Our Mission

The Berkeley FILM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant and educational program for independent filmmakers founded by the City of Berkeley, Wareham Development, and the Saul Zaentz Company with a mission to nurture, sustain and preserve the thriving local film community while attracting the next generation of filmmakers. 

The BFF focuses on supporting social, historical and innovative documentary and dramatic works. Many of our grant winners have gone on to screen at U.S. and international film festivals, been recognized with prestigious awards, received television broadcasts and are making a difference around the world.

Since 2009, BFF has awarded 181 grants totaling $2.08 million, to films in the production, post-production and distribution stages.

The Saul Zaentz Award of $25,000 is given each year to honor Saul’s legacy. An award of $20,000 is given in honor of social justice advocate and BFF founding member, Al Bendich.

In its effort to attract the next generation of local filmmakers, BFF has awarded $151,000 to 46 student filmmakers. 

The BFF grant program accepts applicants who live or work in the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Albany, Richmond, and Oakland.

The Founders remain committed to the mission of BFF and to guiding its sustainable growth and impact—financially and geographically. We recognize with gratitude many long-time partners who return to support BFF each year and the new generous donors who are also eager to help filmmakers in their communities find the audiences for their unique stories, art, and current reports on topics important to us all. Join us!

Founders:

Special thanks to all of our funders:

The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation, The Fleishhacker Foundation, The George Lucas Family Foundation, The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, California Humanities, LaFetra Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, The Robertson Family Fund, The Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation, the City of Emeryville, the East Bay Community Foundation, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Arent Fox LLP, Bayer, Warner Bros., Pacific Gas & Electric, Van Acker Construction, Shartsis Friese LLP, Wilson Markle Stuckey Hardesty & Bott, LLP, Walter J. Haas, Kava Massih, and Christopher Moscone.