Film Independent Awards $25,000 Sloan Producers Grant

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and Los Angeles Film Festival, has awarded Nicholas Bruckman its 4th annual Sloan Producers Grant for his feature film project Valley of Saints.  Bruckman will receive a $25,000 post-production grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which seeks to create and develop new scripts and films about science and technology, and to see them into commercial production with national and international distribution.  The grant will be awarded at Film Independent's Fellows Party, sponsored by NAB Show, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and indieWIRE, at the Sundance Film Festival.

"We're so excited to continue this partnership with the Sloan Foundation in providing grants to filmmakers we support throughout the year.  Nicholas and his director recently finished shooting Valley of Saints in Kashmir, so this grant will be a huge help as they move forward with post-production and securing distribution," said Josh Welsh, Film Independent's Director of Talent Development."

"We are delighted to join Film Independent in supporting Valley of Saints with a post-production grant through their distinguished Producer's Lab," said Doron Weber, Vice President, Programs, at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. "Sloan originally supported this film with an NYU-Tisch production grant in 2009, and we remain committed to every stage of support for talented new work that dramatizes science and technology themes in a universal way."

Written and directed by Musa Syeed and produced by Bruckman, Valley of Saints tells the story of a young Kashmiri boatman who tries to flee his war-torn, environmentally devastated homeland.  When his escape crosses paths with a mysterious female scientist, their tenuous romance forces him to choose whether to abandon his fragile community or stay and rebuild.

Bruckman is a New-York based producer and filmmaker.  His feature debut, La Americana, won multiple awards at international festivals, broadcast in over 100 countries, and screened widely with national policy and advocacy organizations.  His work has been supported by numerous foundations including NYFA, NYSCA, Cinereach and the Fledgling Fund.  In addition to independent film, Bruckman's production company, People's Television, produces commercial projects around the world for Fortune 500 and non-profit companies.

Past recipients of the Film Independent/Sloan Producers Grant include Jenny Deller and Kristin Fairweather for Future Weather, which is currently in post-production, Jim Young for The Man Who Knew Infinity, and Monique Caulfield for Basmati Blues.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent's mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

ABOUT ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, established in 1934, makes grants to support original research and broad-based education related to science, technology, and economic performance; and to improve the quality of American life.  The Foundation believes that a carefully reasoned and systematic understanding of the forces of nature and society, when applied inventively and wisely, can lead to a better world for all.  Please visit the Foundation's Web site at www.sloan.org.

SOURCE Film Independent