Biggest. Grant. Ever. Film Independent Awarded $2.55 Million From Perenchio Foundation
What started in 1981 with a small band of pioneering directors, writers and producers is poised for a new era of growth, thanks to a philanthropic investment of $2.55 million from the Perenchio Foundation.
“At a time when our industry is undergoing profound change, this support gives Film Independent the opportunity to build a more resilient organization,” Fi President Juan Devis told IndieWire, “[to] strengthen our artist ecosystem, expand our role in the creative economy, and ensure that the next generation of filmmakers has the resources, community, and platform to thrive. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and confidence in our vision.”
The grant goes to work during the next three years, cementing our status as a leading Arts Institution in Los Angeles and underscoring the vital role of film and media arts in the city’s nonprofit arts ecosystem. “What we are investing in is not a program or a season,” says Perenchio CEO, Stephania Ramirez. “It is the infrastructure behind the work — the staffing, the systems, the reserves that allow an organization to absorb a hard year without losing what took twenty years to build. That is what multi-year unrestricted support makes possible, and it is the only kind of investment the Foundation believes is worth making.”
Significant to Film Independent is how Perenchio recognizes film and media arts within the broader Los Angeles nonprofit arts sector. Large-scale arts funding has tended to favor other cultural institutions and art forms over film and media. We’re proud to be changing that conversation, and showing why the cinematic arts are just as important to support, especially in changing times.
From the organization’s early days in the 80s to present-day, connecting artist development with public-facing cultural programming remains a core tenet of Film Independent’s work, supporting filmmakers throughout the lifecycle of their projects—from production and funding through distribution and celebration—while building the knowledge, networks and community that sustain creative careers. Our Film Independent Artist Development Labs create career opportunities for writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers, including Project Involve, which fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from traditionally underrepresented communities. Our Education and International programs provide filmmakers with resources, professional development and opportunities to connect and collaborate, both in Los Angeles and around the world. Through open-access Membership, filmmakers and film lovers can also tap into year-round networking, community-building and cultural programming, including Film Independent Presents, our year-round screening series. And the Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in independent storytelling each year.
About Perenchio Foundation
Established by the late A. Jerrold ‘Jerry’ Perenchio, the Perenchio Foundation believes the arts are essential to how communities see themselves, sustain themselves, and grow. The Foundation is committed to creating lasting impact in Los Angeles by investing in
arts organizations that embody quality, accessibility, and permanence. Learn more at perenchiofoundation.org
Film Independent promotes unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work. To become a Member of Film Independent, just click here. To support us with a donation, click here.
Keep up with Film Independent…