The Californer - Berkeley FILM Foundation Receives .5M Grant From The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation

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Funds benefit local, independent filmmakers and celebrate iconic filmmaker's legacy

BERKELEY, Calif. - Californer -- The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) has received a $1.5 million grant from the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation (SZCF). The funding over a three-year period will augment BFF's current grant program to fund local independent film projects, establishes new educational programs focused on filmmaking, and inaugurates the first annual Saul Zaentz Film Festival to be held September 14-15 at the Smith Rafael Film Center in partnership with the California Film Institute.

"We are thrilled to be receiving this incredibly generous and timely grant," said Abby Ginzberg, president of Berkeley Film Foundation's Board of Directors. "It's an honor to continue Saul's legacy by ensuring that the next generation of Bay Area filmmakers receives the critical support they need and also to celebrate Saul's work by bringing his iconic films back to the Bay Area in September," she added.

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"Saul's career as a filmmaker and producer began in the late 1960's after his move to Berkeley. For more than thirty years Saul's belief in his art, along with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, brought to the Bay Area a new stronghold of independent filmmaking. Saul encouraged all artists to 'live an imagined life' (as he did) regardless of the hurdles one may encounter in the quest to follow one's passions," said Elliot Steinberg, President of the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.

New Programming

The Berkeley FILM Foundation will honor the legacy of Saul Zaentz as one of the industry's most celebrated independent filmmakers utilizing the new SZCF funds to support emerging filmmakers through new initiatives in line with BFF's mission and ongoing activities, including: https://berkeleyfilmfoundation.org/presslinks/mrpzo8mq7k0v0rjmxw8o2j8of1ek5i