Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 Won by Homele$$, Inc

Documentary Examines the Industry That’s Grown Up Around the Issue of Homelessness

Director Remi Kessler and his producing partner Robert McFalls have won the Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 with their documentary feature Homele$$, Inc.  Awarded by From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit grant that sponsors the grant, the grant goes to a unique film that makes a contribution to society.  Remi and his production team will receive $3,500 and thousands more in production goods and services to help complete their film.

 

 

“Director Remi Kessler shines a bright, revealing, and necessary light on the terrible homelessness crisis in our cities, “commented Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “We know that he and his talented team will turn out an exceptional documentary.”  

In addition to the $3,500 cash prize, the grant winner will receive $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools,  $1295.00 Scholarship to Writers Boot Camp, a discount on sound mix from Jeff Alan of  Alan Audio Works,  30% discount by Jerry Deaton for Music Post Production Services at AudioKut, and more from heart-felt film industry companies and individuals.

About the Film

Homele$$, Inc takes a look behind the scenes at the industry that’s grown up around the issue of homelessness, exploring what’s working and what’s not. In the wake of publicly funded ballot initiatives and bond measures, the public has grown concerned about how their tax dollars are being spent.

They see the homeless population continuing to explode and wonder; is money being spent wisely? Meanwhile, entire sectors of homeless industry have evolved, ever increasing the amount of money required to manage the issue. 

The film focuses on two main areas: construction of new affordable housing units and the supportive services industry. Why can’t units get built faster? Why are they so expensive? Painting mass homelessness as an individual failure rather than a housing problem has resulted in billions of dollars being spent on emergency responses, while the underlying problem remains unaddressed. One thing is clear; the answers to solving the epidemic of homelessness require novel outside the box modes of thinking.

In his celebrated film, “The Advocates,” producer- director Remi Kessler focused on the intimate journeys of advocates helping people off the streets and into supportive housing. Remi, along with long time producing partner Robert McFalls, now turn their wider lens on the business side of homelessness in America, knowing that if we don’t face these problems head on, the human and economic costs will continue to grow.

About the Filmmaker

Remi Kessler – Director –Rémi Kessler directed and produced the feature documentary “The Advocates” which premiered at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Festival before being released theatrically.

Prior to this, Rémi produced “Shadows and Lights,” which opened the classic documentary section of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Over the years, he has produced many television series, independent features, documentaries, and music videos, working with a range of artists including iconic fashion designer Ozwald Boateng and megastar David Guetta.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

From its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made.  Four grants are awarded each year including one exclusively for short films

Other winners of the Roy W. Dean Grants include Emmy Winners Belly of the Beast, The Love Bugs, the award winning narrative feature Cadejo Blanco which is now in theaters around the world, the 2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity, Stranger at Home which premiered on PBS this November, and 26 Seconds which is now streaming on Epoch TV.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding.  Her new course, Learn Producing: The Ultimate Guide to Indie Film Production is a year-round course that provides filmmakers with the essentials they need to produce their projects.

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Hot Films in the Making for Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023

Films by Talented Filmmakers That Deserve Your Attention

Out of every Roy W. Dean Grant, we select a special group which we call “Hot Films in the Making. These films, which just missed making our list of finalists, have wonderful stories told by brilliant filmmakers.  From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)3 sponsor of the grant, has selected twenty-seven “Hot Films” for the Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023. 

Hot Films in the Making

“A Banner Year” – Josh Davidsburg

We hope you take notice of the films as well as the filmmakers and give your favorites your support.

“I’m eagerly awaiting the release of these cinematic gems, “said Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants for From the Heart Productions. “The filmmakers have showcased incredible talent and vision.”

The films chosen for Hot Films in the Making include documentary features, fiction features, short films and web series.  They represent projects from the United States and around the world. 

