In an inspiring move for the film industry, Ja’Lisa Arnold has been honored as the 2025 recipient of the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award, a prestigious accolade carrying a prize of $10,000. Concurrently, Christopher Guerrero’s film earned the $2,500 Audience Award, determined through public votes. The announcement came during an exclusive award ceremony held amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Frieze Los Angeles art fair, known for intersecting art and cinematic creativity.
The Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award, established in collaboration with the non-profit Ghetto Film School and Fifth Season, aims to elevate emerging filmmakers and transform the landscape of modern cinema. Since its inception in 2019, this initiative has nurtured over 40 aspiring filmmakers, offering them invaluable opportunities to showcase their craft. Arnold’s film, “Grief Cannot Exist Without Joy,” received particular acclaim for its touching narrative that explores the deeply emotional journey of a musician coming to terms with his brother’s death through the healing power of music.
At the heart of Arnold’s film is Tobi, a gifted musician grappling with profound loss. The narrative intricately weaves his struggle and healing process as he delves into creating an unfinished song that acts as a therapeutic conduit for his grief. Claudio de Sanctis, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Private Bank, expressed admiration for Arnold’s storytelling, noting the film’s sensitive depiction of brotherly love and the arduous journey towards overcoming sorrow. His acknowledgment is a testament to the importance of emotional narratives in contemporary cinema, further promoting the ethos behind the Frieze Los Angeles Film Award.
This year, the jury tasked with selecting the winners comprised leading personalities in the realms of film and art. Figures such as Christine Messineo from Frieze and Oscar-nominated filmmaker RaMell Ross provided discerning eyes to the judging process, ensuring that the selected works exemplified innovation and emotional depth. Their collective expertise aims to illuminate diverse voices within the artistic community, providing them with the recognition they deserve.
On the other side of the award spectrum, Guerrero’s film “Reprogrammed” presents a thought-provoking narrative set in a retro-futuristic Los Angeles. The story follows Andrea, a roboticist who has devoted her life to creating IRIS, a sentient being. Guerrero’s film tackles significant themes surrounding technology and humanity, underlining the emotional complexities woven into relationships—especially between Andrea and her estranged father. The win signifies not only public endorsement but also a recognition of the film’s ability to touch on universal themes through a unique lens.
Messineo remarked on the festivity surrounding the sixth iteration of the Deutsche Bank Film Award, underscoring its significance within the heart of the film industry. The event not only honors emerging talent but also cultivates a dialogue about the future of filmmaking in an ever-evolving cultural landscape. As emerging filmmakers like Arnold and Guerrero carve their paths, their successes serve to inspire future generations of artists and storytellers, fostering a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect humanity’s shared experiences.