Andrew Berends was a courageous and talented filmmaker who sought out stories in places which the mainstream media ignored. He shone a light on communities, people, and children facing unimaginable hardships. He traveled, shot, edited, and promoted his work with intense fervor and dedication. The Andrew Berends Film Fellowship was born out of the desire of Andy’s family, friends, and colleagues to keep his memory alive and active in the world of documentary where he himself thrived.
The mission of this fellowship is to support emerging filmmakers from all walks of life that embody Andy’s spirit and determination, with a focus on sharing unheard stories. We hope that the Fellowship experience will help Fellows make a shift in their careers to the next level of success and artistic fulfillment.
The Andrew Berends Film Fellowship will include:
- A one-time grant of at least $10,000 towards filmmaking expenses (this is not a co-production grant);
- Connection with a Fellowship Mentor for guidance in finishing the project;
- Additional support and resources as needed, which may include networking opportunities, complimentary festival passes, and complimentary access to various publications and platforms.
