“Marga Varea is any filmmaker’s dream of an impact producer. She’s incredibly resourceful, persistent, and indefatigable. She’s a strategic thinker about distribution and has a great stable of theatrical and other contacts in the film industry. She’ll be a relentless advocate for your film, give it the attention it deserves, and do everything in her power to bring it to a bigger stage. I couldn’t recommend her more highly. ”
FILMMAKER RESOURCES
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FILMMAKER RESOURCES 〰️
Take a look at these resources including funding for outreach and distribution, our favorite impact guide, relevant blogs, residencies, pitch opportunities, etc. We have found these organizations and tools invaluable while doing our work and we hope they will be useful to you too at different stages of your filmmaking journey. We will update and add resources weekly as new opportunities arise.
***OPEN FOR SUBMISSION***
LONG STORY SHORT OPEN CALL
It’s never too early to start planning for Long Story Short, Kickstarter’s annual celebration of bold and brilliant short films and the visionary people who make them. Whether you’re established or emerging, working in narrative, animation, or documentary, this is the time to launch a short film campaign. Between now and March 2025, Kickstarter will share resources for short-form filmmakers. Then, in March, they’ll promote shorts in Kickstarter newsletters, on social media, and more. Learn more and apply here!
We are excited to announce the application for the next round of the Diane Weyermann Fellowship is now open! In honor of Diane’s generosity and her commitment to supporting bold, visionary artists, the Diane Weyermann Fellowship champions filmmaking teams producing bold, cinematic feature-length documentaries that take artistic risks in highlighting stories of moral and ethical urgency. The 18-month program includes a $100,000 non-recoupable grant, 18 months of mentorship, and professional development for up to 3 director/producer teams making films that take artistic risks and highlight stories of moral and ethical urgency. Deadline: Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, January 21, 2024 at 11:59p ET.
The Documentary Story Lab helps directors craft the best story possible for their documentary film. Over the week, participants attend multiple workshops and sessions with guest speakers, established documentary directors, institutional funders, legal professionals and distributors. Fellows are paired with an experienced Creative Advisor and Editing Advisor who provide one-on-one support. The Lab culminates in a final pitch event that offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives. Seeking nonfiction feature films that are in late production or post-production , a rough cut or assembly of footage shot to date available by the time of the lab. Filmmakers at any level, with a unique cinematic vision and strong storytelling capabilities. No subject specific mandates. One week mentorship and workshopping Lab and Fellowship program. Lab takes place May 5-9, 2025 at the Film Independent offices in Los Angeles. Deadlines: Regular Deadline: December 16, 2024, and Extended Film Independent Member Deadline: January 6, 2025. Applications can be submitted here.
STOWE STORY LABS 2025 PRODUCER’S LAB
4-day intensive for emerging producers looking to produce their first or second micro-to-low budget ($100,000 - $1,750,000) feature film. Participants will leave with a project advancement plan.
To learn more and apply, click here. Deadline: December 2, 2024 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
CATAPULT RESEARCH GRANT
This intensive program offers grants of $10,000 USD and dedicated mentorship to U.S.-based filmmakers in the early conception phase of a documentary feature or short. Currently accepting letters of inquiry for the 2025 Research Grant. Deadline: November 13th at 5 p.m. PT.
Through its open call, JustFilms supports artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively intersect with the social justice issues that are central to the Ford Foundation’s mission. All projects submitted for JustFilms grants will be assessed on the basis of alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, intersectional representation, innovation in storytelling, and production viability & independence, as well as social and cultural impact. At this time, we do not accept unsolicited Letters of Inquiry (LOI), proposals from organizations, or for impact campaigns. Deadline: December 6th at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
The call for entries runs September 9th through March 14, 2025. Early bird submission rates run through December 20th. The regular deadline is Feb. 14th, and the late deadline is March 14th. For more details and to apply, go to FilmFreeway. Next deadline is February 14th.
AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY FILM FUND
Documentary and animation filmmakers are invited to submit films to the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs). Selected independent American filmmakers can compete for financing of new projects as well as works in progress. An amount up to $50,000 may be awarded or distributed in any given year. A panel of film industry professionals will review a select group of documentary filmmaker projects for funding consideration. Filmmakers will provide detailed story outlines and budgets for their works in progress or new projects. Filmmakers will screen a three (3) minute preview of their film projects before the industry panel and take part in an approximately 10-minute Q&A at the annual Film Fund Pitch Competition in Jihlava, Czech Republic. Apply via FilmFreeway to the Documentary Film Fund by January 6th.
WORKING FILMS RAPID RESPONSE MINI GRANTS
Organizers and activists based in the US and territories, who need that final support to bring a screening to life, to fill out the form. Requests exceeding $600 cannot be reviewed at this time. Mini-Grants of up to $600 per event will help organizers focus on creating impactful experiences that inspire action and sustained engagement by audiences. DEADLINE is ongoing.
THE PULITZER CENTER
The Pulitzer Center partners with individual journalists and news organizations to support in-depth, high-impact reporting on topics of global importance. They accept applications from freelance and staff journalists. Visit the website and scroll down to see a list of opportunities. Rolling deadline.
Rolling - Eligible films must depict themes, stories and characters grounded in real science, technology or economics.
PERSPECTIVE FUND
Grants from development/seed grants to audience engagement and impact campaigns. Submit your inquiry form year round!
***CURRENTLY CLOSED***
Get funding and support to complete your single, nonfiction documentary for public media—whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a veteran producer. Open Call is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the term of the contract.
The Frameline Completion Fund provides grants to emerging and established filmmakers. This program seeks to provide a much-needed source of financial contributions to artists who often struggle to secure funding to complete their works. Grants up to $5,000 are available for the completion of films that represent and reflect LGBTQ+ life in all its complexity and richness.
THE BIG SKY PITCH
The Big Sky Pitch is open to a live audience of filmmakers, industry representatives, festival attendees and students, an engaging and entertaining experience for filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike. Commissioning editors have the opportunity to critique and comment on each pitch. A maximum of 10 projects are accepted to pitch in this session. Selected projects have 10 minutes to pitch their project and show a sample, followed by a 10-minute feedback session with the panel. Participants also receive 1-1 pitch coaching and feedback, plus the exclusive opportunity to meet with members of the pitch jury. The 2025 Big Sky Pitch will take place Friday, February 21 in Missoula, Montana.”
HULU/KARTEMQUIN ACCELERATOR
Providing a pathway to first look consideration as a Hulu Original, Kartemquin supports documentary features in production, specifically encouraging filmmakers who are working on at least their second feature film to apply. The Accelerator provides structured, supportive guidance and consultation from Kartemquin staff and invites external filmmakers and industry consultants as guest speakers. Applications for the 2024/25 program are OPEN NOW with a focus on films that feature Indigenous and Native American stories and experiences.
IDFA DOCS FOR SALE
Find out about all program details, eligibility criteria, application and selection process here.
MOUNTAINFILM’S 2024 COMMITMENT GRANTS & EMERGING FILMMAKER FELLOWSHIP
Seeking non-fiction stories celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit. Applications for Mountainfilm's 2024 Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship.
CLIMATE ACTION TOGETHER
Climate Action Together is a new Impact Distribution Campaign Fund & Accelerator from Together Films, interested in films aiming to raise awareness of the climate crisis and recommended solutions to inspire public action and policy change. Two film teams who are releasing their films to public U.S. and/or U.K. audiences (via festival, theatrical, non-theatrical, digital or broadcast).
SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FUND
The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritizes support for independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1 million in U.S. dollars. Applicants may submit at any production phase, with grants up to $40,000 for projects in Development, and up to $100,000 for projects in Production/Post-production. All proposals must convey some vision for a finished film.
WILLIAM GREAVES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
The William Greaves Research and Development Fund resources talented, mid-career nonfiction storytellers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States, as well as filmmakers from Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia with a particular interest in those who identify as being Indigenous and/or of African descent.
