2024 Summer Grant Finalists

Riding Legacy: An Oklahoma Black Cowboy Story is a powerful, compelling documentary that shines a light on the untold history of the Black cowboy community in Oklahoma, from its roots in the late 1800s to the present day. This inspiring film chronicles the stories of generations of African American cowboys and cowgirls who have shaped the state's ranching, rodeo, and Western culture—yet whose contributions have often been overlooked in mainstream narratives of the American West. The film also explores the community's continued relevance, celebrating the modern-day cowboys and cowgirls who are keeping the tradition alive, ensuring that this vibrant legacy will never be forgotten.

Forced to abandon her life as a pampered "Victorian Princess", a young writer is thrust into the merciless heat of California desert farming, which shapes her life, her heartfelt writings . . . and her belief in God.

Riding Legacy: An Oklahoma Black Cowboy Story is a powerful, compelling documentary that shines a light on the untold history of the Black cowboy community in Oklahoma, from its roots in the late 1800s to the present day. This inspiring film chronicles the stories of generations of African American cowboys and cowgirls who have shaped the state's ranching, rodeo, and Western culture—yet whose contributions have often been overlooked in mainstream narratives of the American West. The film also explores the community's continued relevance, celebrating the modern-day cowboys and cowgirls who are keeping the tradition alive, ensuring that this vibrant legacy will never be forgotten.

Born with a rare genetic disorder, he wasn’t expected to live more than 6 weeks. Five decades later, he keeps doing the unexpected. Our film introduces the world to a man who first gets your attention with his appearance, and then grabs your heart with his soul. Have you ever seen 96 lbs. of dynamite?

At age 85, beloved Philadelphia photographer Harvey Finkle had to stop reporting on the social justice movement when his eyesight atrophied. So he went back to his archive to find new meaning in his old work. A documentary film by Ted Lieverman

In a world where the truth is becoming increasingly elusive, four friends reunite for an alumni game, only to find themselves facing a dire situation. They must set aside their personal ambitions and come together to rescue their abducted children from a dangerous human trafficking ring. As they navigate the treacherous underworld, they are forced to protect their own dark secrets while maintaining the fragile circle of trust they have built over the years—all while racing against the clock to bring their loved ones home.

"Celebrating Laughter" is the empowering story of Colin Higgins' extraordinary classic comedy feature-juggernaut movies HAROLD AND MAUDE, FOUL PLAY, SILVER STREAK,
9 TO 5, and BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. Colin scripted 5 comedies, directing 3 of them before his untimely passing. He co-produced and co-wrote Shirley MacLaine's OUT ON A LIMB two-part Mini-Series. His films are celebrated by the stars and peers who knew him, like Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Dom DeLuise, Charles Durning, Dudley Moore, Cat Stevens, Shirley MacLaine and many more. Colin's "Harold and Maude" ranks #10 on AFI's Romantic Comedy list. His films remain inspirational to new generations of film lovers.

EXODUS is a humanizing portrait of two women who face unique challenges following decades of incarceration. The film bears witness to their impassioned attempts to rebuild their lives and ultimately restore their humanity.

Scary fact: 61% of Americans believe our country is on the verge of another Civil War. To pull the country back from this dangerous abyss, a badass peacebuilder and an unconventional marketing genius mastermind an ad campaign so audacious it transforms the weapons of conflict into tools that fight for peace.

BEFORE THERE WAS FACEBOOK, BEFORE THERE WAS SOCIAL NETOWRKING, THERE WAS ARTHUR INMAN

Lorenzo DeStefano and Lisa Palattella of Garrison Street Productions announce their new feature documentary, “FROM A DARKENED ROOM – THE DIARY OF A NOBODY”, about the notorious Boston diarist ARTHUR CREW INMAN (1895-1963) and his 17-million word/155 volume “INMAN DIARY”, published by Harvard University Press. This epic of collective memory chronicles the bizarre true story of Inman’s 60-year quest for literary immortality, his obsession with connectivity decades before the word was invented, and his 40-year marriage to his long-suffering but supportive wife EVELYN YATES INMAN.

In 2014, Time Magazine declared the advent of the “Transgender Tipping Point.” With the majority of the world being unaware of transgender history, this was the first time most Americans had considered the existence of trans people in society. This documentary explores the ways we have survived, cultivated community, and shared resources in a world actively seeking to erase us.

The desperate mother of a missing Black girl is questioned in her home by a white detective when it soon becomes clear that finding her daughter may not be his highest priority.

In 2026 America celebrates a monumental birthday – its 250th! ”America250” will be
an epic year of celebrating our past, present and hopes for the future. While traditional
historic reflections are focused on extraordinary male contributions to the founding
and building of America, this documentary series will reveal the outstanding, but
never heard of, women who not only helped shape our young country, but whose lives
reverberate 250 years later. The stories we will tell are of the lives of bold, pioneering
women who saw no limitations at a time when women had few options in life. Our
daughters today will see the women whose shoulders they are standing on.

When D.C. Homicide Detective Robert Grant returns to his hometown in rural Georgia to investigate a murder, he uncovers a web of secrecy that drags him further from the truth and deeper into his own guilt and grief over an unsolved case from his past. He finds solace with Emily Thornton, a local woman with demons of her own. Together, they embark on an unexpected journey toward resilience and restorative justice.

In a small town, where everyone has secrets, she may have the darkest of them all.

One juror away from the death penalty at 17, a lost Colville tribal member, known as “Chief”, discovers his culture and identity to make a change that inspires a following of the most incarcerated race in Washington state toward the “Red Road”. The “Red Road” signifies a deep commitment to living life emersed in the culture — with an intrinsic respect for others and oneself, and turning one’s back on addiction to drugs, alcohol, and crime.