SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
Consistent with our mission to change the distorted, false narrative about Mexican-Americans, and because films, TV and streaming series have a tremendous impact on the narrative, perception and reputation of our community, MACEF, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, has chosen to provide support to the Mexican-American filmmaker community with different initiatives, including MACEF’s Filmmaker Production Grants and MACEF’s Filmmaker Tuition Scholarships.
CURRENTLY, WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING:
The MACEF Filmmaker Production Grant
There are thousands of epic stories waiting to be told, and Hollywood has a history of rejecting projects with Mexican-American and Chicano/a stories or lead characters. The goal of the Filmmaker Grant, directed by Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz, is to promote the production of such stories. Individuals already in the industry, including film students at graduate level, who have great stories to tell and need funds to finish their short film, feature-length film, proof of concept film or TV pilot before putting it on the market or presenting it to film studios, are encouraged to apply. The applicant to this grant can be of any ethnicity or background, but the production team must include at least one producer, writer, director and lead actor who identifies as Mexican-American or Chicana/o of any generation or mixed ethnicity. Grantees will have their film highlighted at the next Mexican-American Film & Television Festival.
To qualify for this grant, the applicant must submit the script of the short film, film or TV pilot and be in the advanced stages of pre-production or production. Qualifying films will be assessed by the quality of the story (culturally positive and non-stereotypical stories are required) as well as production organization and viability of the project. Note: We are looking for non-stereotypical stories of all types. Stories which change our narrative will receive extra attention such as stories about Mexican-Americans who have achieved great success, stories about Mexican-American doctors, lawyers, police detectives, firemen,
businessmen/women or teachers. Stories with Universal appeal.
Submission: Applications for the MACEF Film Grant will be accepted between July 25th – September 15th. Those chosen to receive the grant will be announced by October 1st, and the award amount will be dispersed in November 2023 at a MACEF Reception. Grantees must present their film at the next Mexican-American Film & Television Festival. The finished project will display a credit to MACEF, including the logo on the credits section of the film.
In 2021, three $10,000 grants were awarded.
Below are pictures of the 2021 Grant winners.
Current season closed.
The MACEF Filmmaker Tuition Scholarships
Directed by Moctesuma Esparza
Purpose & Rules: This application/program is open to individuals of any background, who live in the United States and have demonstrated commitment to change the stereotypical Mexican-American narrative to a more fair, positive and realistic narrative and to educate the community about the many contributions the Mexican-American culture and people have given to America.
MACEF/UCLA TFT Tuition Scholarship
In partnership with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, MACEF has negotiated $60,000 in scholarships funds available annually to candidate students of any background, who live in the United States and have demonstrated commitment to change the stereotypical Mexican-American narrative to a more fair, positive and realistic narrative and to educate the community about the many contributions the Mexican-American culture and peopale have given to America. Funds will be applied to the student’s tuition directly by UCLA upon acceptance to UCLA TFT. Applicants will be assessed on grades, experience, demonstrable skills and financial needs. We are looking to greatly expand this program.Submit a simplified application signaling your interest and intention to be considered for this scholarship. You may do so either before or after you have been accepted to UCLA TFT. Make sure you inform us that you have been accepted as soon as possible so we may inform UCLA of your interest in receiving this scholarship.
Current season closed.
The TELACU/USC LAA Cinematic Arts Scholarship, Promoted by MACEF
Attention all USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate students! The TELACU/USC LAA Cinematic Arts Scholarship, promoted by MACEF, is accepting applications from now until Tuesday, May 31st. This scholarship will provide a $20,000 scholarship to (1) student attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts who wants to further their education in the film and television industry. This application is open to any graduate student of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Students of Mexican-American descent, including mixed ethnicity, will be given special consideration. The application consists of completing a Google form and emailing requested supporting documentation.Purpose: There is a biased perception and stigma that exists associated with being of Mexican descent in the US, and the media has played a large part in this. No other Latino group has endured 200 years of abuse and identity defamation. Because films, TV and streaming series have a tremendous impact on the narrative, perception and reputation of our community, MACEF, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, has chosen to promote positive content, as well as foster future Mexican-American filmmakers in order to proactively change the narrative. In partnership with the TELACU Education Foundation and the University of Southern California Latino Alumni Association (USC LAA), MACEF looks forward to spreading this mission to USC.Applications for the TELACU / USC LAA Cinematic Arts Scholarship, promoted by MACEF, will be accepted between April 15th to May 31st. Recipients of the scholarship will be announced in July 2022, and award funds will be disbursed once the school year begins.
Current season closed.
MACEF/American Film Institute Tuition Scholarship
In partnership with the American Film Institute, MACEF has negotiated $60,000 in scholarships funds available annually to candidate students of any background, who live in the United States and have demonstrated commitment to change the stereotypical Mexican-American narrative to a more fair, positive and realistic narrative and to educate the community about the many contributions the Mexican-American Culture and people have given to America. Funds will be applied to student’s tuition directly by AFI upon acceptance.Applicants will be assessed on grades, experience, demonstrable skills and financial needs. We are looking to greatly expand this program.Submit a simplified application signaling your interest and intention to be considered for this scholarship. You may do so either before or after you are accepted at AFI. Make sure you inform us that you have been accepted as soon as possible so we may inform AFI of your interest in receiving this scholarship.
Current season closed.
The Katie Suarez Social Justice Scholarship
This scholarship is given to students who have attended our events as part of a fieldtrip with a partnering school.
We will provide the winning recipient $250 for books, school supplies, or to start a college fund.
The students are to demonstrate how they gained a sense of pride and unity through these events.
See our previous winners
