Firelight Media, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting documentary filmmakers of color, has endured a stressful year as political and funding pressures mount. In September, the organization absorbed a 41% cut to its annual funding after PBS reduced its support and federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, scaled back their programs. That 41% reduction represented a substantial portion of Firelight Media's budget, forcing leadership to rethink grantmaking, staffing, and program delivery. The organization warned that the loss would ripple through the pipeline for diverse documentary storytelling, potentially slowing production and delaying premieres that illuminate underrepresented communities. Facing mounting political headwinds — including threats from the Trump administration — the chief of Firelight Media has doubled down on the belief that documentary film is essential, not a luxury. In response, the nonprofit is recalibrating its operations, pursuing new donors and partnerships, and continuing to champion the work of color filmmakers through fellowships, mentorships, and distribution support. The appeal is clear: sustained investment in documentary storytelling is critical to building a more inclusive media landscape. Firelight Media invites supporters to stand with filmmakers of color by contributing, partnering, or volunteering during this challenging period.