efile Public Visual Render
ObjectId: 201833129349201693 - Submission: 2018-11-08
TIN: 27-4273918
Form
990EZ
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations)
Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990EZ
for the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-1150
20
17
Open to Public
Inspection
A
For the 2017 calendar year, or tax year beginning
01-01-2017
, and ending
12-31-2017
B
Check if applicable:
Address change
Name change
Initial return
Final return/terminated
Amended return
Application pending
C
Name of organization
Americas Media Initiative NFP
Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)
4750 N Sheridan Road
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
Chicago
,
IL
60640
D Employer identification number
27-4273918
E
Telephone number
(312) 282-0135
F
Group Exemption
Number
G
Accounting Method:
Cash
Accrual
Other (specify)
H
Check
required to attach Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF).
I Website:
www.americasmediainitiative.org
J Tax-exempt status
(check only one) -
501(c)(3)
501(c)
(
)
(insert no.)
4947(a)(1)
or
527
K
Form of organization:
Corporation
Trust
Association
Other
L
Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b to line 9 to determine gross receipts. If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ
...........................
$
97,364
Part
Ⅰ
Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances
(see the instructions for Part I)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part I
.....................
1
Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received
....................
1
83,810
2
Program service revenue including government fees and contracts
...............
2
10,982
3
Membership dues and assessments
...........................
3
4
Investment income
...........................
4
12
5a
Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory
.....
5a
b
Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses
.......
5b
0
c
Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a)
......
5c
6
Gaming and fundraising events
a
Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000)
6a
b
Gross income from fundraising events (not including $
of contributions from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the
sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000)
..
6b
0
c
Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events
...
6c
0
d
Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c)
6d
7a
Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances
......
7a
2,560
b
Less: cost of goods sold
.............
7b
6,508
c
Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a)
.........
7c
-3,948
8
Other revenue (describe in Schedule O)
..........
8
9
Total revenue.
Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8
..............
9
90,856
10
Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O)
............
10
11
Benefits paid to or for members
................
11
12
Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits
................
12
49,391
13
Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors
............
13
18,351
14
Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance
...................
14
5,511
15
Printing, publications, postage, and shipping
..............
15
96
16
Other expenses (describe in Schedule O)
..............
16
14,589
17
Total expenses.
Add lines 10 through 16
..............
17
87,938
18
Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9)
............
18
2,918
19
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)
............
19
9,548
20
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O)
..........
20
21
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20
.......
21
12,466
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 10642I
Form
990-EZ
(2017)
Page 2
Form 990-EZ (2017)
Page
2
Part
Ⅱ
Balance Sheets
(see the instructions for Part II)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II
.................
(A)
Beginning of year
(B)
End of year
22
Cash, savings, and investments
................
8,816
22
9,724
23
Land and buildings
....................
23
24
Other assets (describe in Schedule O)
..........
3,062
24
2,840
25
Total assets
......................
11,878
25
12,564
26
Total liabilities
(describe in Schedule O)
.............
2,330
26
98
27
Net assets or fund balances
(line 27 of column (B)
must
agree with line 21)
9,548
27
12,466
Part
Ⅲ
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
(see the instructions for Part III)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III
.
.
Expenses
(Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose?
AMI is focused on the distribution of independent and community media from Cuba and developing cultural exchange projects between Cuban and US citizens. AMI is playing an important role both in Cuba and the US. In Cuba AMI is providing young, emerging filmmakers with an educational distributor that is marketing their work in the US and providing them with an income from the sales. In the US, AMI is making this independent work available to universities and individuals who previously could only access this material through direct contact with the filmmakers or pirated copies.
