Duplass, Transgender Film Center Launch $25K Fund

The Transgender Film Center and Duplass Brothers Productions launched the Found Footage Feature Fund, a $25,000 grant to fully finance a micro‑budget independent feature by a transgender filmmaker who uses found footage, archival, collage or other economical approaches. Unveiled at Fantastic Fest, applications open Oct. 23 and close Nov. 7; a winner will be chosen in December, and the grantee is expected to complete their film within a year without pursuing additional development deals. Duplass Brothers will provide the $25,000 plus private consultations with Mark Duplass and director Patrick Brice, two script consultations, 15 days of post‑production services, a marketing/deck strategy session, ongoing email support, and festival submission waivers through the Transgender Film Center. Mark Duplass said he is contributing “The Morning Show cash” and publicly defended the initiative on X after criticism, saying the backlash underscores the need to support trans voices. Transgender Film Center executive director Sav Rodgers described the fund as a concrete effort to empower trans filmmakers to make bold work amid rising prejudice and industry barriers.