The Hot Films in the Making for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Summer 2023 are: 

Title Type Filmmaker
“Regina Doyle, Silent Film Starlet: The Untold, Tragic but True Story” Documentary Short David Brown
“Home: Everywhere and Nowhere Journey of a Global Citizen” Documentary Feature Grace Ward
“Recurring Gig” Fiction Feature Adam Hutchinson
“What to Expect” Fiction Short Gabriela Garcia Medina
“Free Play” Documentary Short Alex Astrella
“A Banner Year” Documentary Feature Josh Davidsburg
“Beneficence” Fiction Short Nathan Goldrich
“Tubadu Breaking Through” Documentary Feature Aira Vehaskari
“Unbelizeablue” Documentary Feature Eladio Arvelo
“The Nurse” Fiction Short Joyce Holland-Kostakis
“The Violin Case” Fiction Feature Nashwan Abdullah
“La Casita” Fiction Short Natasha Rivera
“His Biggest Role” Fiction Short Evgeny Vdovin
“Rewriting Romance” TV, Web, or New Media Series Evie Joy
“Revenge of the Time” Fiction Short Mizani Ball
“Deja Vu” Fiction Short Serena Sogules
“August & Ebony” Fiction Short Joyce Liu-Countryman
“Dennis and Sandy Sasso: A Journey of Faith and Love” Documentary Feature Rachael Berggren
“Choose You” Fiction Short Moitri Ghosh
“Saved by Maidl with a Kof K Tattoo” Fiction Short Sofie Somoroff
“Uno Por Uno” Fiction Short Francisco J. Landin Jr
“Finding JaMia’s Spirit” Fiction Short Candace Patrick
“Carry My Voice” Fiction Feature Hasan Demirtas
“Where Shall I Lay This Body” Fiction Short Chi Mai
“Bike Helmet Harry” Fiction Feature Tony Mouleart
“Underdogs” Documentary Short Ashia Lance
“Thazin: Myanmar Winter” Documentary Feature Jeanne Hallacy

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now celebrating its 31st year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. In addition to personal guidance, free classes on fundraising and filmmaking, the program allows donations made to films to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.

Finalists Named for 2023 Roy. W. Dean Short Film Grant

Twenty One Films Still in Running for Grant Valued at $15K

Now in its third year, the 2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant is awarded to a short film that is unique and that makes a contribution to society. From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)3 non-profit sponsoring the grant, has named twenty finalists for the grant. The winner will receive $3,000 cash and thousands more in donated production services to help them complete their film.

2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant

“The talent and inventiveness of these filmmakers working in short films is very impressive.” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “The judges will definitely be challenged to pick a winner out of this wonderful group of films.”

Films submitted to the 2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant came from filmmakers not just in the U.S., but around the world.  Entries included projects from England, Pakistan, Canda, and Turkey.   The Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant is open to narrative fiction shorts, live action or animated, that are 40 minutes or less in length. 

As with the other three Roy W. Dean Film Grants, the 2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant offers all applicants a free consultation on their project. They can discuss their proposals, search for funding, distribution, or whatever they feel is needed to move their film forward.  

Winner of the grant is expected to be announced in September.

The 2023 Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant finalists are:

Title Submitting Filmmaker 
Cougar Mel Zhao
To the Moon Michael Dukakis
Whitecaps Jade Roper
Jules Jenny Ward
Sweet Dream Gary Alvarez
Hungry Ghosts Nathan Lim
La Petite Mort Frederica Avagliano
When Creation Fables Meet Robert Pound
Old Haunts Kelsey Fordham
Two for One Spencer Tuggle
I Never Learned Emma Sheldrick
Earth Day Andrew Howell
F*ck That Guy Hanna Gray Organschi
Beauty Night Dalila Droege
Chinatown Tian Xu
Dump Dana White
And Now I Lay Me Down Rani DeMuth
Breath Hangcheng Xu
The Good Girl Elizabeth Conway
And You Are? Alicia Coppola
Mightyclaw Gary Fierro

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

In addition to the  $3,000 in cash provided by From the Heart Productions the winner will also receive $3,000.00 in music and audio services from well-known composer David Raiklen , $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield , $1,400 value (4 hours of sound mix session) from Silver Sound, $600.00 for your Free Closed Captioning by NetCaptioning, and more from film industry companies and individuals.

