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Join us in congratulating the SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative recipients for this upcoming year. These filmmakers are set to receive dedicated support and $140,000 in cash grants. The recipients of the Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowships are Vivienne Shaw and Fradique. The fellowship will support the development of their narrative feature screenplays and is designed to ensure that narrative feature films that tell compelling stories about the worlds of science and technology continue to be made and seen.

Filmmakers selected to receive the Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund are Sahand Nikoukar, Katherine Burns, and James ‘Séamus’ Bearheart. The fund supports the screen adaptation of specific scientific articles and discoveries that have been cataloged in the Sloan Stories of Science Sourcebook as inspiration for filmmakers. Last month, SFFILM honored Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer with the Sloan Science in Cinema Prize at a special event which included an exclusive 35mm screening of the film and an onstage conversation with Production Designer Ruth De Jong, Editor Jennifer Lame, Supervising Sound Editor Richard King and University of California Berkeley Physics Professor Dr. Benjamin Safdi.

“A well-crafted script is key to a great film,” said Anne Lai, Executive Director of SFFILM. “We’re thrilled to have this partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation that not only recognizes the importance of screenwriting but also provides rare support for filmmakers to dedicate time and resources to this critical period of development.”

“We are proud to partner with SFFILM to support these five talented screenwriters whose original and compelling scripts engage with important issues in science and society while giving eloquent voice to underrepresented characters,” said Doron Weber, Vice President and Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “These selected writers join a nationwide program that has supported over 800 science and film projects and include award-winning filmmakers from twelve distinguished film schools and six outstanding screenplay development partners.”

SFFILM’s partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation—the nation’s leading philanthropic grantor for science and the arts—culminates in the SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative. SFFILM launched the program in 2015 to celebrate and highlight cinema that brings together science and the art of storytelling, showing how these two seemingly disparate areas can combine to enhance the power of one another. The selections are meant to immerse a broad public audience in the challenges and rewards of scientific discovery, as well as to engage members of the scientific community.

Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative: Artist Development Programs

“The SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Fellowship and SFFILM Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund give us the opportunity to elevate already outstanding filmmakers,” said Masashi Niwano, SFFILM Director of Artist Development. “Filmmakers like Vivienne Shaw, Fradique, Sahand Nikoukar, Katherine Burns, and James ‘Séamus’ Bearheart will receive targeted support, both to sharpen the science and scientific themes presented in their scripts, and for ongoing professional development to deepen their craft.”

Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowships

Two filmmakers have been selected to receive Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowships, which will support the development of their narrative feature screenplays. The fellowship is designed to ensure that narrative feature films that tell compelling stories about the worlds of science and technology continue to be made and seen. From an open call for submissions, the 2023 Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowships have been awarded to two outstanding filmmakers.

Vivienne Shaw | KILLING JAR
After her mother’s abrupt death, an obsessive insect researcher thrown into a confusing web of family lies and secrets decides to undertake her own forensic entomology investigation to uncover the truth.

Fradique | HOLD TIME FOR ME
An Angolan photographer seeks a vanished Cuban biologist in a surreal, environmentally-crisis-ridden world where Luanda drifts away from the mainland.

Recipients of the Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowship will receive a $35,000 cash grant and residency at FilmHouse, SFFILM’s suite of production offices for local and visiting independent filmmakers. The residency program provides filmmakers with artistic guidance, office space, a vibrant creative community, and mentorship from established filmmakers and members of the independent film industry. To strengthen their film’s portrayal of science or technology, each fellow will be connected to a science advisor with expertise in the subjects at the center of their screenplays, as well as leaders in the Bay Area’s science and technology communities.

SFFILM Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund

The Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund supports the screen adaptation of specific scientific articles and discoveries, cataloged in the Sloan Stories of Science Sourcebook as inspiration for filmmakers. These recipients each receive a $20,000 cash grant and access to FilmHouse, SFFILM’s suite of production offices for local and visiting independent filmmakers. The residency program provides filmmakers with artistic guidance, office space, a vibrant creative community, and mentorship from established filmmakers and members of the independent film industry. To strengthen their film’s portrayal of science or technology, each fellow will be connected to a science advisor with expertise in the subjects at the center of their screenplays, as well as leaders in the Bay Area’s science and technology communities.