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28
Distribution The Americas Media Initiative (AMI)is currently distributing 13 Cuban independent productions via our website (americasmediainitiative.org). These productions cover a variety of themes including censorship, Santeria, SovietCuban Cold War relations, campesino life, the urban housing crisis, organic farming, racism in pre-revolutionary Santiago de Cuba and Cubas relationship with Africa.In 2017, we started distributing the feature documentary, Das de diciembre (December Days) directed by Daniela Muoz. Das looks at the impact on Cuban society of Cubas military intervention in Angola. Between 1977and 1988, approximately 350,000 Cuban soldiers took part in the conflict and thousands of Cubans lost their lives. The filmmakers talk to families and veterans about the impact of the war for them personally, and the collective sentiment that they have been forgotten by the government after all they had sacrificed. The film contains interesting and provocative archival material, including clips from a Cuban soap opera of that time that helped persuade many young men to sign up for the war in Angola.In 2017 AMI pitched and worked with New York Times journalist Monica Castillo on an article about Cuban independent animators, Improvisation is at the Heart of Cuban Animation that was published on March 31, 2017. AMI also facilitated an article about Cmara Chica with author and academic Sujatha Fernandes for the Nation.
(Grants $
23,031
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
28a
29
TouringLast October we organized a tour for Afro-Cuban, queer documentary filmmaker, Damin Sainz. Damin visited five universities and colleges including University of Pennsylvania and University of Rhode Island and screened a number of his short films and engaged with students in Q&A discussions.AMIs new addition to our Cuba DVD catalogue, Das de diciembre (December Days) won Best Documentary at the Muestra Joven and was chosen to participate in the Yale Latino & Iberian Film Festival. AMI Director Alexandra Halkin presented the film at Yale in November alongside the films producer, Daniela Muoz.In 2017 AMI did screenings at three film festivals, One Earth Film Festival, Yale Latino & Iberian Film Festival and the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival. Last September we organized a program of experimental short documentaries at the Nightingale micro cinema in Chicago, the screening was standing room only.
(Grants $
21,797
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
29a
30
ProductionIn April 2017, AMI awarded our Closing Distances film prizes at the Haciendo Cine section of the Muestra Joven Film Festival. The prize went to director, Daniela Muoz for post-production of her documentary about the town of Remedios and their annual end-of-the-year fireworks competition.For the last two years, AMI has been working with the youth media project, Cmara Chica (Little Camera) based in the town of La Conchita, in Pinar del Ro province. Many of the youth participating in Cmara Chica come from at-risk homes who experience domestic violence, have parents with substance abuse problems, etc. Cmara Chica has created a vital outlet for these youth to express themselves and participate in a healthy community. Cmara Chicas work includes producing a slot dedicated to youth sports on provincial television as well as creating short PSAs that have been screened on Cuban National Television. Since AMI began working with Cmara Chica, they have expanded into a provincial network with more then 100 youth now participating. In 2017 AMI purchased a laptop for the group after their laptop for editing broke and could not be repaired. AMI also purchased a video projector so they could project their films for the community. In 2017 AMI funded workshops for the group in La Conchita, and invited Cuban animators and journalists to share their knowledge.In 2017 AMI provided small production grants for two documentaries currently being filmed in Cuba: Futuro Paraiso (Future Paradise) directed by Karel Ducasse and La Semilla (The Seed) directed by Damian Sainz. Future Paradise is about Arnaldo, a campesino from Eastern Cuba who lives in a shipping container in Guanabo where he guards a piece of land for the landowner. The land is going to eventually be part of an enormous Chinese tourist hotel and golf club, Arnaldo just isnt sure when this all will happen and what it really means. The Seed tells the story of the Cuban gay community through a series of performances. Three young Cuban gay men meet face to face with Cuban gay men who came of age in the 60s, when being gay in the island was almost considered a crime. The film explores the distance between these two generations but also shows how close they really are.
(Grants $
22,004
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
30a
31
Other program services (describe in Schedule O)
................
(Grants $
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
31a
32 Total program service expenses
(add lines 28a through 31a)
..........
32
66,832
Part
Ⅳ
List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees
(list each one even if not compensated see the instructions for Part IV)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV
............
