About the Author: Lee Moss is a director, screenwriter and story consultant born in NYC and based in Dublin. For years, they have benefited from No Film School’s vetted grant/fellowship lists and are happy to pay it forward in this community.
The sun is finally out; time to get cracking on those funding opportunities. Our summer deadlines include programs old and new – from tried-and-true Film Independent, Sundance, and Yaddo, to an all-new award offering the chance to be mentored on your first short by Sofia Coppola.
Calls for submissions are organized by regular deadline (check links for early submission) and by category: documentary, narrative, and screenwriting. An asterisk (*) indicates an opportunity available in multiple categories.
As always, double-check eligibility requirements, and use your best judgment when deciding to apply.
Documentary
‘ASCO: Without Permission’Directed by Travis Gutiérrez Senger – supported by Film Independent Fast Track
Film Independent Fast Track*
Every year, Film Independent selects up to five documentaries in production or post to participate in an intensive film finance market that takes place over four days in November.
The program is open to both experienced and first-time filmmakers, as long as they are actively seeking financing for their project. Recent Fast Track participants include Alissa Figueroa, Marjolaine Grappe, and Travis Gutiérrez Senger. Previous industry participants include Searchlight, Mandalay Pictures, Netflix, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, and Plan B. For non-members, there is a $65 application fee.
NOTE: Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs. However, all participants accepted into the Labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual General Membership rate of $105, in addition to the initial application fee.
Deadline: June 8
Final Cut in Venice*
The 13th edition of the Final Cut in Venice program will take place from August 31 to September 2 during the Venice International Film Festival.
The program offers producers and directors from Africa, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen an opportunity to present short and feature-length films entering the post-production phase, in order to facilitate co-production partnerships and market access.
Working copies of up to six selected films are presented to producers, buyers, distributors and film festival programmers. Benefits include networking events, curated one-on-one meetings with industry professionals, and post-production services valued up to €15,000. The festival will cover trip expenses and accommodations for the director and producer.
Films must be in English or French, or have English or French subtitles. There are no listed submission fees.
Deadline: June 9
SFFILM Documentary Film Fund
Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund supports three to six feature projects each year with grants of $10,000-$20,000. Previous DFF winners include ‘Going Varsity in Mariachi’ and ‘Against The Tide’ (both award-winners at Sundance). The project must be within three months of beginning post-production, must be consistent with SFFILM’s mission, and must represent an imaginative contribution to the moving image art form. Projects that primarily use interviews as a storytelling device will not be considered. There is a $30 application fee.
Deadline: June 9
SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disability Grant
The SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disability Grant supports filmmakers who identify as having a disability with films that specifically address stories within the disability community.
$5,000-$25,000 cash grants are awarded to up to four short or feature projects in development or post-production. This grant is eligible for narratives and documentaries. Project budgets shall be $3,000,000 or under, including all phases of production.
Grant recipients will also receive access to the FilmHouse (located in San Francisco) and benefit from SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs. Supported documentaries include ‘Vivien’s Wild Ride’, ‘The Tuba Thieves’ and ‘I Didn’t See You There’.
There is no application fee.
Deadline: June 9
Sundance Documentary Fund
For over two decades, The Sundance Institute Documentary Fund has supported independent filmmakers of feature documentaries, who elevate and advance cultural dialogue, expand the form through creativity and innovation, and have the potential to generate social impact around some of the most compelling issues of our time.
A range of selected projects (typically 20-30) will receive an unrestricted grant from a total granting fund of over $1.5 million.
The fund prioritizes budgets under $1.2 million, excluding distribution and impact expenses. Prior funding or a fiscal sponsor is not required.
Recently supported films include ‘Crip Camp’, ‘No Other Land’ and ‘Writing With Fire’.
From Sundance:
“We seek to uplift projects from filmmakers with distinct visions and meaningful connections to the work they create. As a global granting opportunity, the Documentary Fund remains committed to elevating voices beyond our borders, celebrating a rich diversity of filmmaking traditions. We are keen to support stories that contribute to a more equitable, free, and just world.”
Deadline: June 25
‘Fire Through Dry Grass’Directed by Alexis Neophytides and Jay Molina, supported by the AXS Film Fund
The AXS Film Fund
This program, established in 2021, is intended for documentary feature filmmakers who identify as living with a disability. They award up to five creators with grants of up to $10,000 to assist them in completing their features in any stage of production. There are no listed application fees.
