Discovering Fellowships for Filmmaking through Reel Brazil

Jul 25, 2011

Ryan and I are having great fun volunteering with the Reel Brazil Film Festival in Wellington, the brainchild of Leandro Cavalcanti. Reel Brazil is a non-profit venture bringing some of the best Brazilian films to New Zealand theatres in September. We’re impressed by the dedication and passion brought to this festival through the volunteers and independent filmmakers from Brazil eager to share their work.

This got us wondering…. are the fellowships for filmmaking?

Silly question. There are lots! For example, there are numerous fellowships for filmmakers selected to participate in Sundance’s Feature Film Program Lab, like the Sundance Institute Cinereach Feature Film Fellowship.

There are also new fellowships for filmmakers popping up every year. The new Karen Schmeer Film Editing Fellowship funds a year-long, in-depth experience for an emerging, talented film editor, including full passes to popular film festivals in the U.S.

Even the San Francisco Silent Film Festival has a fellowship, allowing a film preservation graduate the opportunity to work directly with international archivists attending the festival.

Speaking of filmmaking, Ryan and I could use some pointers.  Enjoy our out takes video.  And we’ll see you at Reel Brazil!