*TDE Films, the newly launched film division of Top Dawg Entertainment, has announced the five filmmakers chosen for its inaugural Short Film Fund. The selected recipients—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López, and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, marking a major milestone for the division’s mission to champion new voices in cinema.
The Short Film Fund offers recipients full financial backing and tailored production support to bring their short films to life. TDE Films will also serve as executive producer on each project, providing creative guidance and access to equipment, software, and other key resources.
“Our goal with TDE Films’ Short Film Fund is to assemble a roster of filmmakers who have powerful stories to tell and support them with the financing, tools, resources and mentorship they need to thrive in TV and film,” said TDE Founder and CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. “We have a track record of creating the biggest artists in the world who are known for their fearless storytelling. I believe this fund will help us discover a new generation of behind-the-camera talent whose stories are ready to be seen.”
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Per the news release, each selected filmmaker presents a distinct narrative voice. Diamond Batiste’s “The Art of Deception” follows a freelance artisan who becomes entangled with a dangerous art collector. Jeremy Hsing’s “Big Baller Boy” tells the story of a teenager navigating expectations from his former-athlete father. Brittany Alexia Young’s “Bossanova” explores reconciliation between a fallen wrestling star and his drag performer son. In “Salmon Run,” Alejandra López crafts a thriller centered on a mother uncovering sinister activity at a salmon factory. Ciara Boniface’s “Sweet Vincent” captures two musicians grappling with grief and love on the day of a transformative performance.
The filmmakers’ selections highlight TDE Films’ focus on culturally resonant storytelling and emotionally driven character work. The company, established in March 2025 by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, continues Top Dawg Entertainment’s legacy of developing groundbreaking creative talent. Known for launching artists such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Doechii, TDE has expanded its storytelling reach beyond music with the creation of TDE Films.
TDE Films previously made its debut in the film space with Britt Banks’ short “We Are Not Okay,” which premiered at the Museum of Modern Art’s “The Future of Film Is Female” event in late 2024. The success of that project inspired the establishment of the Short Film Fund, designed to bridge the financial gap for promising filmmakers seeking to realize their artistic vision.
Building on this foundation, TDE Films is currently developing its first feature project, “The Zone,” in collaboration with 20th Century Studios. The action-horror film will be directed by Dallas Jackson and co-written with David Hayter, with Rob Friedman joining as producer.
By launching the Short Film Fund, TDE Films continues to invest in bold, provocative storytelling that reflects and challenges culture—one filmmaker at a time.
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