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Filmmakers Gallery presents Down Syndrome International Film Festival; seeks City arts grant support
Summary
Filmmakers Gallery leaders and local advocates presented the third annual Down Syndrome International Film Festival to the Public Arts Commission and asked about applying for city arts grant funding.
Filmmakers Gallery leaders and local advocates presented the third annual Down Syndrome International Film Festival to the Public Arts Commission, described programming that highlights filmmakers with developmental disabilities, and asked how to apply for city arts grant funding.
Alan Carvallo, a former public arts commissioner and member of the Filmmakers Gallery board, described the nonprofit's public screenings, which include classic television and movies and invite performers for question-and-answer sessions. He said the gallery partners with the Mary Pickford Theatre and holds regular weekly events and special screenings in Cathedral City.
Yadira Regla, founder and president of Ezekiel's Gift of Love/Coachella Valley Down Syndrome Foundation, said the film festival platform helps families and people with Down syndrome see themselves on screen and that the festival provides inspiration and visibility. Filmmakers Gallery cofounder Steven Roche said the festival is programming films from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and a committed film from Bosnia; the group plans juried awards and expects visiting filmmakers to attend.
Carvallo and the Filmmakers Gallery representatives asked about eligibility for the city's community arts grants. Anne (city management staff) told the commission the city council approved a $20,000 community arts grant bucket for the fiscal year and that the next application cycle will open on March 14, run through April 18, and fund projects for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. Anne said the commission will again review applications and bring award recommendations to city council before the fiscal year starts.
Presenters also asked about outreach to schools and students; Filmmakers Gallery representatives said they would like opportunities to present to high school students and to involve youth in programming and film education.
Speakers quoted in this article are Alan Carvallo (Filmmakers Gallery), Yadira Regla (Ezekiel's Gift of Love), Steven Roche (Filmmakers Gallery), and Anne (city management staff).
