GRANTS
Consistent with our mission to change the distorted, false narrative about Mexican-Americans, and because films, TV and streaming series have a tremendous impact on the narrative, perception and reputation of our community, MACEF, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, has chosen to provide support to the Mexican-American filmmaker community with different initiatives, including MACEF’s Filmmaker Production Grants.
CURRENTLY, WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING:
The MACEF Filmmaker Production Grant
There are thousands of epic stories waiting to be told, and Hollywood has a history of rejecting projects with Mexican-American and Chicano/a stories or lead characters. The goal of the Filmmaker Grant, directed by Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz, is to promote the production of such stories. Individuals already in the industry, including film students at graduate level, who have great stories to tell and need funds to finish their short film, feature-length film, proof of concept film or TV pilot before putting it on the market or presenting it to film studios, are encouraged to apply. The applicant to this grant can be of any ethnicity or background, but the production team must include at least one producer, writer, director and lead actor who identifies as Mexican-American or Chicana/o of any generation or mixed ethnicity. Grantees will have their film highlighted at the next Mexican-American Film & Television Festival.
Since 2021, eight $5,000-$10,000 grants have been awarded to filmmakers.
To qualify for this grant, the applicant must submit the script of the short film, film or TV pilot and be in the advanced stages of pre-production or production. Qualifying films will be assessed by the quality of the story (culturally positive and non-stereotypical stories are required) as well as production organization and viability of the project. Note: We are looking for non-stereotypical stories of all types. Stories which change our narrative will receive extra attention such as stories about Mexican-Americans who have achieved great success, stories about Mexican-American doctors, lawyers, police detectives, firemen, businessmen/women or teachers. Stories with Universal appeal.
Submission: Applications for the MACEF Film Grant will be accepted between June 15th and July 30th, 2024. Grantees must present their film at the next Mexican-American Film & Television Festival. The finished project will display a credit to MACEF, including the logo on the credits section of the film.
