FILM ACTION OREGON

MISSION
Film Action Oregon engages in any activities designed to foster the growth and development of film and video in the state of Oregon; to enhance the artistic, cultural and educational development and understanding of Oregonians; and to engage in relevant, related community development. Film Action Oregon educates emerging artists about filmmaking, partners with independent filmmakers indigenous to Oregon to produce new works, and engages diverse audiences by exhibiting independent, foreign and classic films at the Hollywood Theatre.

HISTORY
Film Action Oregon (FAO) was established by the Governor's Office in 1992, and was originally named the Oregon Film & Video Foundation. In 1997, the organization purchased and began the restoration of Northeast Portland's historic Hollywood Theatre. The organization was renamed Film Action Oregon in March 2006 to clarify the organization's mission and to avoid further confusion with the Oregon Film and Video Office.

The Hollywood Theatre currently draws more than 40,000 people each year and depends on 150 volunteers for daily maintenance and operation. Recently, Film Action Oregon restored the neon and steel "Hollywood" sign in front of the Theatre, with the support of a grant from American Express in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A ceremonial relighting of the sign commemorated the Theatre's 80th anniversary celebration in July 2006. (For more history of the Hollywood Theatre, click here.)

PROGRAMS

Independent Filmmaker Umbrella
Film Action Oregon selects independent film projects that meet our established critieria. Once a project has been selected, FAO assists with fundraising, distribution strategies, in-kind editing equipment, screening venues and other support. This program began in 2003.

Project Youth Doc
Project Youth Doc is a 4-week summer program designed for 13-15 year olds to learn documentary film production. The teens are guided by professional filmmakers throughout the program. They produce short documentaries from developing concepts to shooting footage to editing the finished piece. This program began in 2004.

In summer 2007 Project Youth Doc will be expanded into New Columbia via a partnership with the Housing Authority of Portland. This program will allow low-income youth the opportunity to tell their stories through the medium of video and help build a strong sense of community in this redeveloped housing project.

Women's Film Initiative
The Women's Film Initative was created to encourage more women to hold influential positions behind the camera. The Women's Film Initiative consists of three separate programs: The Women's Vision Film Grants, INSPIRE: A Program for Young Women Filmmakers and the Portland Women's Film Festival.

For more information about Film Action Oregon, please Contact Us