About the Roy W. Dean Grants

Over its 30-year history, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. Outside the short film grant, there are three other grants in Spring, Summer, and Fall.  Each of those grants is open to documentary films, narrative fiction films, short films, and web series.

The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

The winner of the inaugural Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant was Stairway to the Stars.  Past winners of the other Roy W. Dean Grants include recent Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers.  This allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible. 

From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the Intentional Filmmaking Class, and Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.

“Pianoman” Wins Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling

Feature length film about a piano factory owner who faces the loss of his factory and potential family separation.

 

From the Heart Productions, a top-rated non-profit that supports independent“Pianoman” Wins Carole Joyce Award filmmakers creating unique films that make a contribution to society, has awarded its Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling to “Pianoman.” 

The $2,500 award goes to a documentary film selected as a finalist to the Roy W. Dean Film Grant.  “Pianoman” was an entry to the Roy W. Dean Grant for Spring 2023.  Producer/Director/Editor/ Sound Mixer and Cinematographer Sunny Liu will use the additional funding to continue to work on her project and make her film available to the public.

“Sunny is a brilliant filmmaker,” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “She has shown exceptional talent as storyteller as well as a filmmaker in accomplishing with such skill so many roles in this production.”

About the Film

“Pianoman” weaves a captivating and deeply personal tale of an undocumented family navigating a path filled with hardships that resonate on both an individual and universal level. The film illuminates social issues through its sensitive cinema verité style, exploring themes of justice and resilience beyond mere trauma. Viewers are taken on an emotional journey, experiencing raw pain intertwined with poignant tenderness.

This heartfelt portrayal strikes a chord, prompting an examination of the human experience and fostering empathy for marginalized communities. “Pianoman” invites contemplation on social justice, inequality, and the indomitable spirit of resilience, inspiring a call to action for a more inclusive world.

The dedicated team behind the film passionately believes that the story of David Avendaño will deeply resonate with audiences, encouraging them to find reflections of their own lives within the narrative. The film appeals to those interested in civil rights, social justice, immigration issues, the power of music, or the artistry of piano making.

Crafting “Pianoman” proved transformative for the team, clarifying their beliefs and values. They feel fortunate to have documented David’s family, as his story mirrors their own experiences, evoking a profound sense of unity and shared strength. Through this film, they aspire to forge connections and inspire individuals on similar journeys.

Click here to watch a trailer.

About the Filmmaker

“Pianoman” Wins Carole Joyce AwardSunny Liu – Director / Producer / Cinematographer / Editor and Sound Mixer – Sunny is a highly accomplished and acclaimed creative force, recognized as an award-winning filmmaker, pianist/composer, and animator. Her work amplifies the voices of the underrepresented through intimate storytelling. Based in New York, Sunny excels as a producer, director, cinematographer, editor, and production sound mixer.

With a prestigious educational background, Sunny holds a Bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in Boston, a Master’s in Music from The New School in New York City, and a second Master’s in Documentary Filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts, also located in New York City. Her diverse skill set pushes the boundaries of her craft.

Sunny’s talent has garnered widespread recognition, with her animated film, “Calling,” making a lasting impression at the Doc NYC Film Festival. Her debut feature film, “Pianoman,” was selected for The China Academy Awards of Documentary Film and won Best Feature Documentary Film at Nepal American International Film Festival. Sunny Liu’s fearless dedication continues to inspire and touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Contact info:

Email: Sunnyliusunny@yahoo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pianomanfilm

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films.  

There are four Roy W. Dean Grants awarded each year.  They have been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that need help getting their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, Emmy winner and Peabody Award nominee Belly of the Beast, as well as the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship program which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding and her new class, Learn Producing, teaches filmmakers the fundamentals needed to get their productions completed.

