Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Studies
Scholarship Sponsored by Sarasota Film Society
Overview
This scholarship honors the memory of Barbara Caras and supports students from the local area who are pursuing studies related to film and visual storytelling. Its purpose is to help finance education for students majoring in film-related programs at Florida colleges.
Eligibility
- Must be a resident of Sarasota County or Manatee County, Florida.
- Have completed at least one full academic year at an accredited Florida college.
- Be currently enrolled in one of the following majors: Film, Computer Animation, Creative Writing, Motion Design, or Illustration.
- Submit at least one example of original work (portfolio item, short film, script, animation, writing sample, etc.) with your application.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
Application Questions (required written responses)
1. Personal statement: Describe yourself and your career goals in the film industry. Explain how film and cinema have shaped your path toward those goals. (250–500 words)
2. Career focus: Identify the specific area of film you intend to pursue as a career. Also note any additional film or production fields that interest you beyond your declared major. (150–300 words)
3. Influential film: Which film has had the greatest impact on your life, and why? (200–350 words)
4. Inspiration: Describe a project, experience, or individual connected to your career ambitions that has been especially inspiring, and explain why. (200–300 words)
Materials to Submit
- Completed application form.
- At least one sample of your work (digital file or link).
- Written responses to the four prompts above.
- Official or unofficial transcript showing completion of at least one year and current cumulative GPA.
Award Details
- Number of awards: 5
- Amount: $2,000 each
- Renewable: Yes — recipients may reapply for renewal (annual reapplication required)
- Sponsor: Sarasota Film Society
Deadline
All application materials must be submitted by July 31st of the current year.