Austin Film Society To Increase Texas Filmmakerss Production Fund To $75,000 in 2004

Austin, TX - The Austin Film Society (AFS) announced today that it has increased the amount that it will distribute to filmmakers through the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund (TFPF) to $75,000, an increase of $10,000 over 2003. Additionally, applicants may apply for up to $15,000 cash compared to the maximum of $5,000 awarded in the past.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 21, 2004 -- The Austin Film Society (AFS) announced today that it has increased the amount that it will distribute to filmmakers through the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund (TFPF) to $75,000, an increase of $10,000 over 2003. Additionally, applicants may apply for up to $15,000 cash compared to the maximum of $5,000 awarded in the past.

The increase in how much we will award this year means that we are able to distribute larger grants to individual filmmakers," says Elisabeth Sikes, Director of Artist Services and Education at AFS. It feels good to support innovative and independent projects."

Applications must be submitted postmarked no later than July 1st.

Since its creation in 1996, TFPF has awarded $403,000 to over 140 film and video projects demonstrating promise, skill and creativity.    

Winners are selected by a national panel of film professionals who convene in Austin for a three-day panel session in August. Awards are announced and distributed in September.

During May and June, TFPF will hold informational workshops throughout Texas. Dates and times are published in local listings and are available at www.austinfilm.org/tfpf.

TFPF funds are raised through benefit film premieres, private and corporate donations and through the Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards, an event that recognizes Texas considerable contribution to film. In March the Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards honored Texas natives Ethan Hawke, Judith Ivey and Forest Whitaker, among others, and raised over $140,000 for the projects and programs of the Austin Film Society.

Media Contact:
Gregory Collins
512/322.0145
gregory@austinfilm.org