Breaking Through The Lens (BTTL), a renowned platform dedicated to supporting underrepresented filmmakers, has unveiled an exciting new initiative in partnership with Chopard, the prestigious watch and jewelry house and Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival. Together, they have launched the Action Grant, a groundbreaking 10,000 Euro development grant aimed at empowering directors of marginalized genders in their journey towards bringing their feature films to life.
The Action Grant represents BTTL's most direct and impactful support initiative to date, providing a tangible opportunity for filmmakers with a feature film in development to take decisive steps towards production. By awarding a 10,000 Euro commitment, the grant seeks to alleviate some of the financial challenges that often hinder marginalized filmmakers from realizing their artistic visions. The winning recipient of the Action Grant will also secure a coveted spot in BTTL's prestigious 2024 lineup, enhancing their visibility and potential for success.
Notably, Chopard Co-President, Caroline Scheufele, will lend her expertise and passion for cinema as a distinguished member of the Grant's Official Jury. Scheufele, a devoted cinephile, has long associated Chopard with the world of film and recognizes the pressing need to amplify the voices of women and other marginalized genders within the industry. She expressed her admiration for the work initiated by BTTL and emphasized that Chopard's support was a natural extension of their shared vision and commitment to inclusivity.
The Action Grant is open to filmmakers who face marginalization due to their gender, including cisgender women, transgender women, transgender men, and non-binary individuals. BTTL strongly encourages applications from BIPOC filmmakers and those with disabilities, recognizing the intersecting challenges faced by individuals at the crossroads of multiple underrepresented identities. The application period for the grant will commence on May 23rd and remain open until July 31st. Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and submission guidelines can be found on BTTL's official website, breakingthroughthelens.org.
The highly anticipated announcement of the Action Grant winner will take place at the Venice International Film Festival in early September. This prestigious event will be hosted by Chopard, further cementing their commitment to supporting marginalized voices in the film industry. The recipient of the grant will not only receive the financial boost they need to advance their project but will also gain access to an invaluable network of industry professionals and mentors, propelling them towards their filmmaking aspirations.
Breaking Through The Lens at Cannes 2023 promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more inclusive and diverse film industry. Through their collaboration with Chopard and the introduction of the Action Grant, BTTL continues to break barriers, empowering marginalized filmmakers to overcome systemic obstacles and bring their unique stories to the forefront of global cinema.