From AXS:
“Society is shaped by a variety of multi-layered experiences, including the diverse viewpoints of those around us. Unfortunately, the voices of individuals living with disabilities, particularly from marginalized communities, have not been given the room they deserve. It’s time to move beyond outdated portrayals of disability and make space for all creators to share their stories.”
Deadline: July 31
POV
A prestigious distribution opportunity for documentary shorts. POV, television’s longest-running showcase for independent nonfiction films, premieres 14-16 films each year. Submissions are now open to be considered for inclusion in the 2026 broadcast season. Past season shorts include ‘The Cleaning Lady’ ‘MnM’ and ‘Classroom 4’. There are no listed application fees.
From POV:
“Since 1988, POV has presented over 500 films to public television audiences across the country. POV films are known for their intimacy, their unforgettable storytelling and their timeliness, putting a human face on contemporary social issues.”
Deadline: July 31
Fondation AlterCiné Documentary Grants
Primarily focused on supporting feature films in early development, AlterCiné offers several yearly grants to young filmmakers from the Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) making work on the theme of rights and freedoms. Supported films include ‘5 Broken Cameras’, ‘Dear Mandela’ and ‘Tempestad’.
The foundation awards several grants of $5,000-$10,000 (Canadian) to filmmakers who want to direct a film in the language of their choice that respects the aims of the foundation. There are no listed application fees.
From AlterCiné:
“The Foundation particularly supports documentary films that dare to go against the tide, that take the side of the defenceless and question common assumptions by giving a voice to the voiceless, enriching our understanding of the world and helping us reflect on the possibility of changing the world from a perspective of peace, justice, equality and respect for differences.”
Deadline: August 15
Impact Partners Development/Production Funds
Impact Partners, a documentary equity investor since 2007, invests in the development of 8-10 documentary projects per year, reviewing projects on a rolling basis. They can provide $100,000-$300,000 per project. Applications begin with a Letter of Inquiry, and applicants should receive a response in 2-4 weeks. Supported films include ‘City of Joy’, ‘Do I Sound Gay?’ and ‘Notes on Blindness’. There are no listed submission fees.
From Impact Partners:
“We are looking for projects that tell strong, cinematic stories, explore the urgent issues and questions of our time, and have a clear point of view and artistic vision. Filmmakers can apply to the [development] fund for a variety of reasons as they get their projects off the ground, including development shoots, cutting a trailer or reel, conducting archival research, casting characters, etc.”
Deadline: Rolling
Reel South is a PBS documentary series and a platform for non-fiction filmmakers in the American South working within the region’s tradition of storytelling.
Narrated and non-narrated films are considered along with first-person or point-of-view projects, observational films, and news documentaries. Both shorts and features will be considered for distribution.
Selected films will receive a license fee, series packaging, captioning, mastering, inclusion on the series website, promotion, and errors and omissions insurance coverage.
Filmmakers based in the American South are given priority, but all stories set in the South will be eligible.
From RS:
“REEL SOUTH reveals the South’s proud yet complicated heritage, as told by a diversity of voices and perspectives, through the commission, curation, and distribution of feature-length and short documentaries.”
Deadline: Rolling
Narrative
‘They Charge For The SunA Project Involve short directed by Terence Nance
Film Independent Fast Track*
Every year, Film Independent selects up to ten narrative feature projects in production or post to participate in an intensive film finance market that takes place over four days in November. Films must be in the development or pre-production stage at the time of application.
One participant, whose film contains science-based content, will be awarded the annual Sloan Grant of $20,000 to further develop their project.
The program is open to both experienced and first-time filmmakers, as long as they are actively seeking financing for their project. Previous Fast Track participants include Jesus Celaya, MG Evangelista, and Rachael Fung. Previous industry participants include Searchlight, Mandalay Pictures, Netflix, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, and Plan B. There is a $65 application fee.
NOTE: Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs. However, all participants accepted into the Labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual General Membership rate of $105, in addition to the initial application fee.
Deadline: June 8
Final Cut in Venice*
The 13th edition of the Final Cut in Venice program will take place from August 31 to September 2 during the Venice International Film Festival.
The program offers producers and directors from Africa, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen an opportunity to present short and feature-length films entering the post-production phase, in order to facilitate co-production partnerships and market access.
Working copies of up to six selected films are presented to producers, buyers, distributors, and film festival programmers. Benefits include networking events, curated one-on-one meetings with industry professionals, and post-production services valued at up to €15,000. The festival will cover trip expenses and accommodations for the director and producer.
