TRUE PRODUCTIONS AND SIFF TO UNDERWRITE TWO $50,000 FILMMAKER GRANTS

SEATTLE -- September 2016 -- For the second consecutive year, SIFF and True Productions have partnered to underwrite two $50,000 documentary grants for filmmakers. The sole purpose of the grants is to invest in the filmmaking community, the filmmaking process, and - most of all - the art of true storytelling through the lens. The True Productions + SIFF Documentary grants are generously supported by the Clark Family Legacy Foundation and Áegis Living.

The 2017 grants will focus on two themes that are very timely and important in our society today:

The first grant, provided by the Clark Family Legacy Foundation, will focus on the very real and relevant theme of heroin/opioid use in youth. With ever-increasing numbers of youth experimenting with, and becoming addicted to, heroin/opioids, this topic touches everyone. The focus of the film can be on any part of this problem: the user, the family, the system, the community, crime, etc.

The second grant, provided by Áegis Living, will focus on immigration, which is a defining challenge in the world today. This focus is very open-ended, and can look at any theme around immigration.

Both grants will be adjudicated separately, and the winning project in each grant topic will be awarded $50,000. The selected grantee must submit the completed film for consideration to the Seattle International Film Festival or SIFF Cinema for its world premiere screening. Although SIFF retains the right of first refusal in terms of where the film may make its premiere, SIFF will work with the grantee to create a festival and exhibition strategy that provides the most advantageous exposure to the film and filmmaking team.

In 2015, two $50,000 filmmaking grants were awarded to films that handled the complex topic of aging. Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday's film BIG SONIA, an absorbing film about Holocaust survivor and 90-year-old Kansas City tailor-shop owner Sonia Warshawski, and Kate Dandel's film GOLD BALLS, which profiles several competitive athletes over age 80 as they pursue a National Championship title in tennis.

Eligibility Requirements

Grant is open to filmmakers that satisfy the following criteria:

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.

• Documentary must be a minimum length of 50 minutes.

• Applicant must be in a key creative role for the film: ideally, the producer or director.

• In each grant, the topic of either heroin/opioid use by youth – OR – immigration must be used for the theme of the documentary.

Evaluation Criteria

• Project reflects excellence in storytelling and visual style.

• Filmmaker clearly articulates the intended theme and goal for the grant.

• Filmmaker demonstrates how the grant will impact short- and long-term professional and artistic goals.

Restrictions

• Filmmaker may not be a SIFF employee, SIFF board member, or a True Productions representative.

• Filmmaker may not be a full-time student.

• Project cannot be a work for hire.

• Only one application per project will be accepted.

About SIFF

Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 150,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 450 features, short films, and documentaries from over 80 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on five screens at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and SIFF Film Center, reaching more than 150,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 13,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.

About True Productions

True Productions is a Seattle-based film, theater and media production company where "art meets heart". Founded by author, playwright and CEO of Aegis Living, Dwayne Clark and his wife Terese Clark, True Productions is committed to bringing true life stories aimed at enlightening, entertaining and inspiring.

About Aegis Living

Aegis Living is a national leader in retirement, assisted living and Alzheimer's care providing the finest in senior lifestyle emphasizing health, quality of life, well-being and community. Aegis Living is guided by a simple philosophy: strive to treat all people with the highest possible standards. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington privately held Aegis Living operates 30 communities in Washington, California and Nevada.