Indie Memphis fundraising

Indie Memphis gets a challenge grant -- from a story in the CA by John Beifuss.

Donate to Indie Memphis or become a member of the organization by June 30 and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a challenge grant from ArtsMemphis.

The $20,000 grant, from an anonymous donor, is at the forefront of what Indie Memphis executive director Erik Jambor describes as the organization's most ambitious fundraising campaign ever.

Jambor said Indie Memphis hopes to raise $80,000 by December to ensure the group's "financial stability and long-term sustainability."

Dedicated to the promotion of independent cinema and local moviemaking, Indie Memphis is probably best known for hosting the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival in October and the monthly Micro Cinema Club short-film series at The Power House near South Main. Indie Memphis also hosts various events in support of local filmmakers and is co-sponsoring a series of screenings at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

This year's Indie Memphis Film Festival is set for Oct. 8-15 at Malco's Studio on the Square.

Susan Schadt, ArtsMemphis president, said the challenge grant offers "an outstanding opportunity for the community to get behind one of the most powerful artistic voices in our city -- the Memphis independent film industry."

She said "the spirt of Indie Memphis" is "young" and "energetic" and "gives our emerging leaders ... a reason to call Memphis home."

The grant follows the most successful single fundraising event in the 12-year history of Indie Memphis: the April 30 premiere of Craig Brewer's "$5 Cover" project at the Malco Paradiso, which raised $12,000.

Starting at $30 a year (for students), Indie Memphis memberships allow free and discounted admission to various screenings, among other benefits. For more information or to become a member, visit indiememphis.com.