From the Heart Productions' 'The Caroles' to Meet with Filmmakers at SBIFF

Founders Carole Dean and Carole Joyce offer grants, fiscal sponsorships, and filmmaking classes to indie directors.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:31pm

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As the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) kicks off, the leadership team at From the Heart Productions, known as 'The Caroles', will meet with aspiring indie filmmakers to discuss film grants, fiscal sponsorships, and other resources to support their projects. The meetings will take place on February 5-6 at Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro in Santa Barbara.

Why it matters

From the Heart Productions has a long history of supporting independent filmmakers through its various programs, including fiscal sponsorship, grants, and educational classes. The organization's involvement in SBIFF highlights its commitment to nurturing the local filmmaking community and providing crucial resources to aspiring directors.

The details

Carole Dean, the founder of From the Heart Productions, and Carole Joyce, the organization's Vice President, will be available to meet with filmmakers during the SBIFF. They will discuss opportunities for film grants, such as the $5,000 cash award for the 2026 Spring Grant Application, as well as fiscal sponsorships that allow filmmakers to offer tax deductions to donors. From the Heart Productions also offers an 'Intentional Filmmaking Class' twice a year to help filmmakers improve their fundraising skills.

  • The meetings will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, and Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is kicking off this week.

The players

Carole Dean

Founder of From the Heart Productions.

Carole Joyce

Vice President of From the Heart Productions.

Roger Durling

Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).

Amanda Kasmira Cryer

Independent filmmaker and long-standing beneficiary of From the Heart Productions.

From the Heart Productions

An organization that provides fiscal sponsorship, grants, and educational resources to independent filmmakers.

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What they’re saying

“The Santa Barbara film festival is my favorite film festival because it's all about filmmakers and filmmaking.”

— Carole Dean, Founder of From the Heart Productions

“The director of SBIFF is very hands-on. He's personally encouraged several From The Heart fiscally sponsored filmmakers and hand-picked extraordinary documentaries to shine here. That heartfelt touch? We don't take it lightly.”

— Carole Joyce, Vice President of From the Heart Productions

“Fifteen years with Carole and Carole feels like family. They show up, they fight for you, they pay up, and they never judge the slow days.”

— Amanda Kasmira Cryer, Independent filmmaker and long-standing beneficiary of From the Heart Productions

What’s next

The 2026 Spring Grant Application is now open until midnight March 31, 2026. Three projects will also be honored with The Stories That Matter Awards, each with a $500 cash award, and an additional $500 Britt Penrod Award will be granted to a film that makes an exceptional contribution to society.

The takeaway

From the Heart Productions' involvement in the Santa Barbara International Film Festival demonstrates its commitment to supporting independent filmmakers and providing them with the resources they need to bring their stories to life. The organization's programs, including grants, fiscal sponsorships, and educational classes, are invaluable for aspiring directors looking to make an impact through their work.