WALKING IRIS MEDIA
Walking Iris Media produces, supports, and distributes educational documentary films and media projects that engage the public on historical and contemporary issues, with a specific commitment to promoting the visibility and sustainability of documentary filmmakers of color.
About WALKING IRIS MEDIA
Walking Iris Media is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (fiscal domicile San Francisco) founded in 2010 that facilitates research, production, distribution, and fiscal sponsorship for documentary projects and related networks focused on underrepresented communities. ([walking-iris.com](https://walking-iris.com/about))
The organization acts both as a production entity for filmmaker S. Leo Chiang’s work and as a fiscal sponsor and backbone host for initiatives that increase access and resources for filmmakers of color, including the Asian American Documentary Network (A‑Doc) and the Bitchitra Collective. ([walking-iris.com](https://walking-iris.com/projects/))
In recent years Walking Iris Media has been active in awarding fellowships and supporting microdocs and outreach initiatives through A‑Doc, and the organization’s finances and grant activity expanded significantly in the 2021–2024 period. ([documentary.org](https://www.documentary.org/blog/exclusive-doc-announces-microdocs-series-selection-and-impact-fellows?utm_source=openai))
Notable achievements
Association with 2024 Academy recognition
Executive Director S. Leo Chiang’s short documentary Island in Between received an Academy Award (Oscar) nomination in 2024; the organization lists this work among recent high-profile projects connected to Walking Iris Media’s creative leadership. ([walking-iris.com](https://walking-iris.com/about))
Fiscal sponsorship of influential documentary initiatives
Served as 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor for the Asian American Documentary Network (A‑Doc) and the Bitchitra Collective, enabling fellowship programs, microdoc series, and grant distribution to filmmakers from Asian and South Asian communities. Walking Iris Media supported or fiscally sponsored notable pandemic-era and internationally distributed films such as 76 Days and Pandemic19. ([walking-iris.com](https://walking-iris.com/projects/))
Growth in recent operating scale and grant support
Reported material revenue and asset growth in recent Form 990 filings (fiscal 2023 filings show increased contributions and net assets), and the organization has received institutional support routed through grants and philanthropic partners for A‑Doc and related programming. ([projects.propublica.org](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/273712050?utm_source=openai))
At a glance
- Total assets
- $1.6M
- Annual revenue
- $1.2M
- Tax status
- 501(c)(3)Public charity
- EIN
- 27-3712050
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
- Website
- walking-iris.com
- On Mahalo since
- April 2026
Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.
Recognition
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