The Jackson Wild / Schoolyard Films Northern Europe Environmental Film Scholarship

INTRODUCTION

We must engage young people in filmmaking about nature and environmental topics – a statement that m:brane can identify with completely. 

In 2022 we launch our newest Strand: A whole new section of our platform: 

m:brane Learning – The Non Didactic Universe.

We aim to contribute to a common understanding, that a strong media culture means a strong youth base. Our goal is to become one of the weighty thought leaders in a media landscape that encourages original thinking and critical awareness of media with Young Humans as our focal point. 

In direct extension thereof, we are utterly pleased and very proud to embrace and launch our new partnerships with The Jackson Wild/ US & Austria, Schoolyard Films/ US and Amberjack Films /UK who together have created the Environmental Film Scholarship.

The first scholarship program is the North American Scholarship, launched in 2021. In 2022 the Northern Europe Environmental Scholarship, is launching the first film to be made in association with m:brane.

MISSION

Tom Fitz, Executive Director of Schoolyard Films, and Andy Byatt, Managing Director of Amberjack Films, have teamed up to drive this initiative of scholarship films to both embrace new filmmaking talent and increase the power and relevance of storytelling for the environment globally.

Tom Fitz, Executive Director of Schoolyard Films says:

-My goals are supported by director of Amberjack Films, Andy Byatt’s vision, who is using his wide network of international contacts to create this programme. Together we are driving a vision of the power of scholarship films to both embrace new filmmaking talent and increase the power and relevance of storytelling for the environment globally-

To the question of why an alliance with Jackson Wild enriches this effort, Executive Director Lisa Samford says:

-Jackson Wild is committed to amplifying different perspectives that creatively engage new audiences to protect and restore our natural world a catalyst for accelerating and elevating impactful storytelling at the nexus of nature, science, and conservation. Through innovative and collaborative convenings, professional development and skill-building initiatives and mentorship programs, Jackson Wild creates an inclusive forum for storytellers to more deeply illuminate connections to the natural world and our collective responsibility to the wild.

-By entering our partnership with The Jackson Wild / Schoolyard Films

Northern Europe Environmental Film Scholarship, m:brane and our latest extension: m:brane Learning – The Non Didactic Universe will be further lifted into the international sphere and its core values strengthened

– says Senior Creative Advisor, Annette Brejner, who continues –

It is our hope, by becoming a partner for the Environmental Film Scholarship in North Europe, that we can help elevate the significance and impact of the Scholarship and attract strong partners, to help finance and spread this vision.

OBJECTIVES

In a new initiative to develop environmental filmmaking talent, Jackson Wild and Schoolyard Films are creating a program of funded scholarship films, where young early-stage filmmakers are sponsored to make a short 15-minute film on a nature or environmental story – wherever they come from in the world. The ambition is to support young filmmakers by giving them the basic financial support to direct and produce a film.  

The scholarship will include executive mentorship throughout the production process and encouragement to distribute their film alongside a non-exclusive release on the Schoolyard Films free to access online platform, with the goal of maximizing audience and creating local impact through screenings and school access to their film. 

These films will give voice to young filmmakers around the world, spreading talent and skills while showcasing authentic voices irrespective of gender, ethnicity or disability.

FUNDING AND SPONSORSHIP PARTNERS WANTED

We are looking for finance partners to fund a budget of €50K per scholarship. Different sponsors can be attached to films from each area that the scholarship programme supports. We are looking for sponsorship to have both local and international relevance. In each case we want to support talent from the world region showcased by its scholarship film.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR NEW YOUNG FILMMAKERS

The final application process will be managed through the Jackson Wild network. Initially, applicants will be selected through gatekeepers that caretake specific regional scholarships.

Soon you will be able to inform yourself about the application conditions via our websites.

m:brane will be point of contact for the Northern European Scholarship. 

Contact: Lennart Ström, Managing Director,

m:brane / lennart@mbrane.se / Ph: 0046 708768951

Jackson Wild for the North American Scholarship and UCLA for the Central African Scholarship. 

Contact: Melanie Judd, Partnerships & Engagement,

Jackson Wild / melanie@jacksonwild.org

More information: 

Jackson Wild  |  Schoolyard Films  |  Amberjack Films  |  m:brane

Backgroud photo: Ismaele Tortella