FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) 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.

Description

  • 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.

FWB is committed to diversity and equality.

  • FWB provides equal consideration for all qualified candidates. FWB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.

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:

Proposed projects should meet the following requirements:

  • 100% of funds dedicated to the film project (not to salaries or large equipment purchases)
  • scheduled for completion within 365 days of application deadline
  • subtitled in English

Grants

Filmmakers Without Borders grant funding for Independent Filmmakers 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 Information

Grants are available in the following amounts (Tier 1 – Tier 4):

  • Development: $250, $500, $750, or $1000
  • Production: $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000
  • Post-production: $250, $500, $1000, or $2500
  • Film Festival Applications: $100, $250, $500, or $750

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.

Application process

  1. Prepare all supporting materials
  2. 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 6-8 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 8 weeks of the application deadline.
  • Successful applicants generally receive formal offers about 2-3 months after the initial application deadline.

Application Deadlines

  • There are three grant cycles throughout each year (Spring/Summer/Fall).
  • Each cycle has its own unique application deadline:
    • Spring: January 1st
    • Summer: June 1st
    • Fall: August 1st
  • Completed online applications and supporting materials received by the corresponding deadline will be forwarded to the relevant selection committee for initial review. All grant cycles receive equal consideration.

For more information about Filmmakers Without Borders grant funding for Independent Filmmakers 2019,please visit http://filmmakerswithoutborders.org/grants/

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