Press release
PHILADELPHIA, April 17, 2025—The Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF) announces $500,000 in grants to support Greater Philadelphia's emerging and professional independent filmmakers. The grants will support the development of their films and the expansion of their skills. A total of 30 film projects received funding through IPMF’s community-led grantmaking process.
Each year, the foundation partners with a panel of local filmmakers and film advocates to select the grant recipients. This process aligns with the foundation’s commitment to shift power to communities harmed by systems of oppression and media erasure. The panel’s grantmaking decisions are final and are not influenced by the IPMF board or staff.
Along with a grant, the Local Filmmaker Fund offers a 12-month cohort experience that provides filmmakers access to workshops and convenings to build their industry knowledge and networks within the region’s filmmaker community. Filmmakers also have the opportunity to screen their projects at IPMF’s annual Fall Film Screening to gain more public interest and following.
►Visit IPMF's website for a full list of 2025 Local Filmmaker Fund grant recipients.
►Read IPMF Program Officer Nuala Cabral’s essay on Local Filmmakers Using Film to Shift Policy on Carceration and Amplify the Experiences of Justice-Impacted Communities.