Oscar-nominated director Carlos López Estrada is expanding his mission to support emerging filmmakers with the launch of Indie Institute, a three-month virtual filmmaking program designed to accelerate indie creators’ careers.
A New Platform for Storytellers
The program will run under López Estrada’s filmmaker-led banner, Antigravity Academy, which he founded in 2018 to develop underrepresented stories and incubate projects for first- and second-time filmmakers. Indie Institute will officially launch on March 22, 2026, offering mentorship and instruction across the filmmaking process — from script development to distribution.
Affordable Access to Film Education
The subscription-based intensive will cost $35 per month or $99 upfront for the full three months. Weekly classes will be led by López Estrada and Antigravity’s head of development, Holly Stanton. The curriculum will also feature case studies with top indie filmmakers and industry experts, giving participants practical insights into navigating today’s fast-changing film landscape.
López Estrada’s Vision
In a statement, López Estrada emphasized the importance of accessibility in filmmaking: “We believe in the power of independent filmmaking and have built our mission around bringing access and resources to as many emerging filmmakers as possible. Real miracles happen when storytellers are given unconditional creative support.”
Antigravity Academy’s Growing Slate
Indie Institute builds on Antigravity’s existing initiatives, including its flagship screenwriters camp and short film studio. The company is also in pre-production on Alexandra Qin’s feature Thirstygirl and recently celebrated Sean Wang’s Didi, which won the Audience Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before being released by Focus Features.
Antigravity’s slate includes the comedy series Smugglers, a collaboration with This American Life and The Bear showrunner Joanna Calo, as well as the multimedia project For Mexico For All Time, presented at the Sphere in Las Vegas during Noche UFC. Meanwhile, López Estrada has completed production on his next feature, DED, starring Camila Mendes and Eugenio Derbez.
A Step Toward Democratizing Filmmaking
With Indie Institute, López Estrada hopes to empower aspiring filmmakers who may not have access to traditional film schools or industry networks. By combining affordable education with mentorship from working professionals, the program aims to nurture diverse voices and strengthen the indie film community.