 

For More Information, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

 

Hot Films in the Making for Spring 2023

Projects Submitted to the Roy W. Dean Grant for Spring 2023 That Deserve Your Attention

In every group of submissions to the Roy W. Dean Grant, there are projects that have excellent concepts and talented filmmakers that just missed making our group of finalists.  From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)3 sponsor of the grant, calls them Hot Films in the Making.  Thirty-one films were chosen this year as Hot Films for the Roy W. Dean Grant for Spring.  You should take notice of these as you will certainly be seeing them and more from these filmmakers in the future.

Hot Films in the Making Spring 2023

“This list is our way of honoring those filmmakers and their projects.” said Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants for From the Heart Productions. “We hope by bringing them to the attention of the public, they will find the followers and supporters they deserve to help carry them to completion.”

The films chosen for Hot Films in the Making include documentary features, fiction features, short films and web series.  They represent projects from the United States and around the world. 

The Hot Films in the Making for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Spring 2023 are:

 

Title Type Filmmaker
“Cuando No Hay Palabras (When There Are No Words)” Documentary Short Gabriella Canal
“Tarantula” Fiction Feature Juan Patricio  Riveroll
“Mustangs: The Native American Way” Documentary Feature Kremena Doust
“#BoysToo” Documentary Feature Melinda Baum
“The Experiencer Project” Documentary Feature Daniel Cardone
“Where Did The Adults Go?” Fiction Feature Courtney Marsh
“Who In Da Mornin” Documentary Feature Jonathan Issac Jackson
“#Likes4Lucas” TV, Web, or New Media Series Dylan Dempsey
“Calamity & Mercy” Documentary Feature Daniel W. Smith
“Still Perfect” Fiction Feature Michael Fitzer
“The S.U.R.F. Story” Documentary Feature Riley Thelen
“Finding Ma” Documentary Feature Phoenix Woodall
“Leila” Fiction Feature Armon Mahdavi
“Eastbound Traffic” Fiction Feature Charles Johnson
“The Cubas Plan” Documentary Feature Sergio Vizuete
“Trash Baby” Fiction Feature Jacy Mairs
“Deepest Blue” Fiction Feature Gregory Collins
“Eden” Fiction Feature Andrew Doyle
“Mere Water” Fiction Short Debbie Peiser
“Our Guys” Documentary Feature Jennifer Johnson
“Where Do We Go From Here” Documentary Feature Geetanjali  Gurlhosur
“Lost In Love” TV, Web, or New Media Series Tiffani Matthews
“Nubovni” Fiction Feature Elk Salvera
“A Holiday I Do” Fiction Feature Paul Schneider
“Trusted Sources” Documentary Feature Don Colacino
“What’s in a Name” Documentary Feature Rose  Bladh
“The Bomb With No Name” Documentary Feature Adebowale Ajibulu
“Planning to Turn the Tide” Documentary Feature James Schwab
“The Faucet” Fiction Short Dava Whisenant
“The Breath of a Mountain” Documentary Feature Eshika Fyzee
“The Game” Documentary Feature Justin Tolliver

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now celebrating its 31st year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers.  This allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.

Roy W. Dean Grant Finalists Selected for Spring 2023 Grant

Twenty-One Filmmakers in Running for Grant Offering Cash and Production Services

Now entering its 31st year, the Roy W. Dean Grant is awarded to a film that is unique and that makes a contribution to society. Awarded four times each year, From the Heart Productions, the 501(c)3 non-profit sponsoring the grant, has named finalists for Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Spring 2023. The winner will receive $3,500 cash and thousands more in donated production goods and services to help them complete their project.

Roy W. Dean Grant for Spring 2023 Finalist – “Barbara Hammer Project”

“Every year, the projects and the filmmakers who submit them to us impress us with their originality and talent.” said Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants at From the Heart Productions. “This year is no exception.  Choosing a winner among these exceptional projects will be challenging.”

The Roy W. Dean Grant is open to filmmakers in the U.S. and around the world.  Submissions for this grant included entries from Canada, Italy, Portugal, Israel, the United Kingdom, and India. 

