The Camden International Film Festival is one of 23 film festivals receiving a grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The $10,000 grant will be used for special programming and to increase filmmaker participation during the 2013 festival next Sept. 26 – 29.

In 2012, the grant program distributed $450,000 to major international film festivals, such as Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Sundance and Telluride; festivals that focus on independent and alternative filmmaking such as Ann Arbor, Black Maria, Nashville and Woodstock; and festivals that support social and cultural diversity such as African Diaspora, Atlanta Jewish, Kidfilm, Outfest and San Diego Latino, according to the Academy.

"Through generous support from the Academy, the Camden International Film Festival will celebrate its ninth edition by presenting two special programs over the four-day event," said a news release from the festival. "One program will present works on or about the creative process, and the artistic voice. The other will highlight works from two distinguished filmmakers, pairing them with new pieces from emerging filmmakers who have been influenced by their predecessors. Conversations between the documentary pioneers and the wave of artists they have impacted will take place during the festival."

Ben Fowlie, founder and director of CIFF, said in the release: “We are extremely honored to be recognized by the Academy in such a meaningful way. This support will allow us to delve even deeper into appreciating the craftsmanship found within the documentary form, while increasing the level of interaction between filmmakers and audiences during the festival."

The Academy Foundation distributes $1 million annually to film scholars, cultural organizations and film festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. Since its establishment in 1999, the Academy’s Festival Grants Program has distributed 277 grants totaling $4.85 million. 

The Camden International Film Festival is recognized as one of the top 20 documentary festivals in the world, according to CIFF. Established in 2005, the festival highlights work that shows a dedication and commitment to the craft behind nonfiction storytelling. More than 70 films from around the world are presented annually.  Running concurrently with CIFF is the Points North Documentary Forum, a conference component for emerging artists to connect with industry decision makers. Past participants include HBO, A&E IndieFilms, the BBC, ZDF-Arte, PBS, POV, ITVS, Discovery, the Tribeca Institute, the Sundance Institute, the New York Times, Kickstarter and Vimeo.

The Ninth Camden International Film Festival takes place Sept. 26 - 29, 2013, featuring approximately 70 films, and dozens of panels, workshops and networking events. The full program, and list of special guests will be announced in late August.