About Us
We are a new program that promotes fresh strategies to grow audiences for independent film releases. We do this through awarding grants for bold experiments around distribution and marketing, and by providing educational resources for film teams to encourage a renewed focus on audiences. We will also release case studies and data publicly so that the field as a whole can learn from the successes and failures of our grantees.
Our long term goals are simply larger audiences for independent cinema as well as audiences that are more representative of the U.S. population. In a challenging time for our field, our strategy is to offset the risk of testing new methodologies to strengthen the engagement with thought-provoking films in our culture.
We are currently focused on U.S. theatrical and non-theatrical releases.
Apply for a Grant
Do you have experience in distribution or marketing? Apply for funding for an innovative approach to develop and engage audiences. Read the FAQ to see if you qualify.
Partner with us
We partner with nonprofits and marketing innovators to provide panels and workshops for film teams. Join us in growing this program. Email us here to talk about your ideas.
Grow the Fund
Our dream is support 30 independent film releases a year. Help us reach our goal by emailing us here about donating to our fund or partnering on issue specific marketing strategies.
Education
Project Market & Expo
Gotham Week 2024
We will be at Gotham Week October 2nd with a working session on how film teams can leverage data to identify target audiences and demonstrate the value to funders and distributors. Details will be announced soon.
More Events Coming Soon!
In the meantime, check out The Distribution Advocates Substack for more resources.