Three screenwriters, Sahand Nikoukar, Katherine Burns, and James ‘Séamus’ Bearheart have been selected to receive funding through SFFILM’s Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund, which is part of a suite of screenwriting programs that cultivate narrative feature films exploring scientific or technological themes and characters. This artist support program was developed in partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the nonprofit dedicated to bridging the cultures of science and the humanities, and focuses on the adaptation of important scientific and technological discoveries to the big screen.

Sahand Nikoukar | CENTAUR
What if an AI ran for President—and won? When a band of irreverent tech visionaries launches their AI algorithm as a mock presidential candidate, they inadvertently trigger a nationwide phenomenon. As the AI contender outwits seasoned politicians, exposes hypocrisy, and reveals flaws in the system, this campaign mockumentary examines the future of politics and humanity itself.

Katherine Burns | HENRY
Dee Peralta (37) has left Hollywood behind to play the titular role in a stage production of Henry V, searching for a feeling of connection that she has been missing. But when she discovers that the production is being run by a new AI chatbot, she must grapple with what connection really means—and perhaps find it in an unlikely place.

James ‘Séamus’ Bearheart | VISIBLE
A scientist’s remarkable observation of the glass frog’s unique behavior is continually dismissed as unimportant by her peers. The scientist must dig deep to believe in herself and show the world how important this discovery is.

“We remain inspired by the undeniable potential of creativity fueled by the intersection of art, science, and technology,” the prize’s review committee said in a statement. “This year’s recipients of the SFFILM Sloan Grants represent a convergence of storytelling, scientific curiosity, and technological innovation, demonstrating the vitality and impact of their diverse artistic voices. We are thrilled to offer support at this exciting stage of their creative process.”
SFFILM and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation are excited to continue to work together in championing films and filmmakers that inspire and expand the public understanding of science and technology.”

The review committee members who reviewed the finalists’ projects included: Brad Balukjian, Ph.D., Director of Natural History & Sustainability Program at Merritt College; Patrick House, Ph.D., writer and neuroscientist; Rosa Morales, Artist Development Manager of Narrative Programs at SFFILM; Masashi Niwano, Director of Artist Development at SFFILM; Ilana Segall, M.S., Data Scientist at Mozilla; Kelly Sutherland, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Biology at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology; Indre Viskontas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology at University of San Francisco; and Doron Weber, Vice President and Program Director at Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Stay In Touch With SFFILM

SFFILM is a nonprofit organization whose mission ensures independent voices in film are welcomed, heard, and given the resources to thrive. SFFILM works hard to bring the most exciting films and filmmakers to Bay Area movie lovers. To be the first to know what’s coming, sign up for our email alerts and watch your inbox.

Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) has supported feature-length documentaries in post-production that are distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an innovative visual approach. DFF has distributed nearly $1 million to advance new work by filmmakers worldwide, many of whom go on to premiere at festivals like Sundance, our own San Francisco International Film Festival, Tribeca and more, as well as collect dozens of nominations and awards including the Oscars.

This year’s recipients include Efraín Mojica and Rebecca Zweig’s Milpa; Brittany Shyne’s SEEDS; Ryan Sidhoo’s The Track; and Olivier Sarbil’s Viktor.

The panel who reviewed the submissions were Jaad Asante, Manager of Documentaries, Onyx Collective; Sarvnik Kaur, director of Against the Tide; Joshua Moore, SFFILM Manager of Documentary Programs, Artist Development; and Masashi Niwano SFFILM Director of Artist Development.

“The Documentary Film Fund is one of our most competitive grants and this year we received over 350 submissions. Selecting the four recipients out of the ten remarkable finalists, proved a very difficult challenge for this year’s jury,” said Joshua Moore, Manager of Documentary Programs, Artist Development at SFFILM.

