Center For
Independent
Documentary
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Resources & Opportunities |
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IDA ENTERPRISE DOCUMENTARY FUND |
The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund supports in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories that integrate journalistic practice into the filmmaking process. The Fund, with major support from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, provides production support up to $100,000 to documentary films taking on in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories. Inclusion and diversity, both in terms of the filmmaking team and subject matter, are a priority of the fund.
Applications for the 2022 cycle will be accepted starting Monday, May 16th. Learn more here.
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[Image Description: The International Documentary Association (IDA) logo] |
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LEF New England is now welcoming applications for Pre-production and Early Development grants through the Moving Image Fund. A maximum of 6 grants of $5,000 each will be awarded to projects in the Pre-production phase, and a maximum of (6) grants of $2,500 each will be awarded to projects in the Early Development phase. Primary creative personnel (director and/or producer) must reside in New England.
Deadline to apply is Friday, June 3rd. Please review the guidelines here. Apply here.
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[Image Description: LEF Foundation logo] |
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SFFILM DOCUMENTARY FILM FUND |
The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. DFF grants are awarded once each year to documentary feature projects and are open to filmmakers internationally. As with all SFFILM grants, in addition to the cash awards, recipients will gain access to numerous benefits through the comprehensive and dynamic SFFILM Makers artist development program.
Regular deadline for applications in May 6th, 2022. Final deadline is May 20th, 2022. Learn more here.
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[Image Description: SFFilm logo] |
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SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND |
The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritizes support for independent nonfiction films at any production phase from development through post-production with budgets under $1,000,000. The DFP prioritizes films led by artists from historically underrepresented communities with a key creative from the community or with deep ties to the community in a power-holding position represented on the team. This application is also used for consideration for the Gucci, Kendeda, Luminate, and Sandbox funds.
Deadline to apply is June 6th. Learn more and apply here.
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[Image Description: Sundance Institute logo] |
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Now in its 5th year, the LEF/CIFF Fellowship is an opportunity for 5 New England-based filmmaker teams to attend the 2022 Camden International Film Festival and connect with other filmmakers and industry leaders through a series of mentor-led project development workshops, networking events, and curated 1:1 meetings taking place both in-person during the festival and virtually in the weeks following.
Developed in partnership with LEF New England, whose goal is to fund the work of independent documentary film and video artists in the region and broaden recognition and support for their work, both locally and nationally.
Deadline to apply has been extended to May 16th, 2022. Learn more and apply here.
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[Image Description: A poster in shades of magenta and grey. In the background is a close-up photo of someone looking into their rearview mirror. A string of beads hang from the mirror. Large text at the top of the poster reads "LEF/CIFF Fellowship, Extended Deadline May 16." In the lower left hand corner are the LEF and Points North logos. In the bottom right hand corner, small text reads: "Still from KAKSORI! Directed by Shirley Kim-ryu & Eben Portnoy. 2021 LEF/CIFF Fellows."] |
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ROGOVY FOUNDATION'S MILLER/PACKAN FILM FUND |
The Miller/Packan Film Fund supports documentaries that Educate, Inspire and Enrich. The fund is financed through the Rogovy Foundation. Each year, grants totaling $200,000 are awarded to between eight and twelve filmmakers. Each grant is one-time only and offered in amounts up to $25,000. At the highest level, the Fund's subject categories are Education, the Environment and Civics. Grants will be awarded to filmmakers who most closely match their defined areas of interest.
Deadline to apply is May 15th, 2022. Learn more here.
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[Image Description: The Rogovy Foundation logo] |
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FIRELIGHT MEDIA DOCUMENTARY LAB |
The Documentary Lab develops emerging nonfiction filmmakers of color who make artful and innovative documentary films that focus on underrepresented communities and provide new narratives about the most pressing issues of our time. The 18-month program provides filmmakers with a $25,000 grant towards their projects as well as customized mentorship, professional development workshops and networking opportunities. All types of long-form documentary projects - historical, investigative, personal, vérité, and experimental will be considered.
