookie Queens) and Robbie Pickering (Gaslit) and editor Harry Yoon (Michael). They’ll be feted at Film Independent’s 23rd Artist Development Showcase, an annual celebration of short films made by Film Independent-supported filmmakers, which this year will take place at the DGA Theater on July 21.

Nahmias comes to receive the Changemaker Award after participating in Film Independent’s 2013 Fast Track finance market and 2020 Documentary Lab. Pickering was part of the 2006 Screenwriting Lab, the 2007 Directing Lab and the 2007 Fast Track finance market. Yoon, meanwhile, took part in Project Involve in 2004.

“We are proud to celebrate visionary artists whose bold storytelling expands our cultural landscape and whose commitment to mentorship ensures a vibrant future,” said Angela C. Lee, Film Independent’s Director of Artist Development. “Alysa Nahmias, Robbie Pickering and Harry Yoon exemplify artistic excellence, generosity and impact, demonstrating what it means to lead as changemakers in our industry.”

Past recipients of the Changemaker Award include Academy Award nominees Smriti Mundhra and Pamela Ribon; Independent Spirit Award nominee Tze Chun and winners Andrew Ahn and Jomo Fray; Peabody Award winner Grace Lee; SXSW Audience Award winner Linda Yvette Chávez; Sundance Director of Programming Kim Yutani; and Hartbeat Vice President of Films Aaron T. Edmonds.

Films screening at this year’s Artist Development Showcase include:

Living with a Visionary
Producer, Mireira Vilanova (Project Involve 2021)

After 50 years of marriage, John must care for his wife while learning to live alongside her vivid hallucinations.

Permanent Guest
Writer/Director/Producer, Sana Zahra Jafri (International Programs 2023)

A young woman’s world is rattled by the arrival of a relative who forces her to weigh family obligations against her growing discomfort.

The What
Writer/Director/Producer, Christopher Nataanii Cegielski (Project Involve 2016, 2016 Grant Recipient, Episodic Directing Intensive 2026)

A routine job for two hitmen unravels when one of them recognizes the target as someone who ghosted him months ago.