Along with the cash prize awarded by From the Heart Productions are donations from film industry professionals and companies $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools, 40% deduction on color, editing, and sound & all production services from ProMedia in NYC,  $1,600 value / sound mix session from Silver Sound,  30% discount in equipment rental from AbelCine Tech, Inc. NYC and more from many heartfelt donors.

The grant is open to documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series. The winner is expected to be announced in June 2023.

Finalists for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Spring 2023 are: 

Title Type Filmmaker
“Untitled Dancehall Documentary” Documentary Feature Amy DiGiacomo
“Barbara Hammer Project” Documentary Feature Brydie O’Connor
“Dick Bunny” TV, Web, or New Media Series Susie Mendoza
“Flip My Life” TV, Web, or New Media Series Marybeth Conley
“Trial by Media: The Michael Jackson Story” Documentary Feature Jin Chohan
“The Peace Piano” Documentary Feature Rupert Clague
“Goodbye Baby” Documentary Feature Katya Berger
“Minding Shadows” Documentary Feature Jenn Lindsay
“26 Seconds-ISIS Sex Slaves” Documentary Feature Kelly Galindo
“Theory of Light” Documentary Feature Illac Diaz
“Singing for Justice” Documentary Feature Christie Herring
“Nomads” Documentary Feature Vanessa Carr
“The Black Brain Film” Documentary Feature Lauren Lindberg
“Eternity One” Documentary Feature Emma Hannaway
“Big Boys” Fiction Feature Corin Sherman
“The Green Flash” Documentary Feature Jodi Cash
“7 Daily Sins” TV, Web, or New Media Series Cami Olses
“Jane Doe” Fiction Feature Bonnie Black
“Pianoman” Documentary Feature Sunny Liu
“The Gods of Puerto Rico” TV, Web, or New Media Series Michael Torres
“Unlocking Desire” Fiction Feature Barbara Neri
     

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that is unique and that make a contribution to society. 

Offering four grants for filmmakers each year, The Roy W. Dean Grant has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers helping them to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions 

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. In addition to personal guidance, free classes on fundraising and filmmaking, the program allows donations made to films to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

“This list is our way of honoring those filmmakers and their projects.” said Carole Joyce, Director of the Roy W. Dean Grants for From the Heart Productions. “We hope that they find those who follow and support them as their productions progresses.”

The films chosen for Hot Films in the Making include documentary features, fiction features, short films and web series.  They represent projects from the United States and around the world. 

The Hot Films in the Making for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Spring 2023 are:

 

Title Type Filmmaker
“Cuando No Hay Palabras (When There Are No Words)” Documentary Short Gabriella Canal
“Tarantula” Fiction Feature Juan Patricio  Riveroll
“Mustangs: The Native American Way” Documentary Feature Kremena Doust
“#BoysToo” Documentary Feature Melinda Baum
“The Experiencer Project” Documentary Feature Daniel Cardone
“Where Did The Adults Go?” Fiction Feature Courtney Marsh
“Who In Da Mornin” Documentary Feature Jonathan Issac Jackson
“#Likes4Lucas” TV, Web, or New Media Series Dylan Dempsey
“Calamity & Mercy” Documentary Feature Daniel W. Smith
“Still Perfect” Fiction Feature Michael Fitzer
“The S.U.R.F. Story” Documentary Feature Riley Thelen
“Finding Ma” Documentary Feature Phoenix Woodall
“Leila” Fiction Feature Armon Mahdavi
“Eastbound Traffic” Fiction Feature Charles Johnson
“The Cubas Plan” Documentary Feature Sergio Vizuete
“Trash Baby” Fiction Feature Jacy Mairs
“Deepest Blue” Fiction Feature Gregory Collins
“Eden” Fiction Feature Andrew Doyle
“Mere Water” Fiction Short Debbie Peiser
“Our Guys” Documentary Feature Jennifer Johnson
“Where Do We Go From Here” Documentary Feature Geetanjali  Gurlhosur
“Lost In Love” TV, Web, or New Media Series Tiffani Matthews
“Nubovni” Fiction Feature Elk Salvera
“A Holiday I Do” Fiction Feature Paul Schneider
“Trusted Sources” Documentary Feature Don Colacino
“What’s in a Name” Documentary Feature Rose  Bladh
“The Bomb With No Name” Documentary Feature Adebowale Ajibulu
“Planning to Turn the Tide” Documentary Feature James Schwab
“The Faucet” Fiction Short Dava Whisenant
“The Breath of a Mountain” Documentary Feature Eshika Fyzee
“The Game” Documentary Feature Justin Tolliver