“All of these films were impressive in their own way and ultimately we believe the four recipients we selected represent exciting filmmakers at the top of their game, each giving a compelling and cinematic celebration of the underdog,” remarked the panel. “We are thrilled to award SFFILM’s Documentary Film Fund to these distinct projects and can’t wait to see them come into the world for all to see, share, and experience.”

Previous DFF winners include Sarvnik Kaur’s Against the Tide, winner of the Sundance 2023 Vérité Filmmaking Prize; ​​Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborne’s Going Varsity in Mariachi, winner of the Sundance 2023 Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award; Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s Writing With Fire, which won Audience and Special Jury Awards at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival; Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska’s Honeyland, which won a record number of juried awards at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for Academy Awards for both Best Documentary Feature and Best Foreign Language Film; RaMell Ross’ Hale County This Morning, This Evening, which won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2018 and was nominated for the 2019 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and many others.

The 2023 Documentary Film Fund is made possible thanks to support from Jennifer Hymes Battat and the Jenerosity Foundation along with Katie Hall and Tom Knutsen.

Meet the 2023 Documentary Film Fund Recipients

Milpa

Efraín Mojica, Director/Producer; Rebecca Zweig, Director/Producer; Sarah Strunin, Producer

At the rural rodeos in Michoacán, México, a hypermasculine tradition is rife with hidden queer encounters. In Jaripeo, director Efraín steps into the frame to follow two rancheros as they navigate desire, machismo, and mass migration from one rodeo season to the next.

SEEDS

Brittany Shyne, Director/Producer; Danielle Varga, Producer; Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, Executive Producer

SEEDS is a portrait of centennial farmers in the geographical south. Using lyrical black-and-white imagery, this meditative film examines the decline of generational black farmers and the significance of owning land.

The Track

Ryan Sidhoo, Director/Producer

The Track is a coming-of-age journey of three teenagers chasing their Olympic dreams in post-war Bosnia. Training on their bullet-riddled luge track left over from the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo, the heart of the project is found in the relatable, sometimes humorous and exciting portrayal of friends striving for a better life despite religious strife and a murky economic future. Ultimately, the film begs the question: Where does a generation go after war?

Viktor

Olivier Sarbil, Director/Producer Darren Aronofsky, Producer; Dylan Golden, Producer; Brendan Naylor, Producer; Sigrid Dyekjær, Producer; Philippe Levasseur, Producer

Viktor is an intimate epic about a Ukrainian searching for purpose in a war he cannot hear.

Stay In Touch With SFFILM

SFFILM is a nonprofit organization whose mission ensures independent voices in film are welcomed, heard, and given the resources to thrive. SFFILM works hard to bring the most exciting films and filmmakers to Bay Area movie lovers, to support emerging filmmakers, and to educate youth through cinema. To be the first to know what’s coming, sign up for our email alerts and watch your inbox.

Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) has supported feature-length documentaries in post-production that are distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an innovative visual approach. DFF has distributed nearly $1 million to advance new work by filmmakers worldwide, many of whom go on to premiere at festivals like Sundance, our own San Francisco International Film Festival, Tribeca and more, as well as collect dozens of nominations and awards including the Oscars.

Previous DFF winners include Sarvnik Kaur’s Against the Tide, winner of the Sundance 2023 Vérité Filmmaking Prize; ​​Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborne’s Going Varsity in Mariachi, winner of the Sundance 2023 Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award; Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s Writing With Fire, which won Audience and Special Jury Awards at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival; Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska’s Honeyland, which won a record number of juried awards at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for Academy Awards for both Best Documentary Feature and Best Foreign Language Film; RaMell Ross’ Hale County This Morning, This Evening, which won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance 2018 and was nominated for the 2019 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and many others.

The 2023 Documentary Film Fund is made possible thanks to support from Jennifer Hymes Battat and the Jenerosity Foundation along with Katie Hall and Tom Knutsen.

