Netflix has announced the creation of an emergency relief fund, in collaboration with the Arab Fund for Arts & Culture (AFAC), to help support Lebanon’s film and TV industry.
Valued at $500,000, the fund will offer financial support to those who need it in the form of individual $2,000 grants. Those affected by the coronavirus pandemic or Beirut port explosion, including crew, craftspeople and freelancers in the industry, can apply for a grant starting on Monday, October 26.
To apply, members of Lebanon’s film and TV community need to fill out an online application form and provide supporting documentation. This includes a list of the five most recent projects worked on, two references and an overview of any other emergency support received this year. Applicants also need to write a brief description on the challenges they’ve had to face, such as cancelled or delayed projects.
"The Lebanese creative community and Beirut's thriving cultural scene form the backbone of entertainment across the Arab world. We are so grateful to be working with the Arab Fund for Arts & Culture and hope this fund supports the creative community during this difficult period," says a Netflix spokesperson.
"The multiple crises that Lebanon has been facing over the past year expose further the vulnerability and precarity of the arts and culture sector and magnify long-standing inequalities and lack of social safety nets," says Rima Mismar, executive director of AFAC.
“There is a real fear of loss of livelihoods for freelance artists, professionals and practitioners which may eventually lead to migration and creativity drain. We hope that this support will offer the community of practitioners a sense of solidarity and something to hold on to while fighting its way out of this emergency situation.”
Details and eligibility criteria for applicants will be available on the AFAC website starting October 26