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now celebrating its 31st year, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers.  This allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class “How to Fund Your Film”

“Piece of Mind” Wins Final Roy W. Dean Grant for 2022

Through Intimate Stories, Documentary Reveals the Challenges of Those Suffering from Severe Mental Illness and the Impact on Their Families

Closing out the 2022 Roy W. Dean Grant cycle, From the Heart Productions, the top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit supporter of indie filmmakers, has awarded its Fall 2022 Roy W. Dean Grant to the documentary Piece of Mind.  The grant goes to a film that is unique and that makes a contribution to society.  It provides a combination of cash and donated production services which Producer/Director/Editor Sheila Ganz will utilize in completing her project.

“Piece of Mind”

“In all her films, as in this one, Sheila shines a light on those with problems who are neglected and outcast by society,” commented Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “The stories she exposes touch the hearts and minds of audiences, prodding them to contribute solutions.”

In addition to the $3,000 cash prize, the grant winner will receive  $15,000.00 in original music written by well-known composer David Raiklen,  $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield, $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools, a 4tb OWC Gemini Raid Hard Drive from Other World Computing (OWC), and more from heart-felt film industry companies and individuals.

About the Film

There are 8.8 million adults living with severe mental illness in the U.S. today. Family members are their primary caregivers.

The documentary-in-progress Piece of Mind amplifies the voices of families as they advocate for equity in health care for their loved ones with brain disorders. This private story is told through the eyes of a mother fearful for her son unaware of his schizophrenia, two Japanese American sisters with a sister diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder who was shot by police seven times and survived, and a suicidal man with bipolar disorder who has a positive encounter with police. 

Their experiences reveal complicated family dynamics, conflicts with law enforcement and the impact of a broken mental health care system. Combining intimate interviews, archival footage and animation, the film highlights the urgent need for humane solutions for treatment before tragedy and a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals with brain disorders to give them a chance at a better life.

About the Filmmaker

Sheila Ganz – Producer/Director/Editor – She is deeply committed to giving voice to the lives of misunderstood and marginalized women, men and children.  She directed, produced and edited the Emmy-nominated documentary ON LIFE’S TERMS: MOTHERS IN RECOVERY, Certificate of Recognition, California State Legislature and Certificate of Honor, City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors. 

Ganz first documentary UNLOCKING THE HEART OF ADOPTION , Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Angels in Adoption Award.  Both films continue to screen in educational institutions, adoption agencies and substance use treatment programs. 

Ganz has been a volunteer of the warm helpline for Bay Area Birth Mother’s Assoc., since 2010.  She taught filmmaking at Film Arts Foundation and guest lectured at City College of San Francisco and Academy of Art University.  Ganz wrote and directed two stage plays PRETEND IT DIDN’T HAPPEN about relinquishing her daughter for adoption, and LEAVING JOE about domestic violence. 

Before becoming a documentary filmmaker, Ganz was a painter and sculptor.  Her work has been exhibited in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Boston Area.  Ganz is a Black Belt in Karate.  

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

From its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that are unique and make a contribution to society.  It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Winners of the grant include recent Emmy Winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs, the award winning narrative feature Cadejo Blanco which is now in theaters around the world,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding and her new class, How to Produce Films, starts Spring 2023.

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Xackery Irving Wins Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling

His New Documentary Project Details the Heroic Resistance of Soldiers, Citizens, and Volunteers to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Top-rated non-profit From the Heart Productions, dedicated to helping independent filmmakers with unique films that make a contribution to society, has announced that Xackery Irving’s Untitled Documentary Project has won the Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Storytelling.