Deadline to apply is June 13th 2022. Learn more here.
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[Image Description: Firelight Media logo] |
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JI.HLAVA NEW VISIONS FORUM: U.S. DOCS |
The Czech Republic's Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival has opened applications to the 2nd edition of the JI.HLAVA NEW VISIONS FORUM: U.S. DOCS addressing doc filmmakers based in the USA. The aim of this initiative is to encourage and support US and European documentary co-productions. US filmmakers can submit their feature and mid-length documentary films in development, production or post-production. Also welcome are diverse audiovisual formats such as fiction with documentary aspects, hybrid, experimental, short films, documentary and web series, cinema expanded projects, games with doc aspects and VR/AR/Live documentaries. Presentations will take place online on October 25-30th during the festival.
Deadline for applications is May 15th. Learn more here.
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[Image Description: JI.HLAVA NEW VISIONS FORUM: US DOCS logo] |
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NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES GRANTS TO CID |
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced $33.17 million in grants for 245 projects across the country.
We are thrilled to share that CID has been awarded three grants! They include $550,000 towards the production of EYES ON THE PRIZE RECLAIMED (directed by Marco Williams), $291,480 towards post-production of THE BLUES SOCIETY (directed by Augusta Palmer), and $75,000 towards development of DIAMOND DIPLOMACY (directed by Yuriko Romer.)
Read the press release and full list of grantees here.
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[Image Description: The National Endowment for the Humanities logo] |
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TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL WORLD PREMIERES |
THE BIG PAYBACK (directed by Whitney Dow and Erika Alexander; produced by Ben Arnon and Xan Parker) and LIFT (directed by David Petersen; produced by Mary Recine and David Petersen) will have their world premieres at The Tribeca Film Festival. The festival will take place from June 8th - 19th. Single tickets will go on sale May 2nd.
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[Image Description: Tribeca Film Festival logo] |
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ITVS HUMANITIES DOCUMENTARY DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP |
These fellows will each receive a 12-month unrestricted stipend, a one-on-one relationship with an advisor working in the humanities to strengthen their proposed projects, and a series of programmatic sessions hosted by ITVS on best practices in documentary filmmaking. The fellowship is supported by National Endowment for the Humanities Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (#SHARP) funding.
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[Image Description: Poster in shades of blue and white. Large white text reads "ITVS Humanities Documentary Development Fellowship." In the background slanted 3D text reads "20 Makers, 12 Months." In the bottom right-hand corner of the poster are the logos for ITVS and National Endowment for the Humanities"] |
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KATHRYN RAMEY AWARDED GUGGENHEIM FELLOWSHIP |
Kathryn Ramey has received a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship. She is one of 180 individuals who were appointed on the basis of prior achievement and exceptional promise. Read the full list of fellows here.
Kathryn's current project, EL SIGNO VACIO (the empty sign) is a feature-length cinematic essay interrogating the 120-year US occupation of Puerto Rico to reveal how US democratic narratives effectively obscure its capitalist/military domination.
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{Image Description: Photograph of Kathryn Ramey wearing glasses, a dark blue blazer and a checked blue and white dress. She's sitting centered in front of lush trees and a white picket fence. In the bottom right-hand corner of the image, very small text reads "Points North"] |
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CLARISSA'S BATTLE AT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH FESTIVAL
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CLARISSA'S BATTLE (directed by Tamara Perkins and produced by Sara Maamouri) will play at the Human Rights Watch Festival in New York at Lincoln Center and will be available on the festival's digital platform on Saturday, May 21st at 8pm and on Sunday, May 22nd at 5:15pm.
The film follows Social Justice Warrior Clarissa Doutherd who leads a tenacious battle to build a coalition fighting for desperately needed child care and early education funding. Watch the film's trailer and purchase your tickets here.
