People InvolveD
2K+
Projects
23
PARTNERS
10+
About AXS Film Fund
AXS Film Fund was founded to support documentary filmmakers and non-fiction new media creators living with disabilities from a range of backgrounds, particularly those from historically underserved communities. The events of 2020 highlighted the need for change as society faced an increase in violence, particularly against communities of color, a divided nation, and a global pandemic. It became clear that elevating diverse voices in media was more important than ever.
Our Mission
AXS Film Fund strives to support independent documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds living with disabilities in their endeavors to tell stories, make films, and create content.
Our VALUES
We firmly believe in the value of accessibility and representation for all individuals. Filmmakers from underrepresented communities have worked tirelessly to break through barriers and bring new perspectives to the industry. However, individuals living with disabilities often remain invisible in media and film, especially those from communities with less representation. Too often, they have limited control over the creation of projects or the development of tools, which silences an important perspective.
OUR TEAM
Jason DaSilva
President and Program Founder
Jason DaSilva
President and Program Founder
Jason is a director, producer, writer, and disability rights activist best known for the Emmy Award winning documentary, When I Walk, the first film in a documentary trilogy.
As President of AXS Lab, Jason is the key creative and strategic voice of the organization, providing insight to necessities in disability activism and facilitating AXS Lab's work with the UN and partner organizations around the world.
Naomi Middleton
Program Director
Naomi Middleton
Program Director
Naomi is an independent filmmaker and producer who is interested in stories that paint portraits of humanity in conversation with larger issues of human rights and social justice. In 2021 she produced the short, Predicting My MS, (2022) for NOVA, which broadcasted on PBS/NOVA. Her short doc, HELO (Home, Education, Love, Opportunity) (2019), was an official judge’s selection and opened the Bennington Alumni Film & Creativity Festival in 2019. Naomi firmly believes in the powerful intersection of filmmaking and social justice. She is thrilled with the conversations the fund is creating and is excited about the continued growth of AXS Film Fund and its mission.
Mimoza Thana
Controller
Mimoza Thana
Controller
Mimoza is an analytical and detail oriented banking professional with 10 years of experience. Exceptionally organized and focused demonstrating an outstanding aptitude to manage and balance a variety of day to day transition, providing overachieving assistance services team management products cross sales.
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 seek to bring visibility to creators who are oftentimes overlooked. While we prefer that a person of color living with a disability is a key contributor to the project, we welcome diverse teams to apply.
Each year we award up to five creators with grants of up to $10,000 each to assist them in finishing their projects in any stage of production.
How to Apply
Letters of Inquiry are not required. Applicants should submit an application to our portal.
Starting June 2nd, 2025, our online portal for submission opens.
Applications should be submitted through this portal.
After July 31st, 2025, application submissions will close. Applications will first be reviewed by our internal staff to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. Successful applications will move to the next round, a review by an external committee of expert panelists.
Our Supporters
Contact
Email us with any inquiries
Our Location
United states
1-55 Borden Avenue, Suite 10E
Long Island City, NY 11101
