Rideback Rise 2026: Who Are the Fellows and What Will They Create?!

Rideback Rise, the content accelerator with a mission to empower POC writers and filmmakers, has officially announced its 2026 Fellowship cohort. This non-profit, dedicated to helping diverse voices break through in the entertainment industry, is providing these talented individuals with the financial and creative muscle they need to develop commercially viable projects that can really shift the narrative. And let's be honest, that's something the industry desperately needs.

Rideback Rise 2026: Who Are the Fellows and What W...

The chosen few – the 2026 Rise Fellows – are Sabrina Almeida, Karen Chee, Nik Dodani, Winnie Kemp, Gabriel R. Lugo, Fredrick Leach, Justin S. Lee, Elaine Loh, Zoey Martinson, Hisonni Mustafa, Allison Sanchez, Jorge Thomson, So Young Shelly Yo, and William Yu. It's a diverse group, reflecting the breadth of talent that too often gets overlooked in Hollywood.

But the support doesn't stop there. Rise also announced the induction of a whopping 175 creatives into the Rise Circle. This community will get access to Rise's programming, which includes master classes, workshops, and networking events – opportunities that can be game-changers for emerging talent. The Fellows and Rise Circle members together make up the full 2026 Rise cohort, a powerful network poised to shake things up.

The announcement was made at a Kick-Off event at Rideback Ranch in L.A.’s Historic Filipinotown. Always a good sign when organizations are actively investing in diverse communities. Actor-producer Steven Yeun and his producing partner Christina Oh were there as guest speakers, further highlighting the significance of this initiative. I've always admired Yeun's dedication to his craft and his willingness to use his platform to amplify other voices. Good on him.

“Our 2026 cohort is a bold, brilliant group of writers and filmmakers whose vision, rigor, and imagination are matched only by their desire to change the game," said Rise CEO Diana Mogollón. She added that Rise helps them become "the creative entrepreneurs of the future." Pretty inspiring stuff, right?

Each of the 2026 Rise Fellows will receive a $40,000 grant – unrestricted, which is key – for the year-long fellowship. Plus, they can tap into a Development Fund to secure rights to source material or create pitch decks and visuals. That kind of financial backing can be a real launchpad for a project.

In just two years, Rise has provided over 1,000 hours of programming to 381 creatives. That includes everything from brainstorming sessions to courses on pitching and financing. This isn't just about handing out money; it's about providing the resources and support that POC creatives need to succeed in a notoriously challenging industry.

Founded by Dan Lin (who is now Chairman of Netflix's film division, a testament to his vision), Rise has awarded $1.4 million in grants. And the results speak for themselves: apparently, around 60% of Rise-developed projects have been sold or set up with producers and studios. Those are stats worth paying attention to. Rideback Rise is proving that when you invest in diverse talent, you get a return that benefits everyone.