Aug 16, 2012
SFFILM
The San Francisco Film Society today announced the four winning projects in the second round of SFFS Documentary Film Fund grants, which support the postproduction of singular feature-length nonfiction film work that is distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters and an innovative visual approach. From 2011 to 2013, a total of $300,000 will be disbursed to further new work by documentary filmmakers nationwide. Expected to grow in the coming years as further underwriting is secured, the Documentary Fund was inaugurated thanks to a generous gift from valued Film Society patrons Sharon and Larry Malcolmson.
The panelists who reviewed the 11 finalists’ submissions are filmmakers Hervé Cohen and Lisa Fruchtman, Sharon Malcolmson, SFFS Director of Education Joanne Parsont and SFFS Director of Filmmaker360 Michele Turnure-Salleo. The jury noted that for their courageous approach to their subject and their unique aesthetic style, these projects exemplified exceptional and original documentary filmmaking.
2012 Winners
Mike Plunkett, director; Anna Rose Holmer, producer, Charge – $20,000
Charge is a character-driven story about Bolivians’ relentless fight to control their country’s abundant natural resources.
David Sampliner, director/producer, My Own Man – $40,000
As Sampliner turns 40 and faces marriage and fatherhood, he finds himself in an identity crisis. Stalled in his career and feeling alienated from other men, the filmmaker decides to get in better touch with his manhood. He explores a range of manly pursuits and seeks out a broad spectrum of men to explore the complex world of contemporary masculinity. For more information visit myownmanthemovie.com.
Shaul Schwarz, director; Lars Knudsen, producer; Jay Van Hoy, producer, Narco Cultura – $20,000
Narco Cultura explores the phenomenon of narcotics culture in North America through the personal stories of those entangled in the drug wars, from cartel-sponsored musicians and filmmakers to a crime scene investigator.
Johanna Hamilton, director/producer, Untitled 1971 – $20,000
Hamilton continues her exploration of social movements and the limits of dissent, this time turning her lens to domestic contradictions in North America.
SFFS Documentary Film Fund grants are awarded once each year. Exact amounts of individual grants and the number of grants made will be determined on an annual basis. As with all Film Society grants, in addition to the cash awards, recipients will receive numerous benefits through Filmmaker360, the Film Society’s comprehensive and dynamic filmmaker services program. Filmmaker360 offers unparalleled assistance and opportunities designed to foster creativity and further the careers of independent filmmakers nationwide and oversees one of the largest film grant programs in the country, which disperses nearly $1 million annually to incubate and support innovative and exceptional films. Other elements of Filmmaker360 include project development consultation, membership discounts and benefits, fiscal sponsorship, grants, residencies and information resources. For information visit Filmmaker360.
For more information on the Documentary Fund and the other Film Society cash awards visit sffs.org/filmmaker360/Grants