Meet the 2023 Documentary Film Fund Finalists

Company of Steel

Yuliia Hontaruk, Director/Producer; Ivanna Khitsinska, Producer; Alexandra Bratyshchenko, Producer; Uldis Cekulis, Producer; Katarina Krnacova, Producer

After enduring the horrors of the war in eastern Ukraine since 2014, three young veterans return home. As they struggle to find their place in daily life as civilians, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 throws them right back into the trauma they have tried so hard to escape.

Daughters

Natalie Rae Robison, Director/Producer; Angela Patton, Director/Executive Producer; Lisa Mazzotta, Producer

An intimate portrait of a generation of youth bearing the weight of mass incarceration through the lens of four young girls as they prepare for a special father-daughter dance with their fathers in jail.

The Impossible Dream

Javid Soriano, Director/Producer

A world-class opera singer, now unhoused in San Francisco, embarks on a musical journey into the brightest and darkest regions of his life.

Milpa

Efraín Mojica, Director/Producer; Rebecca Zweig, Director/Producer; Sarah Strunin, Producer

At the rural rodeos in Michoacán, México, a hypermasculine tradition is rife with hidden queer encounters. In Jaripeo, director Efraín steps into the frame to follow two rancheros as they navigate desire, machismo, and mass migration from one rodeo season to the next.

Patrice the Movie

Ted Passon, Director; Kyla Harris, Producer; Innbo Shim, Producer; Emily Spivack, Producer

Patrice the Movie is a nonfiction rom-com about the next phase of marriage equality – disability. In her late 50s, Patrice has finally found the love of her life, Garry, who is also disabled. They want nothing more than to get married, but if they do—or were even to move in together—the benefits they need to survive would be cut. Despite the scrutiny they’re under, they decide to plan a commitment ceremony that could risk their entire future. Blending verite footage and stylized school play-inspired recreations, the film follows Patrice in the present day while weaving in scripted scenes that reveal events from her past.

SEEDS

Brittany Shyne, Director/Producer; Danielle Varga, Producer; Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, Executive Producer

SEEDS is a portrait of centennial farmers in the geographical south. Using lyrical black-and-white imagery, this meditative film examines the decline of generational black farmers and the significance of owning land.

The Track

Ryan Sidhoo, Director/Producer

The Track is a coming-of-age journey of three teenagers chasing their Olympic dreams in post-war Bosnia. Training on their bullet-riddled luge track left over from the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo, the heart of the project is found in the relatable, sometimes humorous and exciting portrayal of friends striving for a better life despite religious strife and a murky economic future. Ultimately, the film begs the question: Where does a generation go after war?

Untitled Mistress Dispeller Project

Elizabeth Lo, Director; Emma D. Miller, Producer; Elizabeth Lo, Producer; Maggie Li, Producer

Wang Zhenxi works as a “mistress dispeller” in China, hired to break up extramarital affairs and save marriages in crisis. Untitled Mistress Dispeller Project follows Wang in her work on an unfolding case, offering extraordinarily intimate access to private lives usually kept hidden. Through a Rashomon approach that allows sympathies to shift between husband, wife, and mistress, the film paints a picture of disconnection and desire that is both specific to China and relatable across cultures.

Untitled Pyrenees Bears Film

Max Keegan, Director/Producer; Amanda McBaine, Producer; Jesse Moss, Producer; Elizabeth Woodward, Producer

Viktor

Olivier Sarbil, Director/Producer Darren Aronofsky, Producer; Dylan Golden, Producer; Brendan Naylor, Producer; Sigrid Dyekjær, Producer

Viktor is an intimate epic about a Ukrainian searching for purpose in a war he cannot hear.

Stay In Touch With SFFILM

SFFILM is a nonprofit organization whose mission ensures independent voices in film are welcomed, heard, and given the resources to thrive. SFFILM works hard to bring the most exciting films and filmmakers to Bay Area movie lovers, to support emerging filmmakers, and to educate youth through cinema. To be the first to know what’s coming, sign up for our email alerts and watch your inbox.