Roy W. Dean Grant Spring 2026 Finalists

The Jollytologist® is a joyful and moving documentary about Allen Klein, the “scientist of joy,” whose life and work reveal the healing power of humor. In a world that often feels heavy, Allen shows us how laughter, positivity, and everyday “mini-miracles” can help us move through grief, hardship, and uncertainty. More than a portrait of one man, the film is an invitation to find light, connection, and hope in challenging times.

Urban Canvas: From The Underground Up is a feature documentary exploring the evolution of graffiti from an underground act of expression to a globally recognized art form. Through the voices of legendary writers, contemporary artists, and community leaders, the film examines themes of identity, culture, resilience, and creative transformation while preserving the stories of those who helped shape a movement that continues to redefine public space and artistic expression.

This hybrid documentary/narrative film tells the story of an Irish family who take on a multinational corporation and their own government to expose industrial pollution devastating their community. It combines investigative storytelling with narrative cinema to create deeply human stakes, making it both urgent and universally relatable.

The Marilyn 100 documentary – Journey to Truth: Inside the Marilyn Investigation follows producer and longtime Marilyn researcher Nina Boski as she reexamines the life and death of Marilyn Monroe 100 years after her birth. Through interviews with forensic experts, historians, mental health professionals, and newly examined evidence, the documentary challenges decades of myths and conspiracy theories to uncover a more human truth. Beyond the mystery, it explores trauma, addiction, resilience, and the power of healing—revealing how Marilyn’s story continues to offer hope, understanding, and lessons for those facing today’s mental health challenges. The Truth Will Be Known.