Starting this year, the AXS Film Fund, is looking to support film makers of color identifying as having a disability. They will do so by awarding up to five creators with grants of up to $10,000 each to assist them in finishing their projects in any stage of production. AXS Film Fund Disabled
In a statement provided by the fund, it states that the fund was “founded to support documentary filmmakers and non-fiction new media creators of color with disabilities. The fund seeks to bring visibility to an underrepresented community of creators by intervening and providing opportunities that they may not otherwise have with mainstream funding structures. Grantees will be supported in their endeavors to tell stories, make films, and create content.”
The AXS Film Fund is led by DaSilva, a director, producer, writer, and disability rights activist. The artist is best known for the Emmy Award winning documentary, When I Walk, the first film in a documentary trilogy and program director Naomi Middleton.
Jason Dasilva said: “We are thrilled to launch this new fund with the mission of changing. It is time to defeat the negative stereotypes and portrayals of disability. It is time to raise and support people of color with disabilities on their journeys to becoming nonfiction filmmakers and creators.”
Funding for the grant is provided by the Bertha Foundation. The organization’s website says the Bertha; “supports activists, storytellers, and lawyers who are working to bring about social and economic justice and human rights for all. With additional support is provided by the Center for Asian American Media, the Perspective Fund, and Firelight media.”
Adrian Kawaley-Lathan, the creative director at Bertha Foundation said: “The Bertha Foundation is proud to support AXS Lab in the creation of the AXS Film Fund! It is essential that marginalised voices are empowered to tell their own stories, shape their own narratives and share them with the world. We are inspired by the dedication and passion of Jason and the team, and look forward to all of the exciting stories amplified through the AXS Film Fund!”
With the grant, the fund seeks to: 1. Award creators, who identify themselves as a person of color having a disability(ies), in documentary filmmaking and nonfiction new media a one-time grant that will aid them in successfully completing their projects. 2. Help more ethnic minorities with disabilities get recognition and job opportunities in the film industry. 3. Help create more diversity amongst creators and the stories told.
The statement also sates that the “AXS Film Fund highly values accessibility and inclusivity for all. Filmmakers of color have fought hard to win equality and move beyond the racial barriers of a historically white industry. Meanwhile, people of color with disabilities are rarely seen in media and film. The majority of the time, they are not even in control of the creation of projects or tools, thus eliminating the voices of an entire community.”
Applications for the fund open June 1 and end September 3. To apply go to the The AXS Film Fund’s website here.
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