MISSION STATEMENT

The Center for Asian American Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. We do this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media. For over 40 years, CAAM has exposed audiences to new voices and communities, advancing our collective understanding of the American experience through programs specifically designed to engage the Asian American community and the public at large.

IMPACT

For over four decades, CAAM has created opportunities for Americans and people around the globe to understand the diverse stories and experiences of Asian Americans through:

Careers. CAAM empowers filmmakers to achieve their full potential by providing training, funding, distribution, and access to professional networks.

Community. Connecting filmmakers and their stories to people and communities in schools, community centers, theaters and neighborhoods, bridging conversations about inclusiveness and social equity.

Perspective. CAAM-supported work changes the way audiences see the world, changing hearts and minds, inspiring empathy and meaningful social action.



Powered by Bertha and with support from our many supporters and partners, AXS Lab, through AXS Film Fund, provides funding to documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators of color living with disabilities. Awards are up to $10,000 each, depending on project need.  The deadline to apply for our 2023 cycle is July 31st 11:59pm Eastern.


ACCESSIBILITY
We understand that Submittable may not be accessible for all applicants. If you require assistance applying, or an alternative way of completing this application, please contact us: filmfund@axslab.org. 


APPLICATION CHECKLIST

AXS Film Fund utilizes the Core Application Checklist. If you would like to view the application before signing into Submittable please click here: 2023 AXS Film Fund Application Checklist.


WHAT WE FUND
This program is for creators of color in documentary filmmaking or nonfiction new media who identify as living with a disability. We will fund:

  • Feature length documentary films (a run time of 45 mins or longer), led by a person of color who identifies as living with a disability.
  • Nonfiction new media projects led by a person of color who identifies as living with a disability.

We seek to bring visibility to creators who are oftentimes overlooked. While we ask that a person of color living with a disability is a key contributor to the project, we welcome diverse teams to apply. We will award three to five creators with grants of up to $10,000 each to assist them in finishing their projects in any stage of production.


APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for our grant:

  • Applicants cannot be enrolled in a full-time degree granting program.
  • Applicants should be 18 years of age or older to apply.
  • Applicants should be individuals, however they may have a fiscal sponsor.
  • Projects should preferably be led by a person of color who identifies as being a person living with a disability.



PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Projects must meet the following criteria to be eligible for our grant:

  • Projects should be a documentary film or nonfiction new media project.
  • Documentary projects should be feature length films (experimental nonfiction will be accepted).
  • The project is in any stage of production (pre-production, production, post production, distribution). 
  • Projects in languages other than English should have English subtitles.



INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
The following projects are ineligible for funding and will NOT be considered:

  • The applicant and project do not meet the above listed eligibility requirements.
  • Non-documentary projects or non new fiction new media projects
  • Projects in which applicants are hired, employed, or commissioned by another entity.
  • Projects that meet our criteria, but have an incomplete application and/or are missing support materials.
  • Projects submitted after the submission deadline.

 
Selection Criteria
Projects will be chosen based upon the following:

  • The strength of the story, the characters, and artistic approach.
  • The feasibility of the proposed project.
  • The ethics and accountability of the project.
  • A completed application and all requested documents.
  • A fulfillment of eligibility requirements.


Conflict of Interest Declaration:
To be fair to all applicants, AXS Film Fund will not accept applications from current employees, board members, and their relatives. Former employees, board members, and their relatives will become eligible to apply to the fund three years after they leave AXS Lab.

Have more questions? Visit our what we fund and FAQ page. Still can't find what you're looking for? Email us: filmfund@axslab.org

Center for Asian American Media