PBS/FIRELIGHT MEDIA WILLIAM GREAVES PRODUCTION FUND AND WILLIAM GREAVES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUND
The PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund resources documentary productions by mid-career filmmakers from underrepresented communities in the United States that are intended for distribution on PBS through finishing funds or co-production funding.
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM FUND
The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund has distributed more than $900,000 to advance new work by filmmakers nationwide.
REDFORD CENTER GRANTS
Calling all environmental filmmakers! The Redford Center's 2024 Grants Program Open Call is now open for submissions and is seeking solution-oriented environmental films at any stage of development. Apply your chance to receive $25k in funding and join their cohort of nearly 50 films, including award-winning films streaming on major platforms such as HBO, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more.
CHICKEN & EGG, PROJECT HATCHED 2024
Seeking funding for your creative distribution and impact campaign? Project: Hatched will provide grants of $30,000 USD each to 10 directing teams from around the world, who have plans to strategize, build, and launch an impact campaign for their film.
FILM INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY STORY LAB
Now open for submissions! The Doc Story Lab helps directors craft the best story possible for their feature length documentary film in progress. Over the period of one week, participants attend multiple workshops and sessions with guest speakers, established documentary directors, institutional funders, legal professionals, festival programmers and distributors. Fellows are paired with an experienced Creative Advisor and Editing Advisor who provide one-on-one support. The Lab culminates in a final pitch event that offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.
ITVS OPEN CALL
Open Call gives independent producers up to $350,000 to complete production for a standalone broadcast length documentary to air on public television. The documentary can be on any subject, viewpoint or style as long as it is in active production already, as evidenced via a ten to fifteen minute work in progress sample. For pre-production nonfiction projects, see Diversity Development Fund or Short-Form Open Call.
Presented by DocLands Documentary Film Festival in May, under the umbrella of the California Film Institute (CAFILM), DOCPITCH is an invitation for North American based filmmakers to submit their unfinished FEATURE-length (70 + minutes) documentary projects currently in early to late stages of production. With a total of $100,000 to be awarded to five projects, viewers will be invited to cast one vote per person for their favored project to win the $45,000 Audience Award and a jury of industry professionals will select the winner of the $40,000 Jury Award. An additional $5,000 award will go to each of the remaining three projects.
Financial & creative support for 4 cinematic, character-driven short documentary films that shine a light on the beauty, grandeur, and vulnerability of the outdoors and the people and stories that live there. The Pretty Wild Fellowship is presented by YETI, and was developed in partnership with Points North and Little Monster Films, the production company founded by Academy Award-winners Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, who will also serve as mentors for the inaugural crop of Prety Wild Fellows.
FROM THE HEART PRODUCTIONS
The Roy W. Dean Grant winner for Fall will receive $3,000 and thousands more in donated services including a film score as well as animation to help them complete their project. Eligible projects include documentary films, narrative features, short films, and web series.
39TH ANNUAL IDA AWARDS
The IDA Documentary Awards is the world's most distinguished event dedicated exclusively to the documentary genre, celebrating and honoring the year’s best nonfiction films, series, audio documentaries, and programs. It seeks to represent excellence in the documentary field from around the world, by emerging and established docmakers.
Submit your film (70 minutes long minimum) or series for consideration for the upcoming Film Independent Spirit Awards. For more information, visit our Spirit Awards FAQ page. If you have additional questions, feel free to send us an email at spiritawards@filmindependent.org.
LEF MOVING IMAGE FUND
Accepting submissions of feature-length (40+ minutes) documentary films in Production or Post-production from New England filmmakers. Post-production funding is open only to projects that have received LEF funding at an earlier stage. Production funding is open to all eligible applicants in New England.
THE POINTS NORTH FELLOWSHIP
The Points North Fellowship invites six teams of early- and mid-career filmmakers to Maine to accelerate the development of their feature documentary, culminating in the public presentation of works-in-progress at the Points North Pitch. The Points North Fellowship aims to strengthen filmmakers’ artistic voices and propel their careers forward by facilitating new relationships with mentors, collaborators and funders.
SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FILM PRODUCERS TRACK
Applicants to the Documentary Film Producers Track will be considered for two opportunities: the Producers Lab & Fellowship (yearlong program commencing July 2022) and the Producers Intensive (two-day program in fall 2022). The Documentary Film Producers Fellowship is a year-long program designed to nurture emerging producers with project-specific support through the Producers Lab and Producers Summit, a grant to support the producer and the project, year-round mentorship from a dedicated industry mentor, and ongoing support from Sundance Institute staff. The program is designed to hone emerging producers’ creative instincts and evolve their communication and problem-solving skills at all stages of their next feature film project.
SANDBOX FUND
The Sandbox Fund offers grants, engagement events, and other opportunities for independent artists seeking to explore the intrinsic link between science and culture through innovative storytelling. The program is administered by the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, in collaboration with Sandbox Films.
SHEFFIELD MARKETPLACE
A range of pitching and networking opportunities for filmmakers, creatives and production crew to present projects and themselves to UK and international industry representatives.
SUNNY SIDE OF THE DOC
Sunny Side of the Doc is the international community and marketplace dedicated to supporting the international financing of documentary projects and the circulation of completed programs. Every June, a 4-day event brings together 2,200+ participants (decision makers, producers, filmmakers, sales agents, foundations and funders) from 60+ countries.
HOTDOCS INDUSTRY REGISTRATION
HotDocs industry registration 2023 is now open with opportunities in-person and online.
THE WHICKER FILM & TV FUNDING AWARD
The Film & TV Funding Award is awarded annually to an emerging filmmaker from anywhere in the world with the most promising pitch for a director-led documentary which fulfils the core criteria detailed below. With a main award worth £80,000 and a runner-up contribution of £15,000, The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award is one of the most significant documentary awards in the world.
THE CLIMATE STORY FUND
Supports compelling storytelling and impact campaigns from around the world that move us closer to a climate just and biodiverse future.
IDA ENTERPRISE DOCUMENTARY FUND
The IDA Enterprise Documentary Fund provides production funds to feature-length documentary films taking on in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories and integrating journalistic practice into the filmmaking process. In addition to funds, grantees will receive additional resources and expertise tailored to the needs of the project. Inclusion and diversity, both in terms of the filmmaking team and subject matter, are a priority of the fund. Please reference the FAQ or email questions to grants@documentary.org. Check back later in the year for information on the 2025 Production Grant.
PITCH YOUR DOC AT HOT DOCS
Applications for Hot Docs Forum and Deal Maker.
ERIC BARNOUW AWARD
Awards are given annually by the Organization of American Historians in recognition of outstanding programming on television, or in documentary film, concerned with American history, the study of American history, and/or the promotion of American history. The award honors the late Erik Barnouw, Columbia University, a historian of the mass media. Only films and video programs (at least 25 minutes in length) released January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 are eligible for entry. For mini-series submissions, please submit only one episode.
CHICKEN & EGG PROJECT HATCH
Project: Hatched 2023 applications are currently closed.
SHORT ‘N SWEET AT DOK LEIPZIG
DOK Short n’ Sweet is a short film (max. 30 minutes) pitch focusing on the financing and distribution of short documentary, animated documentary and animated films.
BLOOMBERG GREEN DOCS
What is your view of our climate future? Submit your doc to the Bloomberg competition to win a $25,000 grand prize. The winner will be announced at a special Bloomberg Green Docs screening in LA in October, plus the top 5 documentaries will be shown at the event.
DOCUMENTARY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
The Documentary Development Initiative is a new partnership between The Gotham and HBO Documentary Films. The program is created for storytellers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or storytellers with disabilities.
FIRELIGHT MEDIA DOCUMENTARY LAB
Firelight Media’s flagship Documentary Lab seeks out and develops emerging filmmakers of color who make artful and innovative nonfiction films. The 18-month Documentary Lab provides filmmakers with customized mentorship from prominent leaders in the documentary world, as well as funding, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.
