Film Independent Names 2026 Changemaker Award Honorees
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- Film Independent named Alysa Nahmias (Cookie Queens), Robbie Pickering (Gaslit), and editor Harry Yoon (Michael) as recipients of its 2026 Changemaker Award, set to be presented at the 23rd Artist Development Showcase on July 21 at the DGA Theater.
- Alysa Nahmias is being recognized after participating in Film Independent's 2013 Fast Track finance market and 2020 Documentary Lab.
- Robbie Pickering came up through the 2006 Screenwriting Lab, 2007 Directing Lab, and 2007 Fast Track finance market.
- Harry Yoon is the most tenured alumnus of the trio, having taken part in Project Involve in 2004.
- Angela C. Lee, Film Independent's Director of Artist Development, said the three "exemplify artistic excellence, generosity and impact, demonstrating what it means to lead as changemakers in our industry."
- Past Changemaker Award recipients include Academy Award nominees Smriti Mundhra and Pamela Ribon, Independent Spirit Award winners Andrew Ahn and Jomo Fray, Peabody winner Grace Lee, and SXSW Audience Award winner Linda Yvette Chávez.
- Six short films from Film Independent-supported filmmakers will screen at the Showcase, including J.M. Harper's music video for Dolce's "Fräknarna" and Naishe Nyamubaya's "God Sleeps on Sundays."
Why it matters: Film Independent's Changemaker Award specifically honors alumni of its career-development programs, making this year's trio a tangible showcase of the pipeline the organization has built since 2004. With Pickering and Yoon representing screenwriting/directing and post-production tracks respectively, the 2026 class signals Film Independent's continued emphasis on recognizing craft roles beyond the director's chair.
