Wellington writer Esteban Jaramillo has been announced as the 2025 Wellington Write Room Resident with his project Vicio. We congratulate WIFT member Jessica George will join the programme’s mentor team as this year’s Producer Intern!
Jessica is a Kiwi-Indian film producer and member of WIFT who has recently established her production company Studio Rohi. She has just completed filming Puli and the Tiger - a Tamil language short film about the relationship children of the diaspora have with their immigrant grandparents; inspired by Indian tiger mythology and folklore traditions. She also recently produced short film The Lascar (NZIFF 2024), and produced The Dining Table with rrfilm and Christopher Hines.
Mentor and selector Vicky Pope said “It’s always incredible to see so many wonderful screenwriters and emerging producers making submissions -a reminder of our vibrant writing and filmmaking community here in Wellington and the talent on offer. We were blown away by the high-calibre of submissions this year and the strength of the writing and ideas. Esteban’s screenplay was immediately gripping and distinctive-the collision of two worlds and the unique scenario had us hooked. We can’t wait to see where Esteban takes his screenplay this year”.
“Jessica worked with Rob and I to select this year’s screenwriter and she is hugely impressive; bringing so much wisdom and insight to our discussions. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her.”
Additionally, we’d like to congratulate Vicky for her continued commitment to the Write Room Wellington screenwriter residency programme. Each year a Wellington screenwriter is selected to undertake a 12-week residency to develop a draft of their feature film screenplay with the support of experienced industry mentors.