We’re excited to share that both recipients of the inaugural Ellis-Beauregard Foundation Documentary Film Award – INDÍGENA (dir. Siku Allooloo, prod. Jessica Hallenback) and UNTITLED EAR HUSTLE FILM (dir. Erika Cohn, prod. Rajal Patroda, Jaz Kealoha Berger) – are by WMM filmmakers! This award recognizes ambitious, artist-driven nonfiction work and gives filmmakers the resources to continue developing their projects on their own terms, including a $50,000 unrestricted grant given to each project.
INDÍGENA, which is being made with the support of WMM’s Production Assistance Program, follows filmmaker Siku Alloolloo’s journey as she retraces her mother’s life as an activist and journalist during the Red Power Movement. Her journey uncovers 500 years of Taíno resistance while leading her to explore her own history, identity, and connection to her community.
UNTITLED “EAR HUSTLE” FILM by Erika Cohn, director of WMM releases BELLY OF THE BEAST, THE JUDGE, and A SHOT AT HISTORY, goes behind the scenes of the EAR HUSTLE podcast, which explores daily life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration. outside,
As part of this award, both filmmakers participated in works-in-progress screenings during the 22nd Camden International Film Festival.
Congratulations to Erika, Siku, and everyone behind these films! We’re so excited to see these projects receive this support and can’t wait to follow them as they continue to take shape.
