By: Richard L. Smith
Ms. Anya Dillard, a youth activist and multimedia storyteller from West Orange is gearing up for an inspiring summer in Los Angeles, California, thanks to her nomination to the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture's "Gold Rising" program by Monkeypaw Productions.
This initiative, known for fostering diverse talent in filmmaking, offers significant support, including relocation for those secured with internships like Dillard.
Recently hired as an intern at the Oscar-Award-winning production house behind hits like "Get Out" and "Us," I've learned that Dillard is poised to work in Monkeypaw’s Cultural and Impact Department.
Her role will involve merging her deep-seated passion for storytelling with her commitment to social impact, a blend she is eager to explore on the West Coast.
Dillard, a former Teen Vogue 21 Under 21 honoree and a junior honors college and HLLC scholar at Rutgers University Newark, is pursuing degrees in Journalism and Video Production.
Dillard said she views her upcoming experiences with Monkeypaw Productions and Academy Gold as critical steps toward becoming a media-driven change agent dedicated to empowering marginalized communities.
In addition to her internship, Dillard is enthusiastic about developing her senior thesis on the potential of immersive media technologies to combat implicit bias and enhance cultural understanding.
She also has her sights set on a master's degree in film production and dreams of launching her own multimedia production company.
Supporters of Dillard’s aspirations can contribute to her educational journey through her GoFundMe campaign, "Help Send AJ to Grad School." For more information about her creative projects and impact initiatives, visit HERE.
Anya Dillard's journey from New Jersey to LA not only stresses her remarkable talents and ambitions but also highlights the opportunities that arise when industry leaders support emerging voices in film.