In a new initiative to develop environmental filmmaking talent, Jackson Wild, Amberjack Films and Schoolyard Films are creating a program of funded scholarship films, where young early-stage film makers are sponsored to make a short 15-minute film on a nature or environmental story wherever they come from in the world. The ambition is to support young film makers and give them the basic financial support to direct and produce a film, mentor them through the editorial process and encourage them to distribute their film to best effect, both to maximize audience and to create local impact through screenings and school access to their films. These films will give voice to young filmmakers around the world, spreading talent and skills while showcasing authentic voices irrespective of gender, ethnicity or disability.
The first scholarship program is the North American Scholarship, launched in 2021. In 2022 we are starting a Northern European Scholarship, launching the first film to be made in association with m:brane.
The first scholarship program is the North American Scholarship, launched in 2021. In 2022 we are starting a Northern European Scholarship, launching the first film to be made in association with m:brane.
Scholarships
NORTHERN EUROPE
The second scholar has launched his project. We are currently looking for financial support to help Ismaele Tortella, photographer turned filmmaker, realise his vision in the deep, cold waters of Tromsö, Norway.
OCEAN MEETINGS
Ismaele Tortella is a young Italian photographer turned filmmaker, who has based himself in Tromsø, more than 350km North of the Arctic Circle. Here, in the gathering darkness of the polar winter night, he is exploring the story of 4 young school children meeting orca for the first time in the wild. Ismaele wants to see if these meetings can inspire the children to create a conversation amongst their peers about the importance of whales of all species. With one of the children
professing to like eating whale meat, it’s fascinating to see if these encounters can change perspectives in one of the three countries in the world that engages in commercial whaling.
CENTRAL AFRICA
As this initiative grows, we are seeking to gradually introduce scholarships and filmmaking opportunities across the world’s seven continents.
The next step: our latest programme is in development, establishing a scholarship hub in Central Africa.
The second scholar has launched his project. We are currently looking for financial support to help Ismaele Tortella, photographer turned filmmaker, realise his vision in the deep, cold waters of Tromsö, Norway.
OCEAN MEETINGS
Ismaele Tortella is a young Italian photographer turned filmmaker, who has based himself in Tromsø, more than 350km North of the Arctic Circle. Here, in the gathering darkness of the polar winter night, he is exploring the story of 4 young school children meeting orca for the first time in the wild. Ismaele wants to see if these meetings can inspire the children to create a conversation amongst their peers about the importance of whales of all species. With one of the children
professing to like eating whale meat, it’s fascinating to see if these encounters can change perspectives in one of the three countries in the world that engages in commercial whaling.
CENTRAL AFRICA
As this initiative grows, we are seeking to gradually introduce scholarships and filmmaking opportunities across the world’s seven continents.
The next step: our latest programme is in development, establishing a scholarship hub in Central Africa.
