Cinereach Seeks Applicants for 2009/2010 Reach Film Fellowship
Unique granting program for young, socially aware filmmakers continues to evolve as it enters its third year.
Contact: Gita Chandra, gita@pkpr.com; Patrick Kowalczyk (patrick@pkpr.com); PKPR (212) 627-8098New York, NY (June 4, 2009) – Cinereach, a not-for-profit dedicated to championing well-crafted films that tell vital stories, is seeking applicants for its annual Reach Film Fellowship. The prestigious six-month program pairs fledgling filmmakers with grants, resources and industry mentors who help guide their short films through all stages of production.
The application deadline is July 15, 2009. Applications and guidelines can be downloaded at http://www.reachfilmfellowship.com/. The Reach Film Fellowship provides four young filmmakers with $5,000 and mentorship from established filmmakers. Previous mentors have included Oscar-nominated directors Albert Maysles (Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter) and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp, Boys of Baraka), producer Jeremy Kipp Walker (Half Nelson, Sugar), and writer/director Nicole Kassell (The Woodsman). The Fellowship also includes workshops, career coaching, and materials and services from sponsors like Kodak, Postworks, and Showbiz Software. Newly established partnerships with Arts Engine, Rooftop Films, and The Edit Center will widen the breadth of resources Cinereach offers this year’s participants. Entering its third year, the Reach Film Fellowship has already seen one of its inaugural films, So the Wind Won’t Blow it All Away, by 2008 Fellow Annie Waldman, screen at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The short documentary, hailed as “lyrical, expressive… otherworldly” by New York Magazine, will be featured on PBS’s acclaimed P.O.V. series this fall alongside Bronx Princess, a film by Cinereach Grantees Yoni Brook & Musa Syeed. Industry judges will award an additional $5,000 to the most outstanding film of the four, which will also screen at Cinereach’s annual Reach Out event in the spring. “Making the leap from novice filmmaker to professional is a challenge for any young director,” said Philipp Engelhorn, Founder and Executive Director of Cinereach. “More difficult still for those who aim to make films of social significance. The Reach Film Fellowship can turn potential into achievement for its participants. We guide them in a promising direction at an early, defining moment in their careers.” “A grant for filmmakers making shorts is a rare thing in itself,” said Reva Goldberg, who heads up The Reach Film Fellowship for Cinereach. “But by far the most valuable thing Fellows gain is access to some of the most talented filmmakers today. Our mentors and advisors, many of whom are recipients of Cinereach grants, are transparent with the fellows about how they’ve realized their own goals. They offer insight that can usually only be gained through years of trial and error.” “We couldn’t be more proud of the results,” added Engelhorn. “RFF films have tackled issues like poverty, racism, activism, aging and more with sincerity, originality and heart.” The fellowship is open to filmmakers who completed film studies programs in 2008 or 2009. This year, self-taught filmmakers may also apply, but are advised to discuss their eligibility with Cinereach staff before submitting an application. Applicants must also be able to reside in the New York Tri-State area from August through April of 2009/2010 to meet the Fellowship requirements. About Cinereach Cinereach was created in 2006 by young filmmakers, philanthropists and entrepreneurs with the goal of championing socially relevant films. Its three key areas, Grants & Awards, Productions, and The Reach Film Fellowship facilitate the creation of films that challenge, excite innovate, offer new perspectives and inspire action. Cinereach has awarded close to $2 million in grants and achievement awards since its inception. Past recipients include: The Betrayal (Nerakhoon), a 2009 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary; A Jihad for Love, an acclaimed documentary exploring the complex intersection of Islam and homosexuality; and Entre Nos a narrative feature film from IndiePix that premiered to great acclaim at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. Cinereach’s first in-house documentary, The Road Ahead: The First Green Long March, was a selection of the Hamptons, Queens (Best Intl. Documentary), and Cleveland International film festivals and has screened in connection with leading environmental organizations. http://www.cinereach.org/ http://www.reachfilmfellowship.com/
