For over 18 years Working Films has recognized the power of stories to inform and inspire. We build partnerships between nonfiction media-makers, nonprofit organizations, educators, and advocates to advance social justice and environmental protection. We have a successful track record of helping filmmakers use their social issue documentaries to raise public consciousness and create real, meaningful change with measurable impact.
With generous support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, we are now funding the creation of new work to expand the canon of films available for grassroots groups and NGOs to enhance their programs, extend their reach, and move their missions forward. Working Films is pleased to launch this inaugural Request for Proposals (RFP) for our Docs in Action Fund.
Schedule
Online Application – Opens January 16, 2018
Notification of Grant Status – May 7 – 11, 2018
Completed Films Due – December 3, 2018
Docs in Action: Just Recovery
Under this RFP we will award at least two grants of up to $30,000 each in support of the production of short non-fiction films (up to 30 minutes in length) that can be used to mobilize residents who have been impacted directly, as well as audiences across the United States, to demand “just recovery”.
We are defining just recovery as the long-term cultural changes, planning, partnerships, investment, and infrastructure needed to build intersectional models and alternatives for communities hit first and worst by the catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Content for “just recovery” can include films that:
- Showcase infrastructure for community self determination around disaster recovery and preparedness, in particular those that involve participatory public processes, community-centered leadership, and direct accountability to those most impacted by the disaster itself.
- Expose the intersections of climate change, colonization, racial injustice, gentrification, immigration, and disaster recovery.
- Illustrate how addressing colonization and white supremacy are integral in the struggle to achieve climate justice.
- Offer learning exchanges and capacity-building connections between places struggling for a just recovery, such as between post-Katrina New Orleans and post-Maria Puerto Rico/Boriken.
The Docs in Action films supported through this RFP must be compelling in their approach and exhibit a unique artistic vision. As stated in our mission, we use documentary film and visual art to reach critical audiences and move the dial toward meaningful change and impact. This objective requires that the film projects submitted to us have the highest level of clear information combined with artistic excellence. They must have the potential to thoroughly engage an audience while prepping them for action.
More info at WorkingFilms.org.
