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Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund 2012 Now Accepting Submissions

By IDA Editorial Staff


The International Documentary Association is now accepting proposals for the Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund, which provides production support for full-length documentary films. The Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund is made possible by a grant from The New York Community Trust.

Named in honor of the landmark documentary filmmaker, the Fund provides annual grants totaling $75,000 to be used in the creation of original, independent documentary films that illuminate pressing issues in the United States. In 2012, grants will be made to up to 5 projects that tell a compelling story and focus on one of Pare Lorentz’s central concerns—the appropriate use of the natural environment, justice for all or the illumination of pressing social problems.

The Fund supports full-length documentary films that reflect the spirit and nature of Pare Lorentz’s work, exhibiting objective research, artful storytelling, strong visual style, high production values, artistic writing, outstanding music composition, as well as skillful direction, camerawork and editing. Complete guidelines and application are available at www.documentary.org/parelorentz.

Recipients of the 2011 Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund Grants:

  • ¿Más Bebés?, Renee Tajima-Peña, Producer/Director
  • As Goes Janesville, Brad Lichtenstein, Producer/Director
  • Rise and Fall of ACORN: America's Most Controversial Anti-poverty Organization, Sam Pollard, Producer/Director
  • American Village, Mary Posatko, Co-Director/Co-Producer, Emily Topper, Co-Director/Co-Producer