Calendar – Past Event

Derek Freese Documentary Fund (DFDF) provides production support for feature-length documentary films that have both a strong narrative and a connection to Greater Philadelphia. This award is given biennially to an independent filmmaker and provides up to $35,000 in finishing funds.

DFDF helps support documentary filmmakers who are in various stages of the production and post-production process, and have a compelling story to tell and a strong vision for a finished film. Applicants must include a proposal and sample work that conveys the narrative and aesthetic visual for the final film, containing footage of no more than 15 minutes. We do not fund student films.

The Derek Freese Film Foundation was created in 1997 to honor the memory of Derek Freese, an aspiring filmmaker who passed away two days after arriving in Hollywood to pursue his dream of making movies. In January 2013, the Foundation launched Derek Freese Documentary Fund to honor Derek's love of film, a good story, and his hometown of Philadelphia.

Derek Freese Documentary Fund will start accepting applications on January 28, 2013. The application deadline for the 2013-2014 cycle is June 7, 2013, and final decisions will be announced in fall 2013. The completed application and supporting documents must be emailed to Joan@film.org.