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[Image Description: Clarissa Doutherd stands in a black cardigan and blue t-shirt that reads "Parent Voices." She is holding up a sign with a line of women walking and also waving signs in protest behind her.] |
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PONY BOYS AND A DECENT HOME AT IFF BOSTON
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PONY BOYS, a short film by Eric Stange, screened at Independent Film Festival Boston on April 30th and May 1st. The film tells the story of two little boys, ages 9 and 11, who in the summer of 1967 drove a pony cart from Needham, MA to Montreal on their own - 325 miles - to visit the World's Fair. Listen to an interview about the film with Eric Stange on WBUR's Radio Boston here.
A DECENT HOME (directed by Sara Terry; produced by Alysa Nahmias, Sara Terry; co-produced by Sara Archambault) also screened at IFF Boston on May 1st. The film examines urgent issues of inequity and affordable housing - the growing flaws of a faltering system - through the stories of the residents of Denver Meadows as well as residents of other mobile home parks across the country.
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[Image Description: A black and white photo of two boys, ages 9 and 11, sitting on a cart being pulled by a white Shetland pony. They wear hats and matching vests and are looking over their shoulders smiling at the camera. Hand-written signs attached to the back of the cart read "Expo or Bust!" and "From Boston to Expo '67. 350 miles"] |
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MAMA HAS A MUSTACHE AT SFFILM FESTIVAL
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[Image Description: A bold and colorful poster with collaged elements of photos of children, children's drawings and paper cutouts throughout. In the center, colorful text reads: "Mama Has A Mustache: Kids Talk Gender." At the top of the poster, above several laurels, a quote from Leslea Newman, author of "Heather Has Two Mommies" reads, "I had a smile on my face the whole time, even when I also had tears in my eyes. This film is nothing short of revolutionary."] |
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FEELING SEEN CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
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FEELING SEEN is a feature-length documentary about how queer women find identity and community through Television. Lack of representation tells queer women that their stories are not worthy of telling - that they are disposable. By talking to the creators, stars and fans of some of the most well-known and beloved shows, this film shows how over time perspectives of queer women on TV has changed, empowering viewers. Support the film's Seed&Spark campaign, and watch the sample reel.
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[Image Description: A person in a short-sleeved plaid shirt stands smiling as they watch someone being interviewed on a large monitor in front of them.] |
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THE SUM OF OUR PARTS SPRING SOIREE FUNDRAISER
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THE SUM OF OUR PARTS team (Roseanne Malfucci, Joy E. Reed, and Sarah Rachael Wainio) is hosting a Spring Soiree FUNdraiser (emphasis on the fun!) in Manhattan on Saturday, May 21st. They're gathering IRL (in real life) to raise funds for the rough cut of the film. Fundraiser tickets include a select open bar, delicious small bites, and a stacked silent auction. There will be lots of industry folks in attendance, so think of this as a film festival meetup, without the festival. Tickets are available for purchase here. You can also register for the auction at the same link. Anyone can participate in the silent auction without buying a ticket whether you are local to NYC or not. They'll be posting the items -- including vacation getaways, massages, Broadway goodies, wellness treasures and more -- in early May. They would love to see their CID colleagues in person!
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[Image Description: A poster with a yellow floral border. Text reads "Silent Auction Loud Party. Please join The Sum of Our Parts friends and family for a gathering IRL to celebrate how far we've come. May 21, 2022, 2-5pm, all & sundry, 312 West 58th St. NYC. Featuring an open bar, gourmet bites, good vibes, vintage photo nook, a silent auction, and more! All proceeds go directly to support the rough cut! Tickets, contact: soop@ohmyproductions.com] |
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A DECENT HOME IMPACT CAMPAIGN
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With screenings across Iowa, the filmmaking team behind A DECENT HOME (Sara Terry, Sara Archambault and Gretchen Landau) is kicking off a nine-month long impact campaign in partnership with several local and state organizations working in the affordable housing landscape. In order to grow their audience, they're asking friends of the film to follow and engage with them across their social networks. This no-cost action is incredibly meaningful and helps improve their reach. They ask that you please consider checking out their work- and giving the a like or follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! They'll be sharing facts, actionable ways you can have an impact, and building the conversation around the meaning of home.
