Three Roy W. Dean Grant applicants will each receive $500 for projects that illuminate real lives, communities, and pressing social issues
From the Heart Productions has announced the three recipients of its Spring 2026 Stories That Matter Awards, presented through the Roy W. Dean Grant program.
Created to recognize projects with the potential to deepen understanding and inspire meaningful conversation, the awards provide $500 each to three selected filmmakers whose work can connect with audiences long after the credits end.
The Spring 2026 recipients are Playing Doctor Ball, Kids Got Rights, and The Duke Webb Story.
“These filmmakers are taking on deeply human subjects that deserve attention, compassion, and thoughtful conversation,” said Carole Joyce, Vice President of From the Heart Productions and Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants. “Each project gives audiences an opportunity to see an important issue through the lives of the people directly affected by it. We are honored to recognize these stories and help their filmmakers continue bringing them to the screen.”
Playing Doctor Ball
Playing Doctor Ball is a full feature documentary that profiles the journey of a husband and wife in their golden years who are weathering a wrongful conviction for conspiracy to distribute opioids under Dr. Kirsten Ball, a retired small family doctor.
The film focuses on Bob Hunter (Dr. Ball’s Husband) and his attempts to free her via the legal system, and unbreakable love for his wife. This doc will show how a 90-year-old man, and his 72-year-old wife have been abused by a network of people conspiring to make money off of a drug ring run by the former office manager, and her family.
This film will show how seniors can get taken advantage of and it can hurt them tremendously-costing them their freedom in the old age.
About the Filmmaker
CHRISTOPHER CARTER is an award-winning journalist and producer with 25 years of experience in television news and broadcasting. His work has appeared on MTV, CNN, FOX, OAN, RAV, and other major media outlets. As a reporter and correspondent, he has covered breaking news and developing stories involving every branch of Congress. Carter is also a four-time Peabody Award recipient, recognized for significant and meritorious achievement in cable television and broadcasting.
Kids Got Rights
Kids Got Rights creates spaces where children can speak honestly about fairness, safety, and belonging through intimate “Truth Booth” recordings placed in everyday community settings.
Echoing From the Heart Productions’ commitment to supporting films that inspire and create change, the project blends documentary storytelling with poetic stop motion animation by award-winning artist Kat Messing and StopMo animator Sanjyot Varede—visually expressing the emotional landscapes behind each child’s voice while amplifying authentic youth perspectives.
About the Filmmaker
JULIE RICO is a creative strategist, cultural producer, human rights advocate, and visionary cultural programmer with more than 30 years of experience connecting Los Angeles artists with diverse communities. She has extensive experience navigating complex urban environments—from the Arts District to Chinatown—to create inclusive public art installations and community engagement plans. Rico is currently advancing global human rights advocacy through the documentary project Kids Got Rights, using animation and storytelling to empower vulnerable populations and amplify children’s voices.
The Duke Webb Story
The Duke Webb Story is a two-part documentary podcast that explores the case of Duke Webb, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, shedding light on critical issues of war trauma, mental health, crime, and justice.
On December 26, 2020, Webb entered a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois and soon opened fire, killing three people. Webb does not deny committing the shootings. His defense argues, however, that the combination of traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and a dangerous medication prescribed by the Army triggered a tragic psychotic break.
About the Filmmaker
Rachel Lyon is an Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and writer with over 65 documentary films and three feature films to her credit. Her films have aired on major networks like ABC, PBS, NBC, CNN, National Geographic, BBC, and the History Channel.
Lyon’s documentary Men Who Molest won the National Emmy for documentary. Lyon’s work includes the acclaimed Race to Execution, for PBS’s Independent Lens. The film was screened in 50 cities and at major black film festivals. Lyon served as a professor for 15 years. Lyon co-founded and serves on the board of Women in Film Cincinnati.
About the Stories That Matter Awards
The Stories That Matter Awards are presented through the Roy W. Dean Grant program of From the Heart Productions. Three selected projects each receive a $500 cash award in recognition of stories that illuminate real experiences, represent communities, explore urgent social issues, and have the potential to create an impact beyond the screen.
About the Roy W. Dean Grants
Since 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have supported independent filmmakers creating unique films that make a contribution to society. From the Heart Productions presents four grants each year, and every applicant receives a consultation on their project. The grants have awarded more than $2 million in funding and donated services to independent filmmakers.
About From the Heart Productions
From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping independent filmmakers get their films funded and completed. Through its fiscal sponsorship program, grants, educational initiatives, and personalized guidance, the organization has helped filmmakers raise more than $50 million in donations for their projects.
In addition to the Roy W. Dean Grants, From the Heart Productions provides filmmakers with resources, mentorship, and training through From the Heart THRIVE, its online education platform. THRIVE offers classes, workshops, expert instruction, and a growing library of resources covering film funding, producing, grant writing, pitching, emerging technologies, and career development for independent filmmakers.
Founded by President Carole Dean, best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts, From the Heart Productions continues its mission of supporting filmmakers who create stories that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences around the world.
