Destitute to Doctorate

R.A.W. is awarded a 2018 Mountainfilm Commitment Grant

We are excited to announce that our upcoming documentary short film R.A.W. – From Destitute to Doctorate was awarded a 2018 Mountainfilm Commitment Grant of $2k. This is really cool on many levels. Mountainfilm is a well-respected documentary festival that takes place every spring in the beautiful city of Telluride, Colorado. Only 11 projects received grant money out of 170 applicants.

“We are so thrilled to support this important and timely project,” said Lucy Lerner, Program Manager at Mountainfilm.

According to their website: “As part of the nonprofit’s commitment to helping tell stories that matter, Mountainfilm awards Commitment Grants each fall to filmmakers, photographers, artists and adventurers whose projects are intended to inspire audiences to create a better world.”

“The pool of applicants was bigger than ever in 2018 — professional, innovative, filled with stories that need to be told — which meant the judges had a really tough job,” Program Manager Lucy Lerner said. “While it was extremely difficult, the judges ultimately selected a batch of terrific projects that are full of potential. We’re so excited to support them.”

Filmmaker Magazine named MountainFilm in the top “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World,” and their tagline is “Celebrating Indomitable Spirit since 1979.” It’s a match made in heaven and truly an honor. In 2016, the first episode of our Invisible Thread series, Throw was awarded the festival’s Director’s Choice award and launched the film into the public in a major way. We’ve developed a relationship with Mountainfilm staff over the last couple years and believe in the festival’s mission and collaborators.

This gives major credibility to the cause and is a generous award. It’s still only a fraction of the budget we need to complete and distribute the film. Here is the link to read more about the importance of this project, share, and donate. There are only 24 days left in the campaign on Indiegogo so please continue to share the word. And if you have the means, a donation however big or small is enormously helpful. A massive THANK YOU to the 70 contributors who have generously donated so far! We can’t do this without you.

Best,
ELM Team & Richard