Global content studio Pulse Films and documentary non-profit BRITDOC are today announcing the launch of The Pulse BRITDOC Genesis Fund, created to champion highly original non-fiction cinema.
The first recipient of a £5,000 (about $7,500) funding grant is filmmaker Khalik Allah ("Field Niggas") for his upcoming project "JAMAICA."
The fund has been established to provide much needed early financial support and belief to documentary cinema driven by imaginative and innovative storytelling. Without the requirement of seeing footage, the fund will give out up to ten £5,000 awards each year to help filmmakers experiment with form and approach.
“Receiving the Genesis Fund marks a huge milestone in my emerging career as a filmmaker. Above all else it lets me know that BRITDOC and Pulse are very serious about supporting directors who are not afraid to take risks,” says Khalik Allah on the importance of receiving this type of funding.
Julia Nottingham at Pulse Films adds: “The Genesis Fund reinforces both Pulse and BRITDOC’s dedication to sparking creativity and supporting creators who push the boundaries of their medium. We have a strong ethos of collaboration and we are excited to be able to work alongside BRITDOC further, to amplify the voices of a new wave of documentary talent.”
Eligibility criteria:
– Filmmakers don’t need to be already working with Pulse Films or BRITDOC, and won’t be tied into working with them afterwards. Filmmakers will retain all their rights and options. For select awardees, the two organisations hope to provide further funding and make a Pulse/BRITDOC co-production offer, that would take a film through production, completion, launch and distribution.
– Projects will need to be at a very early stage to be considered. Eligibility is open to directors of any nationality, living anywhere, with any level of experience. Applications are now open until February 29th 2016. The first round of up to 9 further grants will be made in early 2016.
BRITDOC’s Jess Search states, “This is a thrilling time for documentary cinema. PULSE films have been supporting some of the most imaginative works in non-fiction storytelling. We believe that by joining forces we can further develop the creative vision and audience reach of long-form documentary.”
Pulse Films and BRITDOC have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields. Pulse has been at the forefront of redefining the documentary genre – with a catalogue of films that includes the double Sundance-winning and BAFTA nominated "20,000 Days on Earth," the seminal LCD Soundsystem film "Shut Up and Play the Hits," and the mesmerizing BFI London Film Festival Documentary competition film, "The Possibilities Are Endless." Over the last 10 years BRITDOC has been a significant force behind the independent documentary scene in the UK. The foundation has funded, executive and co-produced over 70 films including such creative films as Gillian Wearing’s "Self Made," Danfung Dennis’ "Hell and Back Again" and Laura Poitras’ Academy Award-winning "CITIZENFOUR."
Pulse and BRITDOC have already partnered to produce two highly original films, "The Possibilities are Endless" and "Who Is Dayani Crystal?." They are currently working together on Michal Marzak’s third feature documentary, "All These Sleepless Nights."
For more information about the fund and to apply: https://britdoc.org/genesis/.
