Lincoln, Neb: Vision Maker Media announces a March 18 deadline for applications from filmmakers for its Public Media Content Fund, a program which has funded filmmakers since 1990. With funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the Vision Maker Media Public Media Content Fund will award support to projects with a Native American theme and significant Native involvement that ultimately benefits the entire public media community. Applications must be submitted electronically by Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 11:59 p.m. PST.

"The purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage and increase the diversity of Native American voices in public media," said Assistant Director Georgiana Lee (Navajo). "There are very few avenues open to films--much less Native documentaries--and we believe that support from Vision Maker Media can help open doors for various forms of additional funding for our filmmakers."

Projects in any phase of production are eligible to apply for funding with Vision Maker Media. Awards for research and development range from $5,000 to $20,000; awards for production or completion can be up to half of the project's total budget; and, new media awards range from $5,000 to $35,000. Vision Maker Media does not fully fund projects, and awardees are required to seek additional funding from other sources. Projects selected for funding will be offered additional distribution opportunities including educational and home DVD distribution through www.visionmakermedia.org and video-on-demand.

"Vision Maker Media is looking for compelling Native stories that appeal to broad audiences. We're particularly looking for stories that advance important Native issues such as the American Graduate, Indian Mascots, Native Women, Suicide Prevention, Underrepresented Tribes, and Veterans & Military Service," commented Executive Director Shirley K. Sneve (Rosebud Sioux). "We want to see projects that accurately illuminate aspects of contemporary tribal cultures or peoples."

The 2015 Open Call marks the second year for the Public Media Content Fund's electronic-application submission process. "Through a partnership with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), we're excited to offer the convenience of the electronic-application submission process through the online platform SlideRoom. This program offers a step-by-step guide for applicants seeking funding (http://slideroom.besnappy.com/applicant-guide)," commented Interactive Media Specialist Eric Martin.

Vision Maker Media convenes a panel of Public Television professionals, independent filmmakers, and American Indian/Alaska Native educators to review submissions and recommend applications for funding. Additionally, Vision Maker Media assists filmmakers with fund raising, navigating the Public Television system for national broadcast, educational resource development, community engagement, and marketing efforts. Notifications of award status will be announced in late July 2015.

For Vision Maker Media Public Media Content Fund guidelines and a link to the online application, please visit visionmakermedia.org/fund.

For provocative and engaging completed films from independent or Public Television producers, Vision Maker Media offers a separate Acquisition submission process. To apply, visit visionmakermedia.org/acquisitions.

Vision Maker Media, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) which receives major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, shares Native stories with the world by advancing media that represents the experiences, values, and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Founded in 1977, Vision Maker Media is your premier source for quality Native American and Pacific Islander educational and home videos. All aspects of our programs encourage the involvement of young people to learn more about careers in the media--to be the next generation of storytellers. www.visionmakermedia.org.