Six Sundance Documentaries Receive Grants from Ford Foundation
Six documentaries that premiered in competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival have received grants from The Ford Foundation as part of its $4.2 million donation to support social justice storytelling.
Selected Sundance Documentaries:
* "Free Leonard Peltier"
* "Heightened Scrutiny"
* "How to Build a Library"
* "Seeds"
* "Life After"
* "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore"
These films address critical topics such as Native American rights, transgender representation in media, decolonization, disability rights, and the experiences of deaf actors in Hollywood.
Ford Foundation's JustFilms Program:
The Ford Foundation's JustFilms program provides production grants to support underrepresented voices and address distribution challenges in the industry. Its mission is to nurture filmmakers who use their art as a catalyst for social change.
Additional Funded Titles:
In addition to the Sundance documentaries, other titles supported by the funding include:
* "Let No One Lose Heart"
* "The Franchise"
* "Drowned Land"
* "The Quiet Part"
* "Survival Floating"
* "Natchez"
These films explore issues such as environmental pollution, the prison industrial complex, Indigenous identity, and America's historical reckoning.
Importance of Independent Documentary Filmmaking:
The program officers of JustFilms emphasize the critical role of independent documentaries in promoting diverse perspectives and fostering public dialogue. They believe that these films are essential for building a more equitable society and addressing systemic barriers.