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[Image Description: A person stands looking out from the porch of their light blue mobile home. Flower baskets hang from the rafters of the porch, and manicured shrubbery and plantings surround the home.] |
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FWD-DOC AND UCLA'S HOLLYWOOD DIVERSITY REPORT |
“…[A]ctivist group FWD-Doc is demanding that UCLA address other overlooked groups such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and the 'invisible minority' — disabled people — in the industry."
Jim LeBrecht, co-founder of FWD-Doc and co-director of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Crip Camp” (2020), states, “UCLA’s report that stands for promoting diversity is an egregious case of exclusion and perpetuates the misconception that people with disabilities do not exist in the entertainment industry. In light of ‘CODA’s’ three Oscar wins at the recent 94th Academy Awards ceremony, this oversight reinforces FWD-Doc’s assertion that this report is incomplete and not comprehensive.”
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[Image Description: FWD-Doc social media shareable graphic with headshot of Jim LeBrecht wearing blue shirt, and text 4 April 22 11-12:00MT Ask Me Anything, with Jim LeBrecht, logo of FWD-Doc, “I try to share what being a disability activist feels like, because I’m not the only one out there trying to make films or change the landscape. This is very traumatic work trying to prove to people that you matter, our community matters, and we are not less than.”] |
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LIGHT YEARS AT GOLD STANDARD ARTS FESTIVAL
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Claire Panke's film LIGHT YEARS was selected to screen at the film festival section of the inaugural Gold Standard Arts Festival in New York City. The festival celebrates work for and about artists 50+ and includes music, short plays, comedy and cabaret as well as a slate of both short and feature films.
In addition, Claire was able to bring Light Years to an international audience through a private online screening and lecture to both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Brasilia in Brasilia, Brazil. Find out more and watch the trailer here.
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[Image Description: A grey-haired person in glasses stands joyously smiling towards the sky with arms thrown up in the air. Behind them people are clapping. Text reads "Light Years, Because we're always writing our story." Underneath are three headshots of the film participants with text "Featuring: Diane Volz, Paul Dillon, Anita Velex Mitchell"] |
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UNRAVELING AT DETROIT JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
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Delve into memory, history, and contemporary life in Columbus, New Mexico - famed for being raided by Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution - as the filmmaker explores a rumor that Villa invaded the town seeking revenge on her grandfather.
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[Image Description: A sepia-toned poster divided down the center with a photo of Sam Ravel on one side, and a photo of Pancho Villa on the other. In the center is a photo of filmmaker Stacey Ravel Abarbanel walking towards the camera. The film's title "Unraveling" is in large text at the top. Smaller text below reads "My grandfather, Pancho Villa, and me."] |
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JULIA VINOGRAD NEW TRAILER
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[Image Description: A black and white photo of Julia Vinograd standing in the front of a crowd of people. Her eyes are closed and head is upturned as she blows bubbles towards the sky. Text in a typewriter font reads "Julia Vinograd: Between Spirit and Stone"] |
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NATALIE ZIMMERMAN RECEIVES WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL RESIDENCY |
The Woodstock Film Festival (WFF) has announced its second annual four week Filmmakers Residency/Incubator. The Residency will run during May 2022 and will host four emerging filmmakers.
These include CID sponsored filmmaker Natalie Zimmerman. Natalie's film, OCEANIA, is a documentary centered on the island nation of Kiribati, which is predicted to be uninhabitable by the year 2030 due to rising sea levels brought by climate change.
