PRESS RELEASE
December 13, 2022
Media Contact: Alicia@dceff.org
ELEVATING BIPOC PERSPECTIVES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
DC Environmental Film Festival provides additional support for emerging BIPOC filmmakers
In an effort to reinforce the importance of supporting the creative and informative works of BIPOC creators, the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) has established the DCEFF Vantage Grant to provide pitch training and funding to emerging BIPOC filmmakers. This $12,500 grant will be awarded to a qualifying filmmaker to assist with a short film or first feature in any stage of production that addresses a timely environmental issue.
The Vantage Grant responds to the need for representation in reflective works that are created by members of the very communities most impacted by environmental issues. DCEFF recognizes that racial inequities should be considered when addressing environmental issues such as climate change, food security, sustainability, etc. These issues impact underserved communities at a disproportionate scale, yet many films that highlight these topics are created by filmmakers who do not identify with communities most impacted.
The Vantage Grant has become an extension of DCEFF’s commitment to expanding the storytelling pipeline, amplifying the voices and supporting the works of BIPOC creators.
An open call for applications will be launched on December 12th, 2022 for eligible filmmakers or producers to submit their proposals. Finalists will receive extensive pitch training from Judith Helfand, co-creator of Chicken & Egg Pictures, filmmaker (A Healthy Baby Girl, Blue Vinyl, Cooked: Survival by Zip Code) and professor at the Columbia University School of Journalism. Judith Helfand will emcee the live pitch program on March 26, 2023. The DCEFF Vantage Grant will be the culminating award given to a winning pitch determined by an industry panel of environmental leaders and subject experts.
The DCEFF Vantage Grant is made possible through the support of Prince Charitable Trusts. Applications can be submitted at dceff.org/grants. For more information, contact pitch@dceff.org.
DCEFF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and the largest and longest-running environmental film festival in the country. The mission is to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film. The DCEFF vision is to showcase high-caliber art while promoting environmental awareness and change. The 31st Annual Festival will take place from March 16-26, 2023. Please see dceff.org for updates.