Organization doubling number of grant recipients in 2016

Telluride Mountainfilm seeks uplifting stories, illuminating films and impactful projects for its 2016 Commitment Grants initiative, which will award $25,000 to 10 recipients. The organization is accepting letters of interest now.

This year, Mountainfilm is doubling the number of grants from five to 10. Along with cash, Mountainfilm will award GoPro cameras and Macbook Pro laptops to select projects that align with its mission of inspiring audiences to create a better world.

Mountainfilm Executive Director Sage Martin said the increase of recipients is part of an ongoing effort to expand the organization’s reach and impact.

Festival Director David Holbrooke echoed that sentiment. “We know how hard it is for filmmakers to create their world-changing projects, so we want to be able to help more than we have in the past,” he said.

Mountainfilm launched its Commitment Grant initiative in 2010 to help creatives tell stories that support its mission. Past winners include Lucy Walker for her film The Crash Reel, Ben Knight and Travis Rummel for their film DamNation and Suzan Beraza for her film Uranium Drive-In. These films, and other grantees, have screened in Mountainfilm’s annual festival and elsewhere. The Commitment Grant is not limited to film: Art, photography and written projects are also considered.

The overarching goal of the initiative is to help ensure that important stories are both told and heard. That said, grantees receive additional support from Mountainfilm through creative input and projects, as well as enhanced networking and connections.

The grant is open to anyone who has participated in Telluride Mountainfilm as a filmmaker or presenter or has been recommended by a Mountainfilm participant. It’s essential that the project be invested with the passion and capacity to be completed.  

Mountainfilm is accepting letters of interest now. The deadline is July 25. A jury will select 15 finalists, who will be asked to submit formal applications. Following final deliberations, winners will be announced in October.

Learn more about the Telluride Mountainfilm Commitment Grant.

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About Mountainfilm: Established in 1979, Mountainfilm uses the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Working at the nexus of filmmaking and action, its flagship program is the legendary Telluride Mountainfilm festival, a one-of-a-kind combination of films, conversations and inspiration. Mountainfilm also reaches audiences year-round through its worldwide tour and Mountainfilm for Students, an educational outreach initiative for youth. Mountainfilm has the power to change lives. To learn more, visit www.mountainfilm.org. To join the conversation, please read Mountainfilm’s news and follow Mountainfilm on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+.