About the Grant
The New Mexico Documentary Incubator Grants Program has two core objectives. The first is to provide financial and technical support to emerging documentary filmmakers across New Mexico. The grants help develop above the line documentary filmmaking talent with an emphasis on documentaries that address community issues and challenges. The second objective is to help incubate above-the-line documentary filmmaking talent by providing a clearing house for supportive resources and a forum for professional support and exchange. Thanks to our collaborators, in addition to the grant funding, the selected filmmakers are provided access to studio space, technical training, and advice from well-established New Mexico documentary filmmakers.
In 2024 $10,000 was provided for grants and four documentary filmmakers were funded. The story telling and technical quality of these initial four films clearly highlight the emerging and young documentary talent in New Mexico. A second and larger round of funding will be offered in 2025.
Donor contributions provide an opportunity to support individual documentary filmmakers by providing unrestricted cash grants, education and experience for exceptional artists.
Founders
Greg Polk
Greg is a retired urban planner and international development specialist turned independent documentary filmmaker. Past projects include New Mexicans Taking Action on Plastic Waste, Building Community in Albuquerque’s International District, and Embroidered Connections about the artisans of Bukhara Uzbekistan preparing for the Santa Fe Folk Art Market.
Rebecca Black
Rebecca is currently Vice President of 516 Arts a non-collecting contemporary arts center located in Albuquerque with a particular interest in the role of art in reconciliation and conflict resolution. 516 ARTS is dedicated to fostering a multifaceted and inclusive arts community through its exhibitions and public programs along with the following ongoing initiatives. Previously she spent 25 years working for the US Agency for International and served in Cambodia, Mali, Afghanistan, South Africa and Poland.
2024 Jurors
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Ben Daitz
Ben is a writer and documentary filmmaker with Tijeras Films. His films have been screened on PBS, American Public Television, and many festivals. Recent documentaries include: “Library Stories: Books on the Backroads”, about NM’s rural libraries, “The Sun Never Sets”, about The Rio Grande Sun, one of the best small-town newspapers in the country, and “The Medicine in Marijuana”, a scientific look at the plant and people who use it. Ben has written for the NYTimes, The Atlantic, and other publications. -
Mary Lance
Mary is a filmmaker with over 40 years experience in documentary production. Her work has been shown at Tate Modern, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum and other venues worldwide. She’s made documentaries about Indigo, the blue dye; artists Agnes Martin and Diego Rivera; and the New Deal art projects of the 1930s in additional to films for museums and arts organizations. Her latest documentary is LIBRARY STORIES, about New Mexico’s rural libraries. -
George Richardson
George is an artist, photographer, and filmmaker based in Albuquerque. George is a member of IATSE local 480 and has worked in Art Departments on large studio productions filmed here in New Mexico. When not working on personal projects, he is also involved in day-to-day operations at several prop houses in ABQ and Santa Fe. You may view George's work here. -
Brad Stoddard
Brad has passion for creating content for Independent Film and Television. As a producer, director, editor, writer, cinematographer and teacher, Brad has worked with some incredible and talented people from around the globe. Brad's experience working in a variety of roles has earned him accolades from his film industry peers. Brad is the owner of Stoddard Communications, a New Mexico based production/postproduction company. He is past President of the New Mexico Post Alliance.
Collaborator Organizations
