Who says there is no such thing as free money?

All right, few things in life are truly free. But sometimes you get a
lot more out of something than you put in. Like tequila in
margaritas. Or an application to the 5th Annual Chicago Underground
Film Fund. The deadline to submit to the grant is
February 5, 2003.


The Chicago Underground Film Fund was established five years ago by
the Chicago Underground Film Festival to aid
underground and independent film and video makers who share the
festival's maverick spirit and defiant attitude. As well
as our love of good work.


To date more than a dozen productions have been completed with
assistance from the Fund including Jon Moritsugu's
"Scumrock", James Fotopoulos' "Consumed 1-5", Jeff Krulik's "Hitler's
Hat" and Jennifer Montgomery's "Threads of
Belonging".


Underground, experimental and independent film and video makers are
encouraged to apply. Cash grants of between
$500 and $2,000 will be awarded to selected film or video makers for
post-production on works-in-progress that are in
keeping with the festival's mission to promote works that push
boundaries, defy commercial expectations and transcend
the mainstream of independent filmmaking. It's a mouthful, but hey,
it's what we believe.


Submissions are being accepted for documentary, experimental,
animated or narrative projects. Proposals for funding for
any existing project will be considered, regardless of length, genre
or final exhibition format. Film projects in 35mm, 16mm or
super-8 will be considered as well as all video formats. Projects in
development, pre-production or production will not be
considered. Remember, this is a finishing fund! You've got to be
almost finished to get the grant.


The deadline for this year's submissions is February 5, 2003 and
awards will be announced in May, 2003. For an
application and guidelines please visit:
http://www.cuff.org/cufffund.php


One day this could be you!
In case you didn't already know, the winners of this year's fest are
available on the web site. You can find them at
www.cuff.org/press_20020901.php ! Check back soon to get your
application for the 10th Annual Chicago Underground
Film Festival.