Future Weather Wins a $25,000 Science Grant!!

As we prepped to attend the Film Independent (FIND) Producers Lab in early October, we received news that Future Weather was selected for this year's Alfred P. Sloan Producer's Grant as part of the FIND program. The Sloan Foundation's mission is to support original work focused on science that they feel will have a positive impact on society, so we were ecstatic to receive such an honor. The $25,000 grant comes with access to a science advisor that Jenny can turn to for mentorship with script research. I had the chance to accept the award on behalf of the project at this year's FIND Filmmaker's Forum.

Age of Stupid Premieres at Philadelphia's Bridge and Around the World Tonight!!

The Age of Stupid USA Trailer from Age of Stupid on Vimeo.

Indie filmmakers, environmentalists and progressive culture-vultures, get thee to a movie theater tonight to catch AGE OF STUPID's historical global premiere event!

Being hailed as the future of independent cinema, the DIY-distributed AGE OF STUPID will screen via satellite from New York City to 700 theaters in over 50 countries.

The evening will kick off with a green-carpet gala featuring climatologist James Hansen, Kofi Annan and a performance by Thom Yorke of Radiohead.

I saw the film at a preview screening in LA. It's incredibly inventive and incredibly moving. If you're in Philly, meet me for the screening at the Bridge Theater at 7:30. Or click here to find a US screening near you.

Save the Future, in HD!

Future Weather's companion short is now available in HD on Vimeo. Please share with your friends!

Green Screen

Check out these great green film festivals!

First, right in our hometown, GreenFest Philly is holding a Green Film Festival as part of their annual street festival. The festival will be held on September 13, 2009 on 2nd and South streets in Philadelphia. Submissions are still being accepted.

Green filmmakers in the New York Tri-State region also have the opportunity to participate in a green film series curated by Slightly Overexposed Productions' Stacey Burgay, who we met at DIY Days Philly. Burgay is looking for fiction and non-fiction films that either "focus on issues that reflect the public and the environment" or were produced using the Code of Best Practices for Sustainable Filmmaking, which we profiled in June. Films will be screened at the Oval Film Center (12 Stuyvesant Oval, New York, NY) on August 24, September 10, and September 17.

The Going Green Film Festival shows just how far along green film has come. Offering entry categories for films created using "green guidelines", films about environmental issues and films featuring hybrid or alternative transportation, the festival honors the commitment of green filmmakers to lessen their impact on the environment. The festival will be held in March 2010; submissions will be accepted until January 15, 2010. (h/t The Thin Green Line)

Josie Maran Rocks Our T-Shirt

Model and actress Josie Maran is determined to help the environment. After working in the entertainment industry for a number of years, Josie decided to start a cosmetics line dedicated to eco-friendly initiatives, bio-degradable packaging, and natural ingredients. With a business mission like that, Josie is the perfect person to help kick off our Summer Sale. Seen above wearing the Tree Rings T-Shirt (and she wears it well!), Josie was also kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for us. Special thanks to Josie and Polly for all of their support and a great blog about Future Weather!

What made you want to start an organic makeup company?
It was impossible to find high performance and healthy makeup. I wanted it for myself, and I knew other women would too.

How do you balance your career with raising a daughter?
I love being a mom and I really enjoy my work. When I get home from work, I'm so happy to play in her world and in the morning I'm very happy in my world. Happiness is key to balance.

What's your "eco pet peeve"?
Hardcore eco-people that scare away the mainstream from even coming close to "being green."

What about your not-so-environmentally-friendly guilty pleasure? (For the Future Weather team, it would have to be take-out containers.)
Wanting a private jet (but I'm hoping it will run on algae!)

You're an actress. We're a film production team. What kind of interview would this be if we didn't ask you: What is your favorite movie?
Harold and Maude.

Kids Experience Nature at Fair Hill Burial Ground

Karyn Gerred, former FWP contributor, sent this video my way last week. It's a moving portrait of an ecology class for kids who don't get much exposure to nature.

The Fair Hill Burial Ground is a 5-acre green space in the midst of urban Northeast Philly. Read more about this historic cemetery and how it went through a dramatic rehabilitation here. And check out more of Jean Warrington's video work at YouTube.

Media Lab Studios Efficient Film Challenge

Indie film powerhouse IFC Entertainment is hoping to spark more efficient film production by holding a green short film contest. The Media Lab Studios Efficient Film Challenge is offering three prizes of up to $3,000 for short films that tackle the topic of energy efficiency. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to get exposure on the Independent Film Channel and Sundance Channel (not to mention some cash!), while making a timely statement and raising awareness.