Submitted By: Emily Parkman
presenter
Presentation By: Cultural Arts Supervisor, Emily Parkman
end
Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve Public Education Foundation of Marion County Grant Application for $3,500 for the 2025 Ocala Film Derby Application
end
body
BACKGROUND:
The Public Education Foundation of Marion County presents the Ocala Film Derby for a third year. The Ocala Film Derby (OFD) is dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression through the art of filmmaking. This event brings together teachers, mentors, producers, organizers, and sponsors in a five-day immersion of education and celebration. The OFD creates a platform that empowers and inspires educators, mentors, and students alike to explore the limitless possibilities of filmmaking. Through hands-on workshops, and interaction with industry professionals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds, OFD strives to create a
supportive and innovative environment that nurtures artistic growth, storytelling, and technical proficiency. All workshops lead to the "main event" of the OFD, a fast-paced, real world, student film-making competition. Eight teams with eight mentors, and nine hours, will produce eight short films! These student teams will see their films on the big screen, win big awards, and have the opportunity to be a scholarship recipients.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Ocala Cultural Arts received the OMAC grant application for the Ocala Film Derby requesting $3,500 on June 20, 2025. The $3,500 funding is the Equipment Pack Sponsorship providing film industry specific equipment for one of the eight competing teams. There are additional funding sources and sponsors including Neighborhood Storage, Lilac Foundation, Angie Lewis State Farm, All About You Realty, and others. This event can proceed with partial funding. The Public Education Foundation of Marion County is a registered 501c3 organization and provided p...
Click here for full text