November 12, 2024
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Shawn Uhlman, Prosper Portland
In partnership with Travel Portland, the Events and Film Office at Prosper Portland is proud to announce three awardees of the Amplify Portland: Local Filmmakers Production Grant. The Amplify Portland Grant creates opportunities for filmmakers using local talent, crew, and vendors during production. The grant contributes to productions that build professional development within the local industry and have the potential to bring exposure to Portland through unique stories with diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera.
“Once again, I am blown away by the talent that is coming out of Portland. The stories being told range from many different genres, but the one thing they all have in common is the character of Portland. Film and the vibrant art scene in this city help us write our own narrative and portrayal of the stories that represent us and the Portland we want the rest of the world to see,” said Elyse Taylor Liburd, Film Industry Project Manager with the Events and Film Office at Prosper Portland.
After a through review process, the grant panel, made up of industry professionals, awarded $10,000 each to the three top scoring film productions:
“Something About the Tide” is a feature-length coming-of-age dramedy for those over 30. The story follows a Type A addict in recovery who is tasked with reuniting her dying mother with a previous child given up for adoption, and she must choose between fulfilling her mom’s final wish or risk being replaced by her picture-perfect half-brother who is everything she should have been. The film is directed by Desdemona Chiang, written/produced by Julia Morizawa, and lead produced by Ashley Song. Set in Portland, Oregon, the story highlights local businesses, landmarks, and employs local crew and talent.
Photo by Holly Andres
Dragathon: Meeting Hate with Joy
In 2023, three friends to set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest drag show ever at Portland’s historic Darcelle XV Showplace. “Dragathon: Meeting Hate With Joy” is a 90-minute feature-length documentary covering the event’s conception through 48-hour execution intercut with personal stories from the event performers and emcees, including local queens, RuPaul’s Drag Race talent, politicians, and Saturday Night Live alumni. The executive producers for this film are bestselling author Eden Dawn and Wildfang founder and CEO Emma Mcilroy. Director Pamela Ralat is an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer and editor.
Leaders of Men
Directed by Lorenzo Lowe III of A Stella Visual, “Leaders of Men” is a compelling documentary that follows Portland football coaches Anthony Stoudamire of Jefferson High School and Ryan McCants of Roosevelt High School, capturing the transformative power of mentorship and the role of coaches as community role models. Set against the backdrop of Portland’s North neighborhoods, this film delves into the lives of two dedicated coaches as they guide and inspire their players, all while preparing for their much-anticipated rivalry game. Through this journey, “Leaders of Men” showcases the lasting impact of mentorship both on and off the field. This is a story of leadership, coming-of-age and community.
