Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI) Announces The Orchard as New Presenting Partner of the TFI Documentary Fund
Jun 09, 2015
Fund Opens Submissions June 15th
New York, NY – June 9th, 2015 – Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI) is proud to announce Film/TV distributor, The Orchard, as the new presenting partner of the TFI Documentary Fund. The fund provides grants and guidance to feature-length, character-driven documentaries in the advanced stages of development, production or post-production, that spotlight contemporary themes with an original focus and bold, creative filmmaking. TFI today also announced that submissions for the 2015 TFI Documentary Fund will open June 15 and close August 3.
Since launching in 2011, the TFI Documentary Fund has supported 39 exceptional projects. With The Orchard on board this year, the fund will afford grantees with a direct conduit to distribution options, which will open up these captivating personal stories to larger audiences.
This partnership brings together TFI’s proven track record of supporting character-driven documentaries with The Orchard’s commitment to acquire and distribute both nonfiction and fiction films that present new perspectives and unique subject matter.
“We continue to be impressed with the projects that come from the TFI Documentary Fund grantees and we’re committed to giving them the opportunity to develop and exhibit their work,” says Ryan Harrington, VP of Artist Programs at TFI. “We are thrilled to be working with The Orchard, whose team is dedicated to bold storytelling. This new partnership will provide select filmmakers with not only monetary support but new avenues for distribution on multiple platforms.”
Along with a monetary grant, each of this year’s grantees will receive year-round support from TFI and The Orchard. Once selected, grantees meet with The Orchard staff to discuss the potential for exclusivity agreements for North American theatrical and/or digital distribution. Ensuing year-round, one-on-one guidance and consultation will help each film to reach completion and enter the U.S and international marketplace.
“TFI Documentary Fund has supported some of the most original, engaging, and important nonfiction films of the past few years,” says Danielle DiGiacomo, The Orchard’s Director of Acquisitions. “We are excited to be partnering with them to help shepherd new, unforgettable stories crafted by talented filmmakers into the world, through both funding and distribution to audiences across a variety of channels.”
Past successes from TFI’s Documentary Fund include CUTIE AND THE BOXER, Directed by Zachary Heinzerling; Produced by Sierra Pettengill; THE WOLFPACK, Directed by Crystal S. Moselle; Produced by Izabella V. Tzenkova; TEA TIME, Written and Directed by Maite Alberdi; Produced by Clara Taricco; MEET THE PATELS, Directed by Geeta V. Patel and Ravi V. Patel; Produced by Janet Eckholm; and ART & CRAFT, Directed and produced by Sam Cullman, Jennifer Grausman; Co-directed by Mark Becker.
Submissions rules and regulations for the TFI Documentary Fund are available at https://tribecafilminstitute.org/pages/tfi_documentary_rules
FAQs and their responses can be found here, https://tribecafilminstitute.org/pages/tfi_documentary_faq.
ABOUT TRIBECA FILM INSTITUTE
Tribeca Film Institute champions cutting-edge storytelling for social responsibility in our communities and around the world. Each year, we identify a diverse group of exceptional filmmakers and media artists then empower them with funding and resources to fully realize their stories and connect with audiences. Further, our education programs empower students through hands-on training and exposure to socially relevant films, offering young people the media skills necessary to be creative and productive global citizens. We are a year-round nonprofit arts organization founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in the wake of September 11, 2001.
ABOUT THE ORCHARD
The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.