By Selena Kuznikov

Distribution Advocates, a collective dedicated to reclaiming power for independent storytellers, has launched the FilmADE Fund. The program aims to support up to 30 independent film releases per year by providing financial support, skills training, and industry partnerships for U.S. theatrical and non-theatrical releases.

Applications for the fund open Thursday and will include grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to fund marketing strategies and distribution experiments. The program aims to cultivate a field-wide transformation in the industry to improve how independent films reach and engage their audiences.

FilmADE, which stands for Film Audience Development and Engagement, operates through three initiatives: providing grants for audience development and distribution experiments, training film teams, and reporting data for field building.