07/06/2013 - New fund for European documentary filmmakers

British documentary outfit Britdoc has launched a new fund for independent documentary filmmakers from across Europe. The Britdoc Circle Fund is designed to supplement existing international grant makers, state funds and broadcast partners with the same interests.

The first grantees are If I Can’t Dance (it’s not my revolution), directed by Anonymous, produced by Denmark’s Fridthjof Film Doc and Dharmafilm that is set in the Syrian uprising; and In Your Voice, In Your Heart by directors Edward Lovelace and James Hall, produced by the UK’s Pulse Films, based on the experiences of musician Edwyn Collins who suffered a devastating stroke in 2005 and is the story of his journey back.

Founding members of Britdoc Circle are two European philanthropists, Sam Roddick (UK) and Cristina Ljungberg (Sweden), who are now looking to bring new partners from across Europe into the group.

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.”

Ljungberg said, “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.”

Filmmaker applications to the Britdoc Circle are currently by invitation only. Britdoc currently administers four other film funds totalling €1 million a year in partnership with Channel 4 Television in the UK, Puma and Bertha Foundation.