Do you want to help the next generation of Asian American filmmakers tell their stories?
Visual Communications, the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, recently launched its first-ever crowdsourcing campaign through Indiegogo to raise funds for the 2014-15 Armed With a Camera Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists (AWC). And they could use your support!
Since 2002, the Armed With a Camera Fellowship has nurtured a new generation of Asian Pacific Americans to articulate their experiences and perspectives through the medium of film. Fellows are provided with funding, mentorship, training, resources and an elite presentation venue -- the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Watch this video for more information about Armed With a Camera:
Through the years, the Armed With a Camera has supported twelve fellowship cycles, yielding nearly 100 digital short films. But here's the reality: they need money to continue. The shifting landscape of corporate and foundation grants means arts organizations take the biggest hit, and funding for the Fellowship has declined.
That's why they're turning to you, the community.
WHAT DOES VC NEED?
To sustain the next cycle of the Armed With a Camera Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists, we need to raise at least $50,000, which will go towards:
• Support for up to ten (10) fellows, including a cash stipend, to produce a short digital film that will premiere at the 2015 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
• Upgrade of production and post-production equipment and supplies.
• Support for an AWC mentor; as well as honoraria for workshop instructors in areas such as directing, cinematography, editing, sound editing.
• Support for an AWC coordinator.
If we exceed our goal, all additional money will go toward future AWC cycles!
Nearly one out of every five Armed With a Camera fellows has gone on to direct and/or produce a feature-length narrative or documentary film. This past year's fellowship even saw one of their AWC films be a finalist for the Student Academy Awards. Your generous donation -- which are partially tax-deductible -- will help support the next crop of filmmakers and their stories.
The goal is to raise $50,000 by August 7. For further information about Visual Communications and the Armed With a Camera Fellowship, and to make a donation -- every little bit helps -- head over to Indiegogo.