Films must be in English or French, or have English or French subtitles. There are no listed submission fees.
Deadline: June 9
SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disability Grant
The SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disability Grant supports filmmakers who identify as having a disability with films that specifically address stories within the disability community.
$5,000-$25,000 cash grants are awarded to up to four short or feature projects in development or post-production. This grant is eligible for narratives and documentaries. Project budgets shall be $3,000,000 or under, including all phases of production.
Grant recipients will also receive access to the FilmHouse (located in San Francisco) and benefit from SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs. Supported narrative filmmakers include Róisín Isner, Sarah Granger, and Shaina Guraya.
There is no application fee.
Deadline: June 9
Tribeca Through Her Lens
Sponsored by Chanel and administered by Tribeca since 2015, this program supports emerging women and non-binary U.S. filmmakers with a production-ready short.
Five projects will be selected for three days of industry mentorship and artistic development in New York City in September, including hands-on consultation for each project, expert-led conversations, one-on-one as well as peer-to-peer sessions, and an opportunity for industry networking.
Script and pitch feedback will be provided to all projects, culminating in participants presenting their short film projects to a curated jury. One participating project will receive a $120,000 grant to produce their short film, along with specialized guidance and mentorship from Tribeca to help the project reach its potential. The additional four participants will each receive a $10,000 development prize.
Previously by invitation only, this is the first year the program is accepting unsolicited submissions. Previously supported filmmakers include A.V. Rockwell, Nikyatu Jusu, and Suha Araj.
Deadline: June 21
Sofia Coppola Short Film Award
This brand-new short film award, presented by Decentralized Pictures in collaboration with Sofia Coppola, will provide mentoring support, distribution and a $20,000 cash grant to produce a short narrative film.
The DCP community will shortlist finalists using their transparent voting platform, evaluating unique voice, visual quality, and originality. A final recipient will be selected by Coppola and the DCP Board.
All films must reasonably be produced for the allocated $20K budget
From DCP:
“By bringing creators and audiences into the same creative ecosystem, DCP enables a transparent, collaborative process where great stories rise through collective insight rather than traditional gatekeeping. We’re building a new framework for independent cinema meant to put creative agency back in the hands of creators, and to give audiences a real say in what gets funded.
As the community continues to grow, so does the creative ecosystem around it. Once a film is made, what happens next? How does it live, reach audiences, and sustain its creator? We’re building the answer.”
Deadline: July 1
‘How Not To Date While Trans’Directed by Illuminations grantee Nyala Moon
Illuminations Grant
The Illuminations Grant is an annual $10,000 award that provides support to Black Trans Women Visual Artists. Winning artists and finalists will receive additional professional development resources and further guidance to bolster their creative development in the field. The grant will also provide a $1,250 award to four distinguished finalists.
Qualified artists must be Black trans women working in the visual arts and based in the United States. This opportunity is open to students, and there are no application fees.
Deadline: July 2
Film Independent Project Involve
This robust program runs from February to October and provides hands-on short filmmaking experience from project inception to completion, as well as mentorship and personalized guidance to help fellows move their careers forward. Each year, 30 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are chosen to collaborate.
When applying to Project Involve, you apply to one specific track: writing, directing, writing/directing, producing, cinematography, editing, programming, animation, or an executive track.
Past shorts produced in the program include ‘Dear Mama’, ‘Blackout’, and ‘Black Boy Joy’.
Fellows have included Terence Nance, Andrew Ahn, and Ino Yang Popper. Mentors have included Barry Jenkins, Reed Morano, and Christine Vachon. There is a $65 application fee.
NOTE: Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs. However, all participants accepted into the Labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual General Membership rate of $105, in addition to the initial application fee.
Deadline: July 13
Sundance Graton Artist Opportunity
The Sundance Institute | Graton Artist Opportunity is designed to support artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Indian tribes who wish to tell their stories through film. Artists will receive access to courses from the Sundance Institute Collab platform, as well as one-on-one support to curate a program to help advance their project or deepen their professional goals.
This is to cultivate long-term artist development; filmmakers do not need to submit a specific project to apply. There are no application fees.
Deadline: July 31
AFI Directing Workshop for Women
The American Film Institute offers this educational program to women who have yet to direct a narrative feature. The DWW will provide mentorship, an intensive training lab and in-kind resources to 4-8 filmmakers, guiding them through the process of making their next short. You must be able to attend the four-week lab in person on AFI’s Los Angeles campus.
The application window typically opens over the summer, with a final deadline in early September.
