NEVADA CITY

Nevada City Film Festival (NCFF) announced the recipients of its inaugural Filmed in Nevada County Grant, a new initiative designed to attract film production, support independent filmmakers, and strengthen Nevada County’s growing creative economy. The grant awards filmmakers up to $20,000 to produce short films or episodic projects that complete at least 50% of principal photography in Nevada County, including Nevada City, Grass Valley, Truckee, and surrounding rural areas.

The call for submissions generated strong national interest. Following multiple rounds of review and in-depth discussion, projects were evaluated by film industry professionals and NCFF festival representatives.

NCFF selected two standout projects that demonstrated both artistic excellence and a strong connection to place. The first project is writer, director, and audio engineer Rachel Bain’s Theodolite, which will prominently feature western Nevada County within its narrative. The second film, Catch, is directed and produced by Jared Callahan and will film on location in Truckee, with pre-production already underway in collaboration with local producers and slated to wrap before spring.

Though both projects are considered micro-budget productions — with budgets of $60,000 and $40,000 respectively — their local impact is expected to be noteworthy. Beyond immediate economic benefits, on-location filmmaking also helps boost tourism through location recognition, supports cultural preservation, and contributes to long-term local infrastructure and workforce development.

The NCFF program strengthens relationships between filmmakers, production companies, local businesses, and audiences, while elevating Nevada County’s profile as a film-friendly region.

Learn more at nevadacityfilmfestival.com.

~ Nevada City Film Festival press release