The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant invites filmmakers of all levels with the mission of amplifying Black voices through the art of storytelling. “There is an undeniable need to provide a platform for the voices of the Black community to be heard,” said Chloe Cook, executive director, Sidewalk Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. “This is our third year in the partnership with The Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, and we know this year’s grant will provide even more opportunities to bring necessary attention to these stories.”
“I am proud to support the Black filmmaker community here in Alabama through this grant, especially during this pivotal time in our nation’s history,” said Stacey Davis, founder of The Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, board member for Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema and an award-winning screenwriter, director and producer. “I understand the impact additional funds and the support of an entity like Sidewalk can have.”
The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant recipient will receive a $1, 000 cash prize funded by the Firm, as well as a one-year Director’s membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $2,000 value) and one free year of access to Sidewalk’s education/outreach programs.
Applications open June 15. Qualifications for interested filmmakers include:
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older
• Artists must identify as Black
• Artists must be in development, pre-production, production, or post-production on a motion picture project
• Artists must be a resident of Alabama
Submitted projects can include feature-length films, short films, serialized/episodic work, web series, virtual or augmented reality, or other immersive/interactive work. All genres/types — including fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid — will be accepted.
Every eligible applicant who completes the application will receive a one-year Sidewalk Filmmaker/Industry membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $100 value). All applications are due July 20 and can be submitted via sidewalkfest.com. The Grant recipient will be announced at the annual Sidewalk Film Festival awards ceremony on Sunday, August 28 at the Lyric Theatre.
The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant invites filmmakers of all levels with the mission of amplifying Black voices through the art of storytelling. “There is an undeniable need to provide a platform for the voices of the Black community to be heard,” said Chloe Cook, executive director, Sidewalk Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. “This is our third year in the partnership with The Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, and we know this year’s grant will provide even more opportunities to bring necessary attention to these stories.”
“I am proud to support the Black filmmaker community here in Alabama through this grant, especially during this pivotal time in our nation’s history,” said Stacey Davis, founder of The Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, board member for Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema and an award-winning screenwriter, director and producer. “I understand the impact additional funds and the support of an entity like Sidewalk can have.”
The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant recipient will receive a $1, 000 cash prize funded by the Firm, as well as a one-year Director’s membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $2,000 value) and one free year of access to Sidewalk’s education/outreach programs.
Applications open June 15. Qualifications for interested filmmakers include:
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older
• Artists must identify as Black
• Artists must be in development, pre-production, production, or post-production on a motion picture project
• Artists must be a resident of Alabama
Submitted projects can include feature-length films, short films, serialized/episodic work, web series, virtual or augmented reality, or other immersive/interactive work. All genres/types — including fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid — will be accepted.
Every eligible applicant who completes the application will receive a one-year Sidewalk Filmmaker/Industry membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $100 value). All applications are due July 20 and can be submitted via sidewalkfest.com. The Grant recipient will be announced at the annual Sidewalk Film Festival awards ceremony on Sunday, August 28 at the Lyric Theatre.