The annual grants will be awarded to filmmakers working across different genres. They will be selected through an open call for applications starting February although a date was not specified.
Lebanon-based Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) has announced that it will open its annual call for grant applications in February for visual arts, performing arts, creative and critical writings as well as the AFACs documentary and photography programmes. The announcement was made by Rima Mismar, Executive Director of AFAC on the sidelines of the Sharjah Film Platform at a panel discussion on the funding landscape for filmmakers and artists in MENA.
Stressing the importance of lending support to unheard voices from the region, Mismar commented: AFAC is committed to offering an open platform to filmmakers to tell their stories. We are giving out grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 every year, to help filmmakers across formats — documentary, long form narrative and short form narrative. The perspective towards cinema, arts and culture needs an overhaul.
Highlighting the non-partisan nature of the fund, Mismar said: We strive to offer freedom to filmmakers to achieve their vision of storytelling. The selection criteria and jury facilitate to bring new ideas and good quality stories to viewers. Our grantees work has been reviewed in the local and international press; they have been invited to participate in high-profile festivals, artist exchanges and residencies, and have, in turn, inspired hundreds of others to pursue artistic endeavours through workshops and trainings. We are on the support side of the ecosystem and will continue to support talent.
AFAC was established in 2007 by local cultural lobbyists as an independent initiative that funds individuals and organisations in the fields of cinema, performing arts, literature, music and visual arts while facilitating cultural exchange, research and cooperation across the Arab world and globally.
Applicants may visit the AFAC website for further details.
