Stept Studios Announces Official Selections for Inaugural Film Fund

Stept Studios announces the official selections for their first annual Film Fund. The Stept Film Fund is dedicated to supporting breakthrough filmmakers with short documentary films. This spring the Fund invited emerging and experienced filmmakers to submit proposals that explored the richness of the human condition, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective on the stories that shape us. This initiative aims to empower documentary filmmakers and provide a platform for narratives that resonate on a deep and emotional level. With over 200 submissions, the Stept team was blown away by all the amazing stories and filmmakers that were reviewed.

Stept is honoured to announce its Two Film Fund 2024 Official Selections:

Official Selection One: Sing at My Wake

Synopsis: An intimate, observational documentary that explores an innovative green deathcare company while chronicling the emotional journey of a family embracing this novel approach to end-of-life care.

Director: Jonathan Pickett is an Emmy-nominated creative producer and director. His documentary work focuses on well-observed stories happening in real time, captured with a sense of intimacy and playfulness. His work has been released through GQ Magazine, New York Times, The Atlantic, ALTER & Short of the Week. His projects have premiered at Sundance, Tribeca, Seattle, Mountainfilm, Palm Springs, and HollyShorts - where his latest project won 'Best Shot on 16mm Film.' His short documentary 'Chicken Stories' won the jury prize for Artistic Vision at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, after which it was acquired by The New Yorker and selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick.

"I’ve been a fan of Stept’s stellar work for some time, so I couldn’t be more stoked to journey with them on this project. This particular story continues to take up a huge piece of my heart, and the folks at Stept are distinctly compassionate storytellers. Having partners as supportive and talented as them is a total dream.” said ‘Sing At My Wake’ director Jonathan Pickett.

Official Selection Two: Odd Man In

Synopsis: In 1951, a closeted writer ignited the gay rights movement - and then betrayed it. Edward Sagarin’s book The Homosexual in America, published under the pseudonym Donald Webster Cory, inspired a generation of activists with its call for self-acceptance and equality. For years, Sagarin was the beloved 'father' of the gay cause, until he unexpectedly embraced conversion therapy. Decades later, Sagarin’s only son reckons with his father's betrayal - of his family, his movement, and his ideals. ITVS is also a partner in the film

Director: Matt Nadel is a documentary filmmaker unearthing hidden, often messy LGBTQ+ histories. His documentary shorts have been acquired and distributed by the New York Times, The New Yorker, and PBS. Nominated for a 2024 GLAAD Media Award and named a Vimeo Staff Pick, Matt's most recent film, "CANS Can't Stand" (The New Yorker 2023), won awards at festivals around the world, including NewFest, Outfest, and Provincetown.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Stept to bring this fascinating, forgotten queer history to viewers with the visual beauty and emotional gravity that it deserves." said ‘ODD MAN IN’ director Matt Nadel.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to submit their projects to the Film Fund. We received over 250 incredible submissions, it was truly inspiring to get a glimpse into the projects our community is working on.” said Stept founder Nick Martini.