We started the Community Builders Grant in 2019 to help build bridges between filmmakers and the community, and to put real tools in the hands of people making short films. Each year we narrowed the applicants down to semi-finalists and finalists, and the finalists pitched live. Over five years, the $20,000 film fund of cash, gear credits, and resources helped get 15+ films made, and many of them went on to play festivals.

Sponsors including Yakkety Yak, On Set Headsets, Motion Source, and the Chicago Film Office helped make it happen. We're taking some time to rethink what the grant looks like next, and in the meantime we're still finding ways to back emerging filmmakers in Chicago.