Films from Mexico, Ukraine receive Grierson-Percy Documentary Grant funding

The Grierson-Percy Documentary Grant has recently allocated £25,000 (approximately US$33,500) to support the completion of two significant documentary films currently nearing the end of their production phases. This initiative, launched in 2024, is designed to assist projects tackling pressing political and international issues through compelling storytelling.

The awarded documentaries, "I Want to Kill My Grandfather" and "Shooting with Music," delve into deeply personal and geopolitical narratives rooted in Mexico and Ukraine, respectively. Each film is positioned to offer fresh perspectives on conflict and resilience within their distinct contexts.

"I Want to Kill My Grandfather" follows the journey of filmmaker Lilyana Torres, who confronts a dark family history in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The film reveals that her grandfather was involved in orchestrating an attack on her father, a revelation that propels Torres into a complex emotional and ethical exploration. Blending documentary footage with darkly comedic fictional reenactments, the film captures her internal conflict as she grapples with feelings of vengeance and the desire for reconciliation. This project is co-directed by Carlos Morales and produced by Lizzie Gillett and Gabriel Stavenhagen under the Misfits Entertainment banner.

In contrast, "Shooting with Music" chronicles the story of the acclaimed Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy, focusing on the frontman Slava Vakarchuk's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The documentary tracks the band's global tour amid ongoing geopolitical turmoil, highlighting the intersection of music, national identity, and activism. Directed by Jacqui Morris and David Morris, with Archie Kidd as producer, the film is a Frith Street Films production.

The Grierson-Percy Documentary Grant was established this year to mark the centenary of John Grierson's coinage of the term "documentary" to define factual filmmaking. It aims to empower filmmakers whose projects address international or political crises with narratives that are both insightful and engaging. Selection criteria included demonstrated progress with principal photography completed, an offline edit underway, realistic budgeting, and clear strategies for distribution and audience engagement.

This grant became possible through the generosity of Norma Percy, a US-based political filmmaker and patron of the Grierson Trust, who has long been involved in supporting documentary projects that offer in-depth political analysis and storytelling.

A committee comprising members of the Grierson Trust, Norma Percy, and her collaborators carefully reviewed submissions before selecting the two documentaries for funding. Their choices reflect a commitment to supporting films that not only document crisis but also delve into the personal dimensions and broader cultural implications.

The financial support provided by the grant is intended to facilitate the final production stages, ensuring these documentaries can reach audiences with polished narratives and impactful storytelling. While completion timelines and release plans have yet to be fully disclosed, the backing signals strong confidence in the films' potential cultural and political resonance.

The awarded documentaries emphasize the diversity of contemporary documentary filmmaking, addressing issues ranging from intimate family trauma to the mobilizing power of music within war-torn nations. By spotlighting these projects, the Grierson-Percy Grant contributes to sustaining documentary films that challenge perspectives and broaden understanding of global crises.

Further details on distribution and public screenings remain limited at this stage, but the grant's involvement bodes well for the films' eventual visibility. Both projects exemplify how documentary cinema continues to serve as a vital medium for exploring complex realities through personal and creative lenses, underscoring the enduring relevance of John Grierson’s foundational vision for factual storytelling.