2025 AAPI Careers in Entertainment Creative Fellowship: Hear From Minh Anh Van, Our Inaugural Fellow
Breaking into the entertainment industry can be a challenge, but the AAPI Careers in Entertainment Creative Fellowship is here to help you get your foot in the door—with mentorship, real-world experience, and financial support.
We’re excited to share a testimonial from Minh Anh Van, the inaugural recipient of the fellowship, who reflects on how this opportunity shaped her path and helped her take the next step in her career. From Minh Anh:
My name is Minh Anh Van, a senior at Cal majoring in Film and Media, and I am the inaugural AAPI Media Creative Fellow. I am passionate about increasing representation of historically marginalized communities in films and TV shows.
Being a part of this fellowship was definitely an eye-opening experience and tremendous learning opportunity. Having AAPI leaders in the entertainment industry like Jason, Lacy, and Laura as my mentors has been an absolute honor and privilege. Throughout the summer, I was able to connect with them, learn about what they do, and get advice for my career. They also took me to industry-related events and introduced me to their respective networks. During the summer, my schedule was always packed with either work projects, industry events, or networking coffees and lunches.
With Lacy’s support, I was able to secure a great internship opportunity with Free The Work, a nonprofit that aims to diversify creators behind the lens. I worked in their concierge department, curating talent lists (directors, cinematographers, editors, composers, etc.) for U.S. and global clients such as Google, Target, and P&G.
Overall, my summer in Los Angeles during this fellowship was such a fulfilling and comprehensive experience that I now feel very confident to graduate and start my career in the entertainment industry. I know that the precious relationships that I have made during the fellowship will continue even after I graduate. I am incredibly thankful for everyone who has been involved and supported me along the way!
By supporting AAPI creatives early in their careers, we’re building a stronger pipeline from Cal to Hollywood. Apply today. Applications are due April 7, 2025.