VSA Apprenticeship for Emerging Filmmakers with Disabilities

VSA invites emerging filmmakers with disabilities, ages 18 to 30, from around the world who are interested in expanding their education and knowledge of documentary filmmaking to apply to be an apprentice at the renowned AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Film Festival and International Documentary Conference in June of 2011.

AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Film Festival and International Documentary Conference offers numerous opportunities for apprentices to be introduced to the most current trends in documentary filmmaking. Sessions, panels, master classes, small group discussions with industry leaders, and networking events will offer a select group of emerging filmmakers the opportunity to hone their skills, increase their knowledge base, and develop their network of professional contacts. Silverdocs staff will create a customized learning experience for each VSA Apprentice under the tutelage of AFI Silver’s Education Coordinator, Matt Boratenski.

Attendance at the entire conference is required. The official language for the conference is English and if necessary, accommodations will be made for American Sign Language. In order to fully participate, applicants must be able to speak, read, and write English fluently.

The selected VSA Apprentices will have the following expenses covered by VSA and AFI:

  • Conference registration, room, and board
  • Round-trip economy class or coach travel to and from Silver Spring, Maryland, including ground transportation
  • Travel, room, and board for a personal care assistant, if required
  • Reasonable accommodation for the apprentice’s disability

-from VSArts.org