Vancouver’s InFocus Film School is helping to promote more diversity behind the camera by giving out $100,000 in bursaries to students through its Diversity in Film Initiative plan .
“By hosting this diversity initiative, we not only want to show our support to filmmakers from all walks of life, but we feel more voices and recognition in the industry can lead to further mending cultural acceptance,” said InFocus Film School’s president Steve Rosenberg via email.
According to a statement from the school “any students who feel they belong to diverse heritage, members of historically marginalized communities, or those who have faced adversity due to disability or systemic biases” can apply to the program.
Those interested can submit a written or video essay, detailing their personal story and the one they want to tell. The applicants should also offer some insight into why they have chosen a certain field of study.
“It’s for people from diverse cultures and upbringings to be able to bring their stories to the forefront,” said the school’s director of admissions Clarence Sponagle.
“BIPOC, women, and even LGBTQ+ filmmakers must work harder to achieve their vision, especially in North America, despite their stories having such a strong cultural impact,” said Rosenberg. “Today, there is clearly a shift in the film industry framework, a movement for more diverse voices to be heard and we are here to support it. We believe this is the most important initiative InFocus Film School has put forth since opening our doors over a decade ago.”
The school’s Scholarship Committee will be giving out the bursaries mid-to late June.
Bursaries are available for InFocus Film School’s Film Production, 3D Animation, Screenwriting, Visual Effects, Houdini FX for Film and Games, Graphic Design and Documentary programs.
The deadline for applying for a bursary is May 15. Go to infocusfilmschool.com to fill out an application.
Winners must be enrolled in a full-time InFocus Film School program and all bursary funds will be applied to the student’s tuition.