Columbia University School of the Arts, January 12, 2026. “Valeria Contreras ’23 Named Member of Netflix’s Director Incubator.” Valeria Contreras ’23 has been selected by The National Association of Latino Independent Producers to join Netflix’s fifth cohort of its Director Incubator.
Columbia University School of the Arts, December 18, 2025. “Columbia Film Alums Take On Film Independent’s Fast Track.” Columbia filmmakers had a strong presence at this year’s Film Independent Fast Track, which took place between November 19 and 21, 2025.
Netflix, November 26, 2025. “NALIP Unveils Fifth Cohort of Director Incubator.” The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) proudly announces the fifth cohort of its acclaimed Director Incubator (formerly known as the Women of Color Incubator). Supported by Netflix, the program continues to amplify global voices in film and serve as a powerful entry point for emerging storytellers whose visions challenge convention and reshape the narrative landscape.
Produ, November 22, 2026. “NALIP Unveils Fifth Cohort Of Director Incubator.” The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) announced the fifth cohort of its Director Incubator (formerly known as the Women in Color Incubator).
Deadline, November 18, 2025. “Film Independent Selects Participants For 23rd Fast Track Film Finance Market.” Film Independent has announced the 15 projects and 34 filmmakers selected for its 23rd annual Fast Track Film Finance Market, returning in person November 19–21, 2025.
El Paso Matters, September 26, 2025. “Opinion: The future of film is regional – including in El Paso.” Op-Ed by Valeria Contreras.
KFOX TV, September 20, 2026. “Robert Holguin hosts El Paso Film Festival roundtable.” KFOX14 anchor Robert Holguin hosted a roundtable discussing the El Paso Film Festival.
El Paso Inc, May 30, 2025. “Redefining border narratives: Border Arts Residency empowers El Paso filmmaker.” Filmmaker Valeria Contreras grew up appreciating our border culture.
KTEP, May 17, 2025. “Border Art Resident, Valeria Contreras.” The U.S.–Mexico border is brimming with diverse stories and experiences. However, with little support and under representation of these stories, few are told and even fewer are released and distributed to wide audiences. The Border Art Residency, an initiative of the El Paso Community Foundation offers support to local artists such as independent filmmakers seeking to amplify their work.
KTEP, April 25, 2025. “Valeria Contreras | Border Art Residency.” The El Paso Community Foundation welcomes Valeria Contreras as the new artist of the Border Art Residency for its Spring/Summer seasons.
Cine Qua Non Lab, April 20, 2025. “Valeria Contreras, USA.” Storylines Lab 2025
KVIA, April 15, 2025. “El Paso Community Foundation selects new artists for the Border Art Residency.” The Border Art Residency, an El Paso Community Foundation project, allows artists to pursue their craft.
KTSM, April 11, 2025. “El Pasoan returns home to film narratives on U.S.-Mexico border.” An El Paso filmmaker is returning home in hopes of “reframing narratives surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border.”
El Paso Community Foundation, April 11, 2025. “2025 Border Art Residency artist announced!” The El Paso Community Foundation welcomes Valeria Contreras as the new artist of the Border Art Residency (BAR) for its Spring/Summer seasons.
Deadline, May 8, 2024. “Producers Guild Sets Scripted Producers & Producing Teams For PGA Create Program.” The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has set the producers and producing teams invited to join the PGA Create lab for emerging and mid-career creative producers.
Columbia University School of the Arts, October 30, 2023. “Rob Cristiano ’13 and Valeria Contreras ’23, selected for the 2023 Film Independent Producers Lab.” Film Alumni Rob Cristiano ’13 and Valeria Contreras ’23 have been selected for the 2023 Film Independent Producers Lab. Apoorva Charan ’18 will serve as one of the program’s guest speakers.
Deadline, October 11, 2023. “Film Independent Sets Producing Lab Fellows For 2023.” Film Independent has set seven filmmakers for the 2023 edition of its Producing Lab, an intensive program designed to help creative, independent producers develop their skills and further their careers.
Film Independent, October 11, 2023. “2023 Film Independent Producing Lab Fellows Unite. Bonus: $80,000 in Sloan Grants!” Meet the fellows.
The Austin Chronicle, June 27, 2023. “Cine Las Americas Review: 7th Annual Femme Frontera Filmmakers Showcase.” Short films selection looks at border life through multiple lenses.
Columbia University School of the Arts, April 21, 2023. “Columbia Filmmakers at 2023 Atlanta Film Festival.” Columbia filmmakers are making waves at this year’s 47th annual Atlanta Film Festival.