Elements of the Grass Route:

– Digital curtain – introduces theme, performers, film & newsreels by contemporary citizen journalists.

– Live performance, sourced locally (short set).

– Feature film or short program of film.

the Grass Route is an alternative festival

– No submission fees

– No need for impressive connections

– Just good work & a desire to mix it up!

– Performers & filmmakers are paid a guarantee every time we present your work. 

Expansive Partnerships:
We collaborate with local venues, galleries, music clubs, independent bookstores and cultural organizations to co-curate each event. Our partnerships with art house cinemas, colleges, houses of worship & alternative spaces allow us to reach audiences where they already gather, making the festival accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. 

Digital Presence:
Our website (thegrassroute.co) will serve as a hub for program/theme announcements, artist submissions, and audience & artist connections.  

Jim Browne – Principal
Jim Browne, has been exhibiting, producing and distributing independent films for over 35 years. He was an international film festival programmer for 15 years(Tribeca, Abu Dhabi,, Shanghai International Film Festivals). He founded Argot Pictures in 2006 and has worked with Academy Award-winner Marshall Curry, Werner Herzog, Julia Loktev, Beth Harrington and three restorations of Les Blank classics.

Caitlin Boyle – Advisor
Caitlin Boyle is a documentary film producer and impact producer specializing in grassroots distribution, community screening campaigns and social impact for feature documentaries.

DONATION AND REWARDS

For donations of $500 or more, please review the reward levels here and complete our pledge form to avoid credit card fees and maximize your impact!

Tier 1: $100 – $499 – 4 discounted tickets + 18 months memberships + Recognition on the Grass Route website (In exchange for this contribution, you received goods or services with the estimated fair market value of $16)

Tier 2: $500 – $999 – All Tier 1 benefits +  2 complimentary tickets a year in your city + Access to our underground portal + Random stickers, magnets, bike lights & messages of solidarity sent to your home address (In exchange for this contribution, you received goods or services with the estimated fair market value of $50)

Tier 3: $1000 – $4999 – All Tier 2 benefits +  4 complimentary tickets a year in your city + Special thanks on Digital Curtain _ Submit your voice recording for digital curtain introduction. (In exchange for this contribution, you received goods or services with the estimated fair market value of $100)

Tier 4: $5000 and above – All Tier 3 benefits +  8  complimentary tickets a year in your city + Name credited as founding member on digital curtain + Submit ideas for Words We Eschew (part of digital curtain) (In exchange for this contribution, you received goods or services with the estimated fair market value of $200)