CONVERGENCE
Professional Development cohort for Filmmakers
Convergence is an immersive professional development program for early-career filmmakers that pairs them with mid-career artists to advance their work while developing professional support systems within In Progress. In 2026, eight filmmakers were selected to participate in the program. Lingyue and Jacob Her are the newest additions to the cohort supported by returning filmmakers Tiana LaPointe, Tong Lee, Kazua Melissa Vang and Mickies Kiros. We also invited filmmakers Sai Thao and Chue Zeng Yang to round out the program.
COHORT COMPONENTS
monthly cohort sessions
professional branding activities
portfolio development
directed mentorship
skill training
network building
COHORT KICK OFF
Wednesday July 8th - Convergence Kick Off Event
The cohort will officially meet over a light meal to share goals and solidify plans
Cohort Gatherings
Convergence will host 8 artist led sessions for filmmakers to present ideas, learn new technologies and explore professional possibilities. As artists form the themes for each session we will share links and more information. The cohort has tentative scheduled the following dates for artists to come together the first or second Wednesday of each month as follows:
August 5th
September 9th
October 7th
November 11th
December 9th
January 6th
February 3rd
March 3rd
REtreat
October 15 - 18
Convergence artists will travel north to our studio in Crookston Minnesota for a little bonding time, opportunities to share meals, play creatively and share their processes for meeting goals. Our hope in 2026, is that the retreat will integrate with local Crookston artists in a video showcase as part of our 30th anniversary celebration.
ARTIST Talk
January 21st 6:30PM
Join us for a dinner and discussion with 3 emerging artists Jacob Her, Tong Lee, and Lingyue. The artists will discuss what they are learning from one another in terms of cultural and visual aesthetics, how they each approach the art of telling stories and the network they are developing as filmmakers. Families, friends and fellow artists are welcome to join us and show their support.
In Progress is honored to have received a grant from the Jerome Foundation to develop this program with extended support from the McKnight Foundation, MN State Arts Board Arts General Operating Support Program and a series of anonymous donors support our work.