Firelight Media Creates New Fund to Support Filmmakers of Color

By N. Jamiyla Chisholm Jan 29, 2020

Filmmakers of color who need development support can now look to the new William Greaves Fund, Firelight Media announced on January 27, at its 20th anniversary celebration at Sundance Film Festival.

Launching this year, the William Greaves Fund will support research and development by nonfiction filmmakers of color based in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Brazil. As Firelight’s mission is “to support diverse filmmakers throughout different stages of their careers,” according to an emailed statement, the funding will include up to $25,000 annually for seven to 10 people. Grantees will then be able to research and develop film treatments, decks, sizzle reels and more for fundraising, while receiving mentorship throughout the process. Firelight Media cofounder Stanley Nelson named the fund after documentarian William Greaves, who produced more than 200 documentary films during his 60-year career before his death in 2014.   

“Over the past ten years, we have seen too many filmmakers of color have to completely abandon the field because they can’t get their next projects off the ground,” said Senior Vice President of Programs Loira Limbal in the statement. “Even after producing award-winning feature documentaries and creating real world impact, they can’t garner the needed support. The William Greaves Fund is Firelight’s response to this persistent problem.” 

The call for proposals will open on March 1, 2020. Visit Firelight Media‘s website for more information.