The $2,000 award goes to a film submitted to the Roy W. Dean Film Grant and selected as a finalist. Submitted to the Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2022, the documentary, currently in production, is being produced and directed by Xackery Irving.  He will use the additional funding to complete this important film.

“There are few stories timelier and more important to tell than this one,” commented Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “We admire his tremendous dedication to this project as he is filming right now in one of the most harrowing places on earth right now, the battlefields of the Ukraine.”

About the Film

Irving’s feature documentary reveals how soldiers, citizens and volunteers brace for the horrors of war while preserving their humanity.  After two months embedded with a frontline Ukrainian army unit, we see the true impact of the conflict from their eyes and the citizens they struggle to protect.

During filming, filmmakers have enjoyed unfettered access to the Ukrainian army units while they have been fighting historic battles in one of the most violently fought territories of the war. They have also been gaining access to civilians who endured the impact of this brutal war and continuing to gather more extraordinary stories.

About the Filmmaker

Carole Joyce Award

Xackery Irving – Director/Producer – Xackery has been producing and directing long form film and television projects  for over twenty years. His first feature film, a documentary entitled American Chain Gang screened in several international film festivals, won awards (including a Roy W. Dean Grant), and enjoys worldwide television and streaming distribution.  . 

His follow up film, Nothing Without You enjoys success as one of the most highly watched indie-film thrillers on Amazon and AppleTV.  Xackery has produced and directed over a hundred hours of documentary programming.

 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films.  

There are four Roy W. Dean Grants awarded each year.  They have been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, Emmy winner and Peabody Award nominee Belly of the Beast, as well as the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding and her new class, How to Produce Films, starts Spring 2023.

 

For More Information, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

“Wrestling with Iran” Wins Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling

Through their Competition, American and Iranian Wrestlers Discover a Respect for their Common Humanity that Transcends their Sport

From the Heart Productions, the top-rated non-profit dedicated to supportingCarole Joyce Award independent filmmakers with unique films that make a contribution to society, has awarded the project “Wrestling with Iran” the Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling.

The $2,000 award goes to a film submitted to the Roy W. Dean Film Grant and selected as a finalist. Submitted to the Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2022, the documentary is being produced and directed by Jahangir Golestan Parast.  He will use the additional funding to complete this important film.

“The film points out that Iranians and Americans have many misconceptions about each other’s country and people,” commented Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “Jahangir has done a wonderful job using this film to bridge those misconceptions and to show how much we are alike.”

About the Film

This film opens with the 2016 World Wrestling Cup in Los Angeles where Golestan Parast becomes convinced that the ancient Iranian sport of wrestling may offer a vehicle for widening the understanding of Americans about Iran.  As Ali Bayat, the Iranian free style coach notices, “After five minutes [the athletes]are friends.” One of the more striking images in the film shows Jordan Burroughs, the American champion, and an Iranian competitor, walking away from the camera, their arms around each other.

Golestan Parast embarks on a trip back to his homeland in Iran. Once there, he seeks out an ancient Iranian institution, the zurkhanhe (House of Strength) where wrestlers train in a disciplined regimen in which physical training is inseparable from the molding of the soul in that humility, respect and compassion for others that the American wrestlers found in their Iranian competitors.

About the Filmmaker

Carole Joyce AwardJahangir Golestan-Parast – Director/Producer – Jahangir is an award winning documentary film maker whose work is always looking into humanity’s love and compassion for one another and for the environment. He usually focuses on addressing the themes of transformation and healing.

His feature documentaries have been screened at several universities across the United States, as well as Washington National Cathedral, and Iman Cultural Center in Los Angeles, United Nations Association film festival, and Peace Corps Iran Association. They have also been shown at cultural groups in a wide variety of settings, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Golestan-Parast’s primary concentration is social problems and social change. His passion is to document and reflect the passages that unite humanity together across the globe. He is the winner of the best documentary award at the NOOR Film Festival in Los Angeles, which is focused mainly on Iranian-American culture.

