What is a film grant
Apply to organizations that offer film grants to support independent filmmakers. Fund your film from development through to production and distribution. Frequently the money does not need to be repaid, but the funding organisation would expect recognition in the film's credits and media releases.
How to apply for a film grant
It is important to read the rules and requirements when you apply to a film grant, so make sure you meet the criteria. Have a look at their mission statement to see if your film aligns to their values. Research previous films the organisation has funded before to see what type of projects they select. A film business plan is usually required.
Are film grants available in my country
Yes! See the sections below, and also see film grants worldwide, available to filmmakers living anywhere in the world.
What I need to apply for a film grant
Each film grant is different, look at the categories that will suit your film then apply directly with your film business plan
Grants Categories
Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is an international competition established to identify and encourage talented new screenwriters.
Aide aux Cinémas du Monde
This is a selective fund, and is granted as a subsidy either before or after completion of a project. It is granted to foreign feature-length film projects that are seeking support from French co-producers.
Alter-Ciné Foundation
The Foundation awards a grant aimed at young filmmakers born and living in Africa, Asia or Latin America who want to direct a film in the language of their choice that respects the aims of the Foundation.
Hubert Bals Fund
Filmmakers with a project in early development can apply for Script and Project Development Support.
IDFA Bertha Fund
The IDFA Bertha Fund is the only fund in the world dedicated solely to stimulating and empowering the creative documentary sector in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania.
Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program
The New Filmmaker Program loans digital camera packages (based on availability) to filmmakers for student thesis films and low-budget independent features.
Roy W. Dean Film Grants
Roy W Dean Film Grants fund independent feature films, documentaries, web series, and short films with budgets of $500,000 or less that are unique and make a contribution to society.
The Miller / Packan Film Fund
The Miller / Packan Film Fund supports documentaries that Educate, Inspire and Enrich. The Fund is financed through the Rogovy Foundation.
Vision Sud East
The fund supports film productions from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, aims at making them visible worldwide and guarantees their distribution in Switzerland.
Catapult Film Fund
We provide development funding up to $20,000 to documentary filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are ready to create a fundraising piece to help unlock critical production funding.
Documentary Grants Database
