Film Independent has awarded its 8th annual Sloan Producing Grant to producer Summer Shelton for her feature film project The Buried Life by Joan Schimke and Averie Storck. Shelton received a $30,000 production grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Buried Life follows a kleptomaniac archaeologist as she embarks on the dig of her career, but when her dysfunctional family follows her to the excavation, she discovers her biggest challenge is facing what's above ground.

For the past eight years Film Independent and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have collaborated to increase the public understanding of science and technology and to challenge stereotypes of scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Past recipients include The Man Who Knew Infinity starring Jeremy Irons and Dev Patel, and Basmati Blues, starring Donald Sutherland and Brie Larson.

"Creative independent producers are the unsung heroes of independent film. We are thrilled and honored to be able to nurture and support this exceptional group of filmmakers as they shepherd these bold, artful and risk-taking stories to the screen," said Jennifer Kushner, Director of Artist Development for Film Independent.

"We are delighted to partner with Film Independent in supporting The Buried Life by Joan Schimke and Averie Storck as this year's selection for the coveted Sloan Producing Grant," said Doron Weber, Vice President of Programs at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. "Four of the seven award-winning films from this program have been produced, with Basmati Blues and The Man Who Knew Infinity set for 2015 release. With the Sloan-supported The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything among this year's early Awards contenders, science films are increasingly popular with audiencesaround the country and these exciting filmmakers are at the forefront of innovative storytelling."