Britdoc launches new fund
BRITDOC, a not-for-profit film foundation based in London and partnered with Channel 4 Television, has announced the launch of a brand new film fund, BRITDOC Circle Fund, to support the voices of independent documentary filmmakers from across the European continent.
BRITDOC Circle is supported by individual European philanthropists with a passion for enabling the best documentary films and committed to securing a diverse and independent future for media. It is designed to supplement existing international grantmakers, state funds and broadcast partners with the same interests, at a time when funding for public service content is falling. BRITDOC has an eight-year track record as a funder of international independent documentary and currently administers four other film funds totalling €1 million a year in partnership with Channel 4 Television in the UK, PUMA and Bertha Foundation.
Founding members of BRITDOC Circle are two European philanthropists: Sam Roddick (UK), founder of Coco de Mer and daughter of Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, and documentary filmmaker Cristina Ljungberg (Sweden), who are now looking to bring new partners from across Europe into the group.
Sam Roddick said, “The best documentaries challenge us to see the world differently and think the world differently. I’m proud to be supporting this essential community of artists, filmmakers and journalists.”
Cristina Ljungberg added, “Learning from best practice in the US, we know individual funders can play a hugely constructive role in supporting what is a golden era in documentary filmmaking. We are delighted to spearhead this new movement in Europe and encourage others to join us.”
BRITDOC Circle also announced the first two grantees, from Denmark and the UK:
IF I CAN’T DANCE (it’s not my revolution)
Director: Anonymous
Producers: Jesper Jack at Fridthjof Film Doc, David B Sorensen at Dharmafilm
During the Syrian uprising a woman leaves her home and former life not realising that there will be no turning back. She goes on the road to search for Syria’s future – documenting everything as she moves through the conflict-torn country with a younger female friend by her side. Amidst a terrible war they celebrate new possibilities and newly found freedoms but also suffer growing frustrations. Will the new Syria represent their personal revolutions?
IN YOUR VOICE, IN YOUR HEART
Directors: Edward Lovelace & James Hall
Producer: Lucas Ochoa at Pulse Films
When one man’s world is shattered by a devastating stroke, he fights back from the brink of death to discover that life and love are greater than he could have ever imagined. In Your Voice, In Your Heart is based on the experiences of musician Edwyn Collins who suffered a devastating stroke in 2005. Left unable to walk or speak, any hope of recovery seemed unlikely. Yet in 2010, against all odds, he released the album ‘Losing Sleep’ to huge critical acclaim. This is the story of his journey back.
