Local Filmmaker Awarded Grant

Ramona Emerson of Reel Indian Pictures has been awarded a grant of $3600 from the New Mexico Film Foundation. The money is to be used for completion of Emerson's documentary called "Mayor's of Shiprock" which follows the efforts of the Northern Dine Youth Committee to make their home a better place.

From the New Mexico Film Foundation:

We are happy to announce that Ramona Emerson of Reel Indian Pictures has been awarded a grant of $3600 from the New Mexico Film Foundation. The money is to be used for completion of Emerson's documentary called "Mayor's of Shiprock" which follows the efforts of the Northern Dine Youth Committee to make their home a better place.

This new grant is the result of a partnership between the New Mexico Film Foundation and the Isora Foundation based in Alubuquerque, New Mexico. Wendy Wells, Director of the Isora Foundation explains, "The Isora Foundation's mission is to fund projects which empower individuals to improve conditions within their own communities. During our 20016 funding cycle, we reached out to the New Mexico Film Foundation to see if they knew of film projects which would meet our mission goals." Dirk Norris, Executive Director of the New Mexico Film Foundation suggested a number of current projects to Wells for her consideration. One of those films was Emerson's project. "The film, currently in production, by Ramona Emerson, "The Mayors of Shiprock” seemed like great fit for us. By providing a funding award, we were not only able to support a local New Mexico filmmaker but support her efforts to highlight the incredible work Navajo youth are doing to bring about change within their own community. This film is a story of empowerment. We felt that it's message could bring hope and inspire youth everywhere.

This is the first time we have funded a New Mexico film in production. We are very excited about our partnership with the NM Film Foundation, " said Wells. This is the second grant the New Mexico Film Foundation has awarded Emerson. Earlier in the year she was one of 17 submissions to the Beau McNicholas Post Production Grant. There will be an award ceremony as part of the New Mexico Film Foundation's annual Summer Soiree Fundraiser. where Emerson will receive the Isora Grant.