THE 2023 BIRNS & SAWYER
FILM GRANT
For sixty years, Birns & Sawyer has supported filmmakers from around the world with the latest equipment, products, and services.
In 2020, Mari Acevedo became the first female CEO and a minority in its 60 years of history of Birns & Sawyer. Under her leadership, Mari exemplifies a remarkable commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the filmmaking community. With an unwavering dedication to supporting young filmmakers, people of color (POC), and non-binary individuals, she has transformed Birns & Sawyer into a beacon of empowerment. Through strategic initiatives, such as the Birns & Sawyer / FilAm Creative Film Festival Camera Package Grant, Mari is offering a voice to the under-represented Filipino artists.
One filmmaker or team will be provided with digital camera packages, lenses, and accessories toward the production of their next short film project. Mari’s initiative is to enrich the Hollywood landscape and contribute to a more equitable and vibrant film industry.
The grant winner will be announced at the FilAm Creative Film Festival awards gala on Sunday, November 5, 2023 with the other category festival winners.