2023 Grantees
AXS Film Fund, powered by Bertha Foundation, is proud to support documentary filmmakers and non-fiction new media creators of color with disabilities. We are thankful to our many partners and supporters who have helped this happen. This year we were able to award five grants up to $10,000 each to creators in the nonfiction/documentary field. (Projects are listed in alphabetical order by title)
Documentary Projects:
Standing Above the Clouds
Directed by:
Jalena Keane-Lee
Produced by:
Erin Lau, Amber Espinosa-Jones, Jalena Keane-Lee
Synopsis:
When the world’s largest telescope is set to be built on Mauna Kea, three Native Hawaiian families dedicate their lives to defending their sacred mountain. Through the lens of mothers and daughters, Standing Above the Clouds explores intergenerational healing and the social and emotional labor of retaining ancient ceremonies while putting your body on the line to protect a sacred mountain.
Somebody’s Gone
Directed by:
Cyrus Moussavi & Hubert Taylor
Produced by:
Brittany Nugent & Zakiya Collier
Synopsis:
Brother Theotis Taylor harvested turpentine, preached, and sang spirituals in a sublime falsetto that made him the pride of South Georgia. Driven by a divine vision, his eldest son, Hubert, filmed it all. Forty years later, Somebody’s Gone completes the story of a great artist through the archive of his prodigal son.
I Identify as Me
Directed by:
Tina Colleen & Monick Monell
Produced by:
Tina Colleen & Monick Monell
Synopsis:
Through the lens of Black & Brown Trans, gender-diverse people, and masculine-presenting women, I Identify as Me explores their journeys navigating the social structure of gender. The series unpacks their experiences, challenges, and liberation while deconstructing a systemic power.
Untitled Lorena Project
Directed by:
Dawn Valadez and Rodrigo Reyes
Produced by:
Dawn Valadez and Rodrigo Reyes
Synopsis:
After losing her 12-year old daughter Fátima to a horrible attack and fleeing her home in a small town in Mexico, Lorena leads her family on a quest for justice against a corrupt system that preys on thousands of women and girls each year, taking her fight all the way to the country’s supreme court.
Prahba
Directed by:
Vinita Negi
Produced by:
Vinita Negi
Synopsis:
86-year-old Prabha wants to nurse her companion back to life, her vintage car ‘Austin 7’, 1934, and participate in what she thinks could be their last rally together.
