THE BIRNS & SAWYER GRANT X FILAM CREATIVE FILM FESTIVAL

For over seventy years, Birns & Sawyer has supported filmmakers worldwide with cutting-edge equipment and services. In partnership with the FilAm Creative Film Festival, we are proud to offer the Birns & Sawyer Camera Package Grant, aimed at increasing the visibility of Filipino-American filmmakers and encouraging authentic storytelling that explores identity and culture.

About the Partnership

This grant represents a shared mission between FilAm Creative, a nonprofit dedicated to championing Filipino-American and Southeast Asian voices in entertainment, and Birns & Sawyer, Hollywood’s legacy camera rental house committed to democratizing access to world-class gear and resources. Together, we aim to foster a future where underrepresented filmmakers are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Grant Details

  • 1st Place: $4,000 worth of camera gear and lenses

  • 2nd Place: $3,000 worth of camera gear and lenses

  • Access: All finalists can test equipment and access educational opportunities at Birns & Sawyer's Los Angeles office

  • Eligibility: Open to both members and non-members of FilAm Creative

  • Usage Period: Winners have six (6) months to utilize the grant; failure to begin principal photography within this period will render the grant invalid

  • Showcase: The three completed short films will be screened at the 4th annual FilAm Creative Film Festival in 2026

Key Dates

  • Submissions Open: March 24, 2025

  • Regular Deadline: June 27, 2025

  • Late Deadline: July 25, 2025

  • Finalist Notification Date: August 1, 2025

  • Winners Announced: Fall 2025 at the 3rd edition of the FilAm Creative Film Festival

  • Project Completion Deadline: Six months from grant issuance

  • Festival Showcase: 2026 at the 4th edition of the FilAm Creative Film Festival

For more information on the non-profit, FilAm Creative, please go to www.filamcreative.org and their film festival  www.filamcreativefilmfest.org