From DWW+:
“DWW+ is first and foremost an educational program. Participants must come ready to learn, accept feedback, and take instruction.
The DWW+ Intensive in April/May is a full-time commitment, including weekends and evenings. Classroom attendance during the workshop is mandatory and critical to participants’ success. Along with the DWW+ Intensive, it is crucial that participants are available to attend, in-person or virtually, additional classes and workshops throughout the year.”
Deadline: Early September
Berlinale Talents
Established in 2003, this is the talent development programme of the Berlin International Film Festival, with project development labs taking place digitally in late January, followed by an onsite summit with panels, discussions, and networking opportunities taking place during the Berlinale each February.
200 emerging filmmakers, drama series creators, and key players of the cinema industry will be invited. To be eligible, you will need to have made at least one feature-length film, two short films, or a high-quality drama series or TV movie that has screened in festivals or been widely streamed.
Applications typically open in July. The application fee is €15-25, dependent upon need.
From Berlinale Talents:
“During six packed days, you’ll come into contact with hundreds of new ideas and numerous like-minded people. For many participants, Berlinale Talents is a life-changing experience – and for everybody, it represents the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with the Berlinale.”
Deadline: Early September
Screenwriting
‘Appropriate Behavior’Written and directed by Yaddo alumna Desiree Akhavan
The Disruptors Fellowship
The Disruptors Fellowship aims to disrupt the status quo in Hollywood and to uplift and normalize narratives that have historically been underrepresented on television. Fellows will receive a $3,000 stipend, participate in a mock writers’ room, and benefit from 1-on-1 mentorship to foster up-and-coming writers as they hone their creative skills.
Applicants must submit two screenwriting samples, one of which should be a TV series script they plan to workshop during the program.
Fellows must live in the Los Angeles area and be available to attend potential in-person gatherings between August 11th and October 1st.
Previous fellows include Alex Alpharaoh, Kryzz Gautier, and Nerris Nevarez-Nassiri.
Deadline: June 5
Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest
Sponsored by Final Draft, the Big Break Screenwriting Contest accepts online entries of feature film, television, and short screenplays. The Grand Prize includes $10,000 and a three-day round-trip travel with accommodations to L.A. Feature and TV winners in multiple sub-categories will receive $1,000 and a variety of in-kind services and software, including (of course) Final Draft 13.
The judging panel includes executives and managers at Fifth Season, LIT Entertainment, and HBO Max. Application fees range from $55-$75 depending on the length of the manuscript.
Deadline: June 8
Slamdance Screenplay Competition
A total of $18,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in this competition, founded in 1997. In addition to this award, readers nominate bold scripts for the Slamdance Screenplay Mentorship Award, which offers one-on-one coaching and feedback to a promising emerging writer. Additional prizes include all-inclusive passes to the next Slamdance Film Festival, and every entrant will receive short feedback from a reader.
Previous awardees include Pam Covington, Maaman Rezaee, and Renn Tan. The application fee is $45-75, depending on deadline/length of manuscript.
From Slamdance:
“Since 1997, this competition has established a strong track record for introducing writers to members of the entertainment industry who have gone on to produce, option, and represent submitted work. Like the Film Festival, the Screenplay Competition is a place for new, bold, and raw voices. We are looking for scripts that take risks, refuse compromise, and go places where Hollywood hacks fear to tread.”
Deadline: June 22
Yaddo
Yaddo is an artists’ community in Saratoga Springs, New York. Each year, they offer over 200 creative artists from all nations and backgrounds uninterrupted time to work in a supportive environment. Residencies last from two weeks to two months and include room, board, and a studio. Artists who qualify for Yaddo residencies are working at the professional level in their fields; students are not eligible.
Filmmakers and screenwriters are encouraged to submit work samples that reflect the project you wish to pursue during your residency and that represent recent, finished work. Samples may be visual images, video clips, manuscript pages, or audio files, depending on the requirements for your discipline.
Yaddo alums include Vika Evdokimenko, Eliza Hittman, Desiree Akhavan (and, waaaaaay back in the day, James Baldwin and Truman Capote).
Deadline: July 1 or when 1,300 applications have been received
Wassaic Project Artist Residency
Located in Dutchess County, New York, the Wassaic Project provides accommodation and studio space to artists and writers for 1-3 week residencies, including Family Residencies for artists in caregiving relationships. Monthly programming includes open studios, group studio visits with our embedded critics, artist talks with 2–3 creative professionals, our Director of Artistic Programming, and WP staff.
