Fellowship

“Being a part of this fellowship was definitely one of the most fulfilling filmmaking experiences I've had in college so far. E2AC supported us through every step of the process while letting us take our own freedoms and creative liberty with story development. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet these subjects and cultivate their trust in me with their story. I would 100% recommend this opportunity to students who want to directly make a film tackling a social justice issue, as it has such a high value outcome in impact, experience, and growth as a filmmaker.”

“Working with E2AC was not only amazing in learning how a documentary film is made but also in meeting the amazing people behind it and learning so much from them. I have learned to be flexible and adjust to changes and hiccups, taking them on not with defeat but curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. I have also learned that sometimes nerves and vulnerability aren’t weaknesses but strengths that can play in your favor. Working with FOBH and speaking with the incredible women who are a part of it was at the heart of this project. Sitting at breakfast with them, getting to know them in a relaxed environment was not only a privilege but helped us connect and speak in a more vulnerable way when it was time for interviews. Their lives and stories were life-changing and I hope we can convey even a fraction of the power and emotions felt in the room in our final cut.”

“The student team has been a joy to work with, from first contact to recent filming session. They’re very skilled, organized, and respectful of the stories we’re sharing with them. Children’s cancer and our personal journeys can be difficult to share and take in; these young filmmakers have made us comfortable at every step and have gone above and beyond to create a film that captures all the emotions, memories and hope. This film has been a gift to us and our organization, NANT. We are so grateful to E2AC for initiating the project and reaching us through CAC2.”

“I was drawn to E2AC because of its goal to bring more awareness to global issues through storytelling, and the earnest desire to do good for the community that the organization has. I have learned so much directing my first documentary through the program, and I have gotten to meet so many amazing people whose stories I had the privilege to tell.”

“[This] fellowship has been instrumental in shaping both my filmmaking skills and my connection to my community. What has been most meaningful to me is the opportunity to build relationships within my community that I wouldn’t have formed otherwise. Collaborating with nonprofits to amplify their missions and support the communities they serve has been incredibly impactful. I would strongly encourage others to apply to E2AC if they are serious about developing as filmmakers and want to engage in meaningful work.”

“We had an incredible experience working with the GMU student team on this documentary project. From start to finish, the students demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a genuine commitment to understanding and representing our mission at DC Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. They took the time to connect with our families, listen to their stories, and translate those experiences into a powerful and compassionate film. The final documentary exceeded our expectations! We showcased the video at last month's fundraiser, our Casino Night, and it has already proven to be a valuable tool for raising awareness, engaging supporters, and helping others better understand the impact of childhood cancer on families in our community.”

“E2AC was an incredible experience to be a part of. Through the program, I was connected with the Brooklyn Miller Foundation and had the opportunity to help tell an incredible story. The program fit well within my schedule, and I had incredible mentors to guide me along the way. Taking this program sharpened my sense as a filmmaker.”

“Seeing E2AC’s films on immigration and helping screen them at our film festival in Boston gave me more confidence to pursue this topic and want to share it with the world in my own projects. Topics like this can be controversial, but E2AC was willing to listen to and share their important stories, which inspired me in many ways.”

“Learning about childhood cancer was very eye-opening to the lifelong struggles that the families undergo, and I learned a lot more about how critical our nonprofit was to our area. I'm glad that my work had the opportunity of a tangible impact in my community and the nonprofit was very gracious! E2AC was very flexible and supportive of my team during our journey! They connected us with a professional filmmaker and were able to communicate with the nonprofits to accommodate our busy schedules!”