Application Deadline: August 1st 2018
Filmakers without Borders supports independent filmmakers around the world via grants and other funding initiatives. Supported projects include narrative films, documentary films, and new media projects that align with themes of social justice, empowerment, and cultural exchange.
FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. FWB filmmaking grants provide funding and support for independent filmmakers to share their stories. Funds are available for narrative, documentary, experimental, and new media projects in various stages of production.
Goals & Objectives
- to empower the next generation of digital storytellers
- to promote diverse communities and cultures
- to share unique perspectives and stories
- to support independent voices from around the world
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants from any country are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should be 18+ years old.
- Applicants should be proficient in relevant digital technologies.
- Applicants should be able to provide samples of their work.
- Applications and supporting materials must be produced in English.
- NOTE: Completed films may be in any language.
Themes
Proposed projects should address one of the following themes:
- social justice
- women’s voices
- youth voices
- identity
- cultural exchange
- climate change
Proposed projects should be aligned with the following guidelines:
- demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity
- demonstrated commitment to cultural sustainability
- demonstrated commitment to empowerment
- adherence to the American Anthropological Association’s Code of Ethics
Types of Grants
Grants are available for all of the following stages of production:
- Development
- Production
- Post-production
- Film Festival Applications
Grants are available for all of the following types of projects:
- Short Film Projects (6-40 minutes)
- Narrative
- Documentary
- Animation
- Experimental
- Feature Film Projects (90+ minutes)
- Narrative
- Documentary
- New Media Projects (various)
- Narrative
- Documentary
- Experimental
Funding and Support
Grants are available in the following amounts:
- Development: $250, $500, or $1000
- Production: $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000
- Post-production: $250, $500, $1000, or $2500
- Film Festival Applications: $100, $250, or $500
Additional Funding
- Please note that additional specialized grants are also available for alumni of the following initiatives: Tribeca All Access, Women in Film Finishing Fund, Sundance Native Program, NYWIFT Disability Awareness Grant, National Geographic Explorer, & the Fulbright Scholars Program.
How to Apply:
- FWB encourages both novice and experienced filmmakers from around the world to apply for grant funding. The application process is designed to showcase each respective project’s alignment with FWB’s mission as well as to outline the filmmaker’s goals, implementation strategy, outcomes, and expected impact.
- All applicants complete an online application and submit a variety of supporting materials including a video essay. The video essay is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves, describe the project, and explain how it will be successfully completed.
- Prepare all supporting materials
- Submit an online application
Timeline
- Upon successful submission of 1. the online application and 2. all supporting materials, the candidate’s application will then be forwarded to the relevant committee for initial review. The review process can take between 2 – 6 weeks from the application deadline depending on the application cycle and number of applications being processed.
- Unsuccessful applicants are generally notified of their application status within 6 weeks of the application deadline.
- Successful applicants generally receive formal offers about 1-2 months after the initial application deadline.
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