The Big Picture Fund
ISTIC ILLIC believes in movie theaters, and we put our money where our mouth is.
No one would claim that watching a play on TV is the same as seeing live actors. ISTIC ILLIC believes the same is true of the movie theater experience, and we are worried about the future of theaters that show movies meant for grown-ups. We’re not worried about the future of Marvel and Star Wars; we are worried about classic films fading away and ambitious new visions never being shown on a big screen. We are scared that films that engage and challenge us will no longer be seen collectively and without interruption, in the secular temple that is the cinema.
We invite any group of film lovers to apply for funding for a screening or screening series.
Before applying, find a local theater and confirm that they can rent it out for screenings. IN your application, provide
· Your team. Who are you, how do you know each other, what inspires you to hold a cinema event?
· The name of the theater and price of renting it
· How will you promote your event? Our goal is attendance; make a case that you will get people to go to your event
· Any supporting events, such as filmmaker or actor Q&A, or affiliations, such as a film club or local talent involved in the production (screenings that are a genuine event will have a much better chance at approval)
· The movie(s) you wish to show and why.
If your application is approved, ISTIC ILLIC will front the costs of your screening for up to $4,000. This includes theater rental, rights costs, travel and/or honorarium costs for filmmakers, etc.
We aim to recover the majority of costs, if not all of them, and priority will be given to events that have a well-considered budget that breaks even or comes close to it. We are a not-for-profit. If the screening(s) run a surplus, that would be paid forward to future events. So if your event is a success, apply again!
We do not accept applications from New York City or Los Angeles. Don’t be mad. Be thankful that you live in a city with a wonderful film culture already!
Last but not least, ISTIC ILLIC’s mandate is non-political. While many films provide great insight on society and politics, there are other programs that support events with political and social agendas. This program is solely in support of appreciation of the art of cinema.