Jahangir’s most touching and delicate film is Bam 6.6 (2006, 55 min.) This feature documentary recounts the devastating earthquake in Southern Iran and how a nation weaves promise and hope into human tragedy. Bam 6.6 is a testament to the love and kindness of humanity regardless of where we live.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films.  

There are four Roy W. Dean Grants awarded each year.  They have been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include the Emmy winning Mia: A Dancer’s Journey,  2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, Emmy winner and Peabody Award nominee Belly of the Beast, as well as the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding and her new class, How to Produce Films, starts Spring 2023.

 

For More Information, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

Finalists Named for Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2022 Grant

An International Group of Filmmakers Vie for Grant That Includes Cash and Production Services

For the final Roy W. Dean Grant in the 2022 cycle, the 501(c)3 non-profit grant sponsor From the Heart Productions has named the twenty-two finalists for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Fall 2022. Awarded to a film that is unique and that make a contribution to society, the winner will receive $3,000 cash and thousands more in donated production goods and services to help them complete their project.

Roy W. Dean Grant Finalist: “Red Bus in Baghdad”

“We are thrilled at seeing so much amazing work from filmmakers all around the world.” said Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “Included in our finalists are film projects from England, Zambia, France, Sweden as well as the United States.”

Along with the cash prize awarded by From the Heart Productions are donations from film industry professionals and companies.  These include $15,000.00 in original music written by well-known composer David Raiklen, $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield, $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools, an OWC Gemini Raid Hard Drive from Other World Computing, and more from many heartfelt donors.

The grant is open to documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series. The winner is expected to be announced in February 2023.

Finalists for the Roy W. Dean Film Grant for Fall 2022 are:

 

Title Type Filmmaker
“On the Brink – Miscalculation: Kennedy and Khrushchev” Documentary Feature Darin Nellis
Why did we plant roses? Documentary Feature Mohanad Salahat
Jebus Fiction Feature Cole Thomas
Trusted Sources Documentary Feature Don Colacino
Mixed Legacy – Operation Katima Mulilo Fiction Feature Abdon Yezi
Against the Tide Documentary Feature Katie Moore
Red Bus in Baghdad Documentary Feature Ingrid Nordstrom
The Cassandra Project Fiction Feature Debbie Chesebro
Escape From Death Valley Documentary Feature Kit Tyler
Turning Tides Documentary Feature Eloise Curran
The Rwenzori Rainmakers Documentary Feature Jacqui Doughty
Daly City Fiction Short Nick Hartanto
Wrestling with Iran Documentary Feature Jahangir Golestan Parast
Freedom Is Our Religion Documentary Feature Xackery Irving
Shell Shock Fiction Short Patricia Garza
Piece of Mind Documentary Feature Sheila Ganz
King Luck Documentary Feature Emily Graham-Handle
Minnie Evans: Visionary Artist Documentary Feature Linda Royal
Lico Jiménez, the Ebony Liszt Documentary Feature Julie Carmen
Salsa, A Caribbean Swing (Salsa, un tumbao’ caribeño) Documentary Feature Beni Marquez
Dear Lara Fiction Short Patrick Hamm
On The Line Fiction Short Brianna Devons

 

Each finalist is given the opportunity to post information on their contending film on the From the Heart Productions website.  Filmmakers can include an image from the film, filmmaker info, and loglines.  If they have available, filmmakers can include a link to their film’s website, Facebook page, or relevant social media connection. 

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Since its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. The grant is awarded to films budgeted under $500,000 that is unique and that make a contribution to society. 

Offering four grants for filmmakers each year, The Roy W. Dean Grant has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers helping them to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made. 

Past winners of the grant include 2021 Emmy winners Belly of the Beast and The Love Bugs ,  as well as Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, and acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer film fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. In addition to personal guidance, free classes on fundraising and filmmaking, the program allows donations made to films to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has helped independent filmmakers raise over $30 million through their fiscal sponsorship program. 

President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts and the new online class “How to Fund Your Film”.