Transgender Film Centre Teams Up with Duplass Brothers for New Grant

The Transgender Film Centre has joined forces with Duplass Brothers Productions to establish the Found Footage Feature Fund aimed at supporting independent transgender filmmakers.

This fund is said to offer a production grant of $25,000. The initiative was launched during Fantastic Fest on Wednesday evening and is intended to provide a fully financed green light for micro-budget productions. According to reports, the chosen filmmaker is expected to complete their project within a year of receiving the funding, without requiring further development deals. Applications are welcomed across all genres, provided they incorporate found footage, archives, or other cost-effective methods.

Mark Duplass stated that the full $25,000 grant, funded by his production company, will also include consulting sessions with him and other professionals. The Transgender Film Centre is set to allow submission exemptions for specific festivals, Fantastic Fest included.

Sav Rodgers, the executive director of the Transgender Film Centre, expressed that this fund aims to empower transgender filmmakers to express themselves authentically and boldly, without having to seek permission first.

In a statement, it was mentioned that the goal of the fund is to prompt moments of clarity and action. “We are excited to collaborate with Mark and the Duplass Brothers team to support independent storytellers who are ready to work, utilize resources, and make their films,” the statement read. This initiative allows trans filmmakers to be unapologetic and genuine in their storytelling.

Duplass expressed enthusiasm about contributing his expertise and resources, saying, “I’m eager to bring some of my micro-budget visual projects and see how we can collaborate.” He noted that he and Sav have developed a friendly relationship over the years, and they felt compelled to support the work being done at the Transgender Film Centre.