Awarded Grants

For "Without Vision," which explores how music builds and informs relationships and connections not just for the artists, but also for the community. The documentary follows the trajectory of singer/songwriter/pianist Kayla Childs as she develops music and a live performance with Philadelphia's up-and-coming jazz greats.

Animal is an environmental science fiction horror short that follows two siblings who befriend a genetically altered rat and use it to defend their Kensington, Philadelphia neighborhood from sinister land developers who carelessly dump poisonous materials into the Delaware River.

Lanterns is an experimental stop-animation that explores the connection between the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species, and xenophobia.

The Unknown Tales of Lewis and Mary Latimer reveals the hidden story of innovation and triumph as 19th century Americans of African descent emerge from enslavement after the Civil War. The story of Latimer's creation of the modern day light bulb serves as a metaphor for the emergence of a people from darkness into light.

Eros: Fragile as it is Free is an experimental dance film that explores the confusing emotions that emerge postpartum and how those feelings can create an isolated perception of self while mirroring that of the collective unconscious. The film questions the social conditioning of the nuclear family and individualism in the U.S.

To support "SOFT," an experimental visual documentary seeking to restore the humanity of Black women by highlighting moments of gentleness and relaxation rarely seen in mainstream media. Through interviews and archival footage, the film underscores rest as a form of resistance against systemic oppression, inviting three notable Black women to discuss the significance of rest amidst historical trauma and capitalist pressures in the United States.

Paper Trail explores a rapidly gentrifying North Philadelphia, where two genius Black siblings at risk of eviction begin doing the coursework of local college students in exchange for cash. When one of their clients, a white woman, goes viral from an essay they wrote, they’re forced to come to terms with her using their voices for personal gain.

Broken” is an 8-episode podcast series that aims to shed light on the complexities of Black men's mental health, challenge stereotypes and stigmas, and foster a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and historical factors that contribute to mental health disparities among Black men.

Amidst war and social unrest, jazz musician Lusine Yeghiazaryan embarks on a journey back home to Armenia to reconnect with her father and fortify her nation’s heritage with her voice.

Tonight, We Eat Flowers is a romantic comedy that centers the lives of Luis, a recent immigrant, and Jamilah, a foodie stuck in a hellish 9 to 5 job. The two fall in love as they navigate the struggle for connection in a highly individualized world and the soul crushing grind of working at underpaid and uninspiring jobs.