Support Nkolo's Screenwriting Writing Residency in Istanbul

Hi, I’m Catherine Nkolo Lebongo — a screenwriter, artist, and storyteller devoted to culture-shifting narratives that nourish the spirit, challenge oppressive systems and tropes, expand possibilities, and celebrate success.

I’m excited to embark on my journey as a screenwriter and believe my unique perspective—shaped by years of social impact work, creative expression, and analyzing film and TV storytelling—will help me create a brand of superpowered characters that honor our collective humanity and triumph against all odds.

I write bold, witty, and soulful work at the intersections of class, humor, social justice, covert operations, creative change, and everyday people doing extraordinary things.

Welcome to my first personal fundraiser, where your support helps me create meaningful art with purpose.

Support My Screenwriting Writing Residency in Istanbul

✨ Big news — After two years of applying to competitive writing residencies, I’ve been selected as one of just 24 international writers for the six-week James Baldwin Writer-in-Residence Program in Istanbul, Turkey! ✨

This once-in-a-lifetime program honors Baldwin’s legacy as an essayist, novelist, playwright, and poet—hosted in one of the cities that profoundly influenced his life and work.

During this residency, I’ll be developing my latest passion project:

A comedic drama TV series about a witty, free-thinking, minimalist, sustainably fashionable, plant-based environmental researcher and YouTube sensation who takes a bold leap: infiltrating a multinational corporation from the inside to expose greed, corruption, and spark systemic change.

This story weaves humor, eco-activism, power, and self-discovery into a layered narrative that reflects our times and wildly unpredictable turn of events. It’s already been selected as a quarterfinalist in a major TV series pitch competition.

My goal during the residency is to complete a refined, reviewed TV pilot, episode ideas, and treatment that’s ready for agent representation and network pitching. These six weeks of dedicated writing and immersive social research will support my long-term success in the film and television industry—helping me develop characters and stories that elevate culture and consciousness.

Here’s How Your Donation Helps

While I’m deeply honored to be selected, the residency does not include financial support. I'm turning to the community, near and far, to help support my attendance at this special professional development opportunity and bring this creative vision to life as soon as possible.

The residency starts May 9, 2025 (soon!) and any amount at all helps—I’m incredibly grateful.

I’m raising $7,000 to cover:

Any extra funds will support transportation for 6 weeks and work expenses.

All Donors Will Receive:

Thank you so much for reading, donating, and sharing this page with friends, brands, orgs, and philanthropists who love supporting art, culture, writers, Film & TV storytelling, new narratives, conscious storytelling, and social change.

If you believe in the power of stories to awaken, inspire, and transform—join me in this opportunity to make a lasting impact.

With love & deep gratitude,

Catherine Nkolo

Instagram:

Catherine Nkolo

Ink Earth Artisan

#BaldwinResidency #WriterInResidence #TVPilot #ConsciousStorytellers #IstanbulBound

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