Sundance Institute Documentary Fund Grants

Deadline: 9 February 2012
Open to: filmmakers worldwide
Grant: from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the category

Since its inception, the Fund has supported more than 500 films in 61 countries. 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.

Applications are accepted in two funding categories:

Research/Development: provided to projects that are between development and pre-production.
Production/Post production grants provide funds to filmmakers in various stages of the production and post production stages.

Eligibility

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

Grant

Funding categories:

Research/Development: up to $20,00.
Production/Postproduction: provide funds to filmmakers in various stages of the production and post-production stages.

Application

Prepare a written proposal that includes the following elements:
Project summary
Narrative synopsis
Distribution and marketing strategy
Comprehensive line item budget
Director’s prior work (1 paragraph)
Current rough cut or sample (1 paragraph)
Key creative personnel (1-2 paragraphs each)
Outreach and engagement
Interactive elements (if applicable)
Fund raising strategy

Your proposal should be in electronic format and ready to upload before you begin completing the online application. The upload is limited to .PDFs or Word-compatible documents.

All parts of your proposal, including budget, must be combined into one file. Only one file can be uploaded per application and its file size must be less than 3Mb. Attach a complete proposal. PDF and Word formats acceptable. Please name the file in the format: Project Name – DirectorLastName.doc

After reviewing the materials on the links below, you may contact dfp@sundance.org with any outstanding questions.