Earlier this week, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) announced that its "Women of the World" program, films made by women or about women empowerment, was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The CIFF is one of 30 U.S Film Festivals to receive this funding in the 2011 calendar year.

Debuting in 2008 at the 32nd CIFF, the "Women of the World" program continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to sponsorship from the Cobalt Group.

The 35th Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 24 to April 3, 2011 at Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center.

For more information on the Academy's Festival Grant Program, visit here.

To read the CIFF release, click here.