The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program today announced the recipients of its Fall 2009 Grants. Among them are two Cinereach grantees, both selected to receive support for the Production/Post category:

Jennifer Arnold
A Small Act / U.S.A.
A young Kenyan’s life is changed dramatically when his education is sponsored by a Swedish stranger.

Elizabeth Mandel and Beth Davenport
Rose and Nangabire / U.S.A.
Rose Mapendo lost her family and home to the ethnic violence that engulfed the Democratic Republic of Congo, yet she emerged from the suffering advocating peace and reconciliation. But after helping numerous survivors to recover and rebuild their lives, there is one person Rose must still teach to forgive – her daughter Nangabire.

Additionally, the first three recipients of the Sundance Reach Fund were announced. This new category is part of the Cinereach Project at the Sundance Institute. The Sundance Reach Fund provides emergency discretionary grants and support for risk-taking features and documentaries that evoke global cultural exchange and social impact. The recipients are:

Michael Brown
25 to Life / U.S.A.
After 25 years of secrecy, William Brawner is finally ready to tell the world that he’s HIV-Positive.

Josh Fox
Gasland / U.S.A.
The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States, which uses a Halliburton-developed drilling technology called “fracking.” But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination.

Blair Doroshwalther
The Fire This Time / U.S.A.
Seven young African American lesbians were attacked in the West Village of NYC in 2006. They defended themselves and were sent to prison.

Read about all 23 projects selected to receive Sundance Documentary Program support here.