Creating a film is a challenging process for all filmmakers, but for people of color, the hurdles are often higher. With fewer opportunities in a traditionally white-dominated industry, securing funding for a project can be especially tough. This is why film grants for people of color are vital. These financial aids allow filmmakers of color to bring their visions to life with funding that doesn't need to be repaid.
There are many grants available that cater to diverse needs—some offer general support, while others target specific types of filmmakers or themes. To help you navigate these options, we've compiled a list of film grants for people of color.
Film grants for people of color
We've organized these grants alphabetically for your convenience. Please visit each grant's website to check the current application status, as deadlines can vary throughout the year.
AXS Film Fund This fund supports independent documentary filmmakers and nonfiction media creators of color living with disabilities. Each year, it awards up to $10,000 to five creators for films at any production stage. Note that key creative team members must be both a person of color and identify as disabled. This grant focuses on nonfiction and documentary projects.
Black Cinema Collective The BCC, active in Seattle since 2019, supports African and Afro-diasporic filmmakers through screenings and discussions. Partnered with Northwest Film Forum, this grant provides $2,500 in unrestricted funds to four Black filmmakers for their first film.
Black Public Media 360 Incubator + PitchBLACK This intensive three-month program offers networking, workshops, and mentoring for Black filmmakