Jacob Burns

Scholarships

Spaces are reserved in every course for students with demonstrated financial need. We encourage students to seek the support that will allow them to participate in Media Arts Lab programs. Download a scholarship application (pdf).

Overview
Our global community is increasingly fractured along religious, cultural, and economic lines. In an effort to expand knowledge and encourage communication among cultures, the Fellowship for International Understanding through Film will bring emerging and established filmmakers from outside the U.S. to live, work, and teach on the JBFC campus.

Developed through a grant from philanthropist Kathryn W. Davis and inspired by her lifelong efforts to create a more harmonious world, the Fellowship will support filmmakers who will serve as ambassadors, sharing their culture and beliefs through film. Fellows will take advantage of state-of-the-art production facilities at the JBFC’s Media Arts Lab to work on personal projects while screening films and leading seminars about the cinema of their region.

Eligibility
The Fellowship for International Understanding through Film is open to established and emerging filmmakers based in a country outside of the U.S. who are familiar with the cinema of their region and its history. Fellowships are competitive and awarded through an application and interview process. Artists in all film genres (animation, documentary, video art, narrative, etc.) and disciplines (screenwriting, sound design, cinematography, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

Fellows will be appointed by a committee and chosen on the basis of their body of work, demonstrated ability to teach and inspire young people, and experience in film programming and presentation. Fellows should have insight into the cultural and political dynamics of their region, as well as a desire to share this knowledge with others. Fluent command of English is helpful, but not required.

The Fellowship
The duration of the fellowship will range from one week to six months. Fellows will be provided with designated work space in the JBFC Executive Offices, free access to the JBFC’s Media Arts Lab’s state-of-the-art filmmaking equipment, resources, and facilities, and allowances for postproduction work with JBFC industry partners. Lodging will be provided at the residence next door to the Media Arts Lab, at 5 Grant Street. Depending on visa provisions, a stipend may also be available.

For more information about this program and the application process, please contact Susan Todd at 914.773.7663, ext. 427, or stodd@burnsfilmcenter.org.

Learn more about our International-Filmmakers-in-Residence.