Winter Residencies are provided on a sliding scale, from $0–$900, offering financial assistance to artists who self-report need in their applications. The review process is need-blind: financial circumstances are not considered during the acceptance decision-making process.
There is a $25 application fee.
From Wassaic:
“We believe our residency works best as a creative laboratory untied to outcome. We would like to hear about what makes you curious, what you are interested in investigating, and what your jumping-off point would be.”
Deadline: July 1
Hold Space Retreat for Artists of Color
This artist-built community, situated on Ox-Bow’s historic campus in Saugatuck, Michigan, offers artists and cultural workers of color dedicated time for communal living, creative practice, and rest. Designed to nurture reflection, collaboration, and renewal, the retreat provides individuals or groups of up to twelve participants space to create, organize, and connect within a supportive environment. Retreats may be scheduled for one to seven nights between September 14-20, 2026.
Proposals may include individual studio projects across disciplines, self-organized group retreats featuring collaborative projects or guest speakers, planning or research retreats for nonprofits or collectives, and social gatherings and creative dinners designed in collaboration with Ox-Bow’s culinary team.
Proposals are reviewed by a panel of BIPOC artists and curators familiar with Ox-Bow’s programs. Participants may bring their children; however, Ox-Bow does not currently provide childcare or additional care support.
From Ox-Bow:
“Our passion for art is a passion for artists. We strive to provide a supportive environment regardless of experience level, for creative journeys, network-building, and growth in respected mediums.
Recognizing that we are part of something larger than ourselves, we are committed stewards of our history, natural, and built environments of Ox-Bow. And thus, we are committed to their care and preservation to ensure Ox-Bow will be around for future generations. We acknowledge the Potawatomi land and community on which Ox-Bow resides. Read our Land acknowledgment here.“
Deadline: July 5
‘Fran This Summer’Written and directed by Film Independent Screenwriting Lab alum MG Evangelista
Loghaven Residency
This residency, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, provides artists, including screenwriters, with a transformative residency experience and continued post-residency support. Artists have access to new, purpose-built studio space and are awarded an $850 weekly living stipend to support the creation of new work during their stay.
Artists must be at least twenty-one years old and live more than 120 miles away from Knoxville in order to ensure that artists are able to be fully immersed in their residency experience and can take advantage of the retreat-style environment.
From Loghaven:
“Loghaven is located on ninety wooded acres near the southern bank of the Tennessee River. At its heart are five log cabins situated along a private, tree-shaded road. Trails from the cabins lead to a freshwater spring and protected forest. Archaeological studies show that this beautiful cove has been inhabited for over nine thousand years.”
Deadline: July 15
Sundance Graton Artist Opportunity
The Sundance Institute | Graton Artist Opportunity is designed to support artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Indian tribes who wish to tell their stories through film. Artists will receive access to courses from the Sundance Institute Collab platform, as well as one-on-one support to curate a program to help advance their project or deepen their professional goals.
This is to cultivate long-term artist development; filmmakers do not need to submit a specific project to apply.
Deadline: July 31
Film Independent Screenwriting Lab
The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop held in Los Angeles, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.
Each Screenwriting Fellow is paired with a creative advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions. A variety of guest speakers are invited to screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and interaction with industry executives.
Recent Screenwriting Lab projects include Billy Luther’s ‘Frybread Face and Me’ and Hikari’s Panorama award-winning ‘37 Seconds’. Past advisors include Robin Swicord, Jeff Stockwell, and Pamela Ribon. There is a $65 application fee.
Deadline: August 31
Corsicana Artist & Writer Residency
Artists and writers of international, national, and Texas origin are invited to apply for two-month, fully-funded studio residencies in an historic setting fifty miles south of Dallas, Texas. Quiet studio focus is prioritized, and balanced with introductions to professional networks in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, culminating with Open Studios at the close of term.
Residents are granted fully-funded, private, furnished studios with lodging accommodations at historic 100 West Studios. Meals are not provided, but bicycles for Corsicana-based transportation and transportation to and from Dallas-Fort Worth airports are offered.
Previous artists-in-residence include Carlos Zerpa, Will Arbery, and Pete Ohs.
There is a $30 application fee. Accepted applicants who commit to a residency term are responsible for a one-time, non-refundable $200 Administration Fee.
Deadline: September 1
Useful Links:
- Res Artis – Worldwide Network of Artist Residencies
- Keep an eye on our Grants, Contests & Awards section, where we will be sharing new opportunities that come up throughout the season.