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[Image Description: A brown skinned small child walks naked along a seemingly endless beach. Behind the child, a group of people are pushing a small boat along the sand towards the water. Fluffy white clouds punctuate the blue sky.] |
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UNHEARD STORIES AWARDED GRANT FROM DEREK FREESE DOCUMENTARY FUND
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UNHEARD STORIES: THE ART AND LIFE OF ANNU PALAKUNNATHU MATTHEW was recently honored with a grant from the Derek Freese Documentary Fund. The D.F.D.F. is a part of the Derek Freese Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization, initially established in 1997 to keep alive the spirit of a young man, Derek Freese, who dreamed of becoming a filmmaker. The review panel told the filmmakers: “Everyone liked the idea and the theme and Annu and her work! We hope our contribution and attention provides some modest assistance to a very worthy, timely film by two fabulous artists.” Learn more about the film here.
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[Image Description: A photo from behind of a person in a black puffy jacket with short hair and a leather bag walking down a crowded street. Motorcycles, a vintage white car, and carts pulled by bicycles bustle by. White text reads "Unheard Stories: The Life and Art of Annu Palakunnathu Matthew"] |
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USED VIDEO, AUDIO AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
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Filmmaker Ann Carol Grossman is selling the below video, audio and lighting equipment:
- Camera Package ($750): Canon XL-1 video camcorder with 16X Zoom lens, 5.5-88mm, onboardmic with windscreen, accessories including batteries, chargers, filters, shoulder braces (by Canon and Dolgin Engineering), and Porta-Brace camera bag.
- Lighting Package ($175): Photoflex Silver Dome, with Starlight 3200 lamp head, tungsten and daylight lamps, diffusion and masks, stand, carry bags; Reflectasol white umbrella
- Audio Package ($40): 3 Samson R11 cardioid dynamic mics, (XLR), Realistic cardioid dynamic mic (mini), Azden 3-channel passive mixer, carry bag.
All equipment is used, in good condition. Please note that these are packages and she is not selling individual items. For further information reach out to Ann Carol Grossman at acgum@rcn.com.
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DOC FILMMAKING COURSES SCHEDULED FOR SUMMER AND FALL |
Please help spread the word about these upcoming doc filmmaking courses:
Other courses include:
This six-session [Camera Work and Visual Storytelling] workshop was one of my best-ever learning experiences. It opened up a whole new artistic discipline and effectively combined the aesthetic and technical aspects of visual storytelling. – Melissa Shaak
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[Image Description: The women of the Villanueva-Rodriguez family stand powerfully
in a line in a green field looking forward towards the camera.]
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"Matininó"
Directed by Gabriela Díaz Arp
Produced by Karla Claudio Betancourt
Thirty years ago, Idaliz Villanueva fled with her two daughters from a violent marriage. While much time has passed, the effects of violence still reverberate throughout their lives and in their home of Puerto Rico, where a state of emergency was called amid a massive rise in domestic and gender-based violence.
In search of meaning within their family narrative and an openness to creatively reframe the traumas of their past, the women of the Villanueva-Rodriguez family come together to hold space for their experiences, crafting a science fiction script that reimagines themselves in an alternative world where women hold the power. As the plot of the science fiction film unfolds in parallel with the family’s creative process for creating it, we watch the family journey together to navigate their own personal grief, the narrative challenges of creating a film, and the fantastical demands of the world they have created.
Read more and contribute to the film here.
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Featured Resource Of The Month |
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[Image Description: World Records logo] |
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Published with the Center for Media, Culture, and History at New York University, World Records brings together the voices of scholars, critics, makers, and curators who offer new and complex perspectives on nonfiction media.
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Want to support CID while you shop? Sign up for AmazonSmile and select The Center for Independent Documentary, Inc. as your preferred charity at smile.amazon.com/ch/04-2738458. Remember to shop for deals at smile.amazon.com, or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon app, and AmazonSmile will donate to us at no cost to you.
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We are grateful for the generous support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and the Boston Cultural Council, a local agency which is funded by the Mass Cultural Council, and administered by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. |
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Center For Independent Documentary | 1-339-364-1278 | www.documentaries.org |
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