WORKING FILMS IMPACT KICKSTART
For a documentary film to make a difference, a solid strategy for audience engagement and strong partnerships are key. Filmmakers often lack time to do this work themselves or the expertise and the funds to pay for it. Emerging filmmakers, creators of color, and underrepresented artists can face the biggest hurdles, despite the potential of their projects. Working Films’ response to this challenge is the Impact Kickstart, a program offering in-kind partnership and strategy development to underrepresented documentary directors with feature films in progress that hold great promise to catalyze action to address critical issues of our time.
THE KAREN SCHMEER FILM EDITING FELLOWSHIP
The Karen Schmeer Film Editing Fellowship is a year-long group mentorship program for assistant, associate, and emerging documentary film editors from historically underrepresented backgrounds and experiences.
PRODUCERS GUILD OF AMERICA
PGA Create was launched in Fall 2021 with the lead sponsorship support of Google. PGA Create is a lab for emerging and mid-career creative producers in active development, financing or packaging of a feature or series. There are two program cycles: Scripted and Documentary. Participants will have opportunities to hone their project pitches, attend master classes with experienced producers and build their network of fellow producers.
THE LOGAN NON FICTION PROGRAM
The Logan Nonfiction Program is seeking applications from documentary filmmakers at work on feature-length films, long-form shorts or multimedia projects. All long-form creators are encouraged to apply.
ITVS SHORT-FORM OPEN CALL
Offers development and co-production funding to help filmmakers complete their short nonfiction film or series for distribution on public media's web-based platforms. Reopens 2024
THE PARE LORENTZ DOCUMENTARY FUND
Production and post production grants for the creation of original, independent documentary films that illuminate issues in the US.
FIRELIGHT MEDIA WILLIAM GREAVES FUND
For mid-career nonfiction filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States and filmmakers in Mexico, Brasil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, with particular interest in those who identify as indigenous and/or of African descent. Up to $25k each to support research and development on a feature-length nonfiction film.
SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM
By Dan Cogan, Executive Director at Impact Partners.
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAM
Independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1,000,000 USD. For US productions, priority is given to films led by artists from historically underrepresented communities. Projects that focus on historically underrepresented communities must have a key creative from the community or with deep ties to the community in a power-holding position on the team. Applicants may submit at any production phase from development through post-production.
CROSSCURRENTS INTERNATIONAL DOC FUND
Supporting interactive, short or feature-length doc projects made by filmmakers from, and telling the stories of, underrepresented and marginalized communities from around the world. CrossCurrents International Doc Fund applications.
NEW YORK TIMES OP DOCS
Op-Docs is the world’s premiere short documentary series. Begun by The New York Times Opinion section in 2011, it comprises more than 270 short, interactive and virtual reality documentaries.
IFP DOCUMENTARY LAB
The IFP Filmmaker Labs annually selects 10 fiction features and 10 nonfiction features—all in post-production and directed by first-time feature filmmakers—and provides the creative teams behind these films with key support through the completion, marketing, and distribution.
***OTHER RESOURCES***
A resource-rich handbook and issue-checklists containing the best resources we could find on safety and security issues facing documentary filmmakers and where to go to get more information and / or training.
FILM FESTIVAL DATABASE
* As of December 2020, this database is not being updated.
A comprehensive database of established American film festivals, including a sortable spreadsheet, calendar, and interactive map.
INFLUENCE FILM FOUNDATION
Completion funding to character driven feature-length documentaries that address issues of social importance from around the world.
DOCUMENTARY PRODUCERS ALLIANCE
A guide to best practices in documentary crediting.
WRITING DOCUMENTARIES WITH MARK MONROE
Requires a free account with Sundance Collab.
PRODUCING FOR PBS
Comprehensive information about submitting to PBS and the resources required to assemble materials for review.
SEARCHABLE GRANTS DIRECTORY BY IDA
IDA's documentary grants and fellowship directory.
A (REVISED) INTRODUCTION TO DOCUMENTARY BUDGETING
By Robert Bahar, including good advice about budgeting for your outreach and distribution.
DOX IN VITRO (SLOVAKIA)
Talent development seminar established in 2010 conceived for documentary projects exploring new visions of what a documentary can be in the digital age.