This funding program supports independent nonfiction films at all stages of production, emphasizing innovation, diverse perspectives, and projects from regions where independent film lacks infrastructure or faces challenges to freedom of expression. It offers tailored grants to filmmakers developing impactful, artistically compelling projects with contemporary relevance.

Grant Details

• Development Grants: Up to $40,000. Recommended for projects in early stages with confirmed access to subjects and locations. Mood reels, stills, or prior work samples are encouraged.
• Production/Post-Production Grants: Up to $100,000. Requires a minimum of 10 minutes of edited material for production and 20 minutes for post-production. Reels should convey the narrative and aesthetic direction of the film.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Open to independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1 million USD.
• Applicants must hold creative and editorial control as part of the key creative team.
• Applications are accepted at any production phase (development through post-production), with some vision for the finished film required.
• International applicants are welcome, with a focus on marginalized artists and regions lacking film infrastructure.
• Ineligible projects include fiction films, shorts, series, NGO/advocacy/educational films, and branded content.
• Picture-locked cuts and projects that have already premiered are ineligible for funding.
• No prior funding or fiscal sponsorship is required to apply.

Evaluation Criteria

• Strong artistic vision and compelling storytelling.
• Contemporary cultural relevance and originality.
• Feasibility and potential audience engagement.
• Journalistic rigor (if applicable).
• Connection to and engagement with the communities involved in the project.
• Focus on supporting filmmakers with limited access to resources.

Accessibility Support

The program offers accessibility support for applicants with disabilities, including stipends for hiring services such as ASL interpreters or captioning providers. This support aims to ensure an equitable application process and aligns with the program’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

Application Requirements

• An online application with a completed proposal checklist.
• A line-item budget covering the entire project from development to completion (templates available).
• For development applications, visual references or prior work samples are recommended.
• For production and post-production, reels demonstrating the project’s direction are required.