(a)
Name and title
(b)
Average
hours per week
devoted to position
(c)
Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC)
(if not paid, enter -0-)
(d)
Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and
deferred compensation
(e)
Estimated amount
of other compensation
Alexandra Halkin
Executive Dir.
40.00
41,800
Clemencia Rodriguez
Director
2.00
0
Catherine Murphy
Director
0
0
Deb Ellis
Director
0
0
Isabel Alfonso
Director
0
0
Andrs Caballero
Director
0
0
Form
990-EZ
(2017)
Page 3
Form 990-EZ (2017)
Page
3
Part
Ⅴ
Other Information
(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the
instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V
.......
Yes
No
33
Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a
detailed description of each activity in Schedule O
...................
33
No
34
Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy
of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the change
on Schedule O (see instructions)
..........................
34
No
35a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business
activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)?
............
35a
No
b
If "Yes," to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If "No," provide
an explanation in Schedule O
35b
No
c
Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e)
notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III
35c
No
36
Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during
the year? If “Yes," complete applicable parts of Schedule N
................
36
No
37a
Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions.
37a
b
Did the organization file
Form 1120-POL
for this year?
...................
37b
No
38a
Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee
or
were
any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?
..
38a
No
b
If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved
.
38b
39
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9
.......
39a
0
b
Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities
.....
39b
0
40a
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:
section 4911
; section 4912
; section 4955
b
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958
excess benefit transaction during the year, or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that
has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I
40b
No
c
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization
managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections
4912, 4955, and 4958
d
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed
by the organization
e
All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter
transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T
................
40e
No
41
List the states with which a copy of this return is filed.
IL
42a
The organization's books are in care of
Alex Halkin
Telephone no.
(312) 282-0135
Located at
3906 W Argyle St Apt 2B
Chicago
,
IL
ZIP + 4
60625
Yes
No
b
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?
.
.
42b
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country:
See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
c
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.?
.
.
.
42c
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country:
43
Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of
Form 1041 -
Check here
......
and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year
....
43
Yes
No
44a
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead
of Form 990-EZ
.............................
44a
No
b
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed
instead of Form 990-EZ
.............................
44b
No
c
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year?
.........
44c
No
d
If "Yes," to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments?
If "No," provide an
explanation in Schedule O
............................
44d
No
45a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
.........
45a
No
45b
Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of
Form 990-EZ (see instructions)
.........................
45b
No
Form
990-EZ
(2017)
Page 4
Form 990-EZ (2017)
Page
4
Yes
No
46
Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to
candidates for public office? If “Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I.
...........
46
No
Part
Ⅵ
Section 501(c)(3) organizations only
All section 501(c)(3) organizations must answer questions 47- 49b and 52, and complete the tables for lines 50 and 51.
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI
..................
Yes
No
47
Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year?
If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II
.......................
47
No
48
Is the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)?
If "Yes," complete Schedule E
..
48
No
49a
Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?
......
49a
No
b
If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?
................
49b
No
50
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a)
Name and title of each employee
(b)
Average
hours per week
devoted to position
(c)
Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC)
(d)
Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation
(e)
Estimated amount of other compensation
NONE
f
Total number of other employees paid over $100,000
.............
51
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a)
Name and business address of each independent contractor
(b)
Type of service
(c)
Compensation
NONE
d
Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000
..........
52
Did the organization complete Schedule A?
NOTE.
All section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a
completed Schedule A
........................................
Yes
No
Sign Here
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
2018-11-08
Signature of officer
Date
Alex Halkin
Executive Dir.
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Colleen L Montgomery CPA
Preparer's signature
Date
Check
if
self-employed
PTIN
P00038392
Firm's name
Montgomery & Granai PC
Firm's EIN
03-0360150
Firm's address
110 Main Street
Burlington
,
VT
054018451
Phone no.
(802) 864-6565
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions
.........
Yes
No
Form
990-EZ
(2017)
Additional Data
Software ID:
17005038
Software Version:
2017v2.2
Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description