Calendar – Past Event

Sundance Institute Documentary Fund grants are announced twice a year. Since its inception, the Fund has supported more than 500 films in 61 countries. A committee of human rights experts and film professionals make recommendations from projects submitted by filmmakers from around the world. The Fund reviews between 1,400 and 2,000 proposals annually, choosing 35-50 for support each year. In funding such work, the Documentary Fund encourages the diverse exchange of ideas that is crucial to fostering an open society, raising public consciousness about human rights abuses and restrictions of civil liberties, and fostering an ongoing dialogue about these and other pressing social issues.

The Documentary Fund provides grants to filmmakers worldwide for projects that display:

• Artful and innovative storytelling techniques
• Global relevance
• Contemporary human rights and pressing social justice issues
• Potential for social engagement

Funding Categories

Applications are accepted in two funding categories:

• Research/Development funding is provided to projects that are between development and pre-production. Grant amounts for this category are up to $20,000. There is no reel required with an application, but clips, teasers, trailers, or images are highly encouraged. A previous work sample is required.
• Production/Post-production grants provide funds up to $50,000 to filmmakers in various stages of the production and post-production process. Applications are required to include continuously edited material that is approximately 20 to 75 minutes for the project being proposed. The reel should convey the narrative and aesthetic visual for the final film. If available for consideration, longer cuts and fine cuts may be submitted. A previous sample work must also be included with the application.

If you have already received a grant from the Documentary Fund, there is an additional category for which you can apply for the same project. Audience Engagement grants support innovative outreach and engagement campaigns and cutting-edge multiplatform engagement strategies.

Apply

Applications for the Sundance Documentary Fund (SDF) Fall 2011 grant cycle will be accepted online beginning June 2011. The SDF Fall 2011 postmark deadline for hard copy supporting materials is July 7, 2011. Prior to submitting an application, please review the proposal checklist.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our online application, recently funded projects, or the Sundance Documentary Film Program, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page and read about our fall 2010 grantees.