CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEADERS TO HOST COMMUNITY FILM SERIES
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Across the US we are seeing stronger and more frequent climate-fueled disasters, exposure to environmental racism, and threats to our democracy – all compounded by the breakdown of civil discourse and community relationships – face to face dialogue, whether in-person or virtual, is critical for civic engagement. We also know that changemakers in rural areas and small towns are consistently under-resourced and must exercise everything in their toolbox, and film screenings are a powerful tool for organizers to gather their community and move them to action. Hosting these events is a unique way for organizers to share stories on screen that mirror the environmental problems they’re facing, as well as showcase successful organizing tactics that could be replicated locally. With all of this in mind, we’re excited to announce the next round of Rural Cinema.
Rural Cinema is a training institute and community engagement program aimed at supporting leaders from rural areas and small towns across the US in using film screenings as a resource in their work for environmental justice and protection. In 2023, we will be selecting organizations in five locations that are directly affected by polluting industries or climate disasters, as well as areas transitioning from being economically fueled by extractive energy industries to adopting more sustainable approaches.
The program will support participants in holding a live community film series that engages their communities and advance their environmental justice goals over the course of one year. These events will create spaces for residents to come together (in-person and/or virtually), discuss issues affecting their communities, learn and be inspired by the visual content and one another’s experiences, and generate solutions that address their needs and priorities. Each individual or organization selected to participate will receive virtual trainings, technical assistance, film screening equipment, a mobile solar battery to run the equipment, a $2,500 honorarium, and additional monetary support to hold film screenings in their community to support their goals throughout 2023.
Five community organizations will be selected through an application process. Applications are due on Tuesday January 31st. The following are key elements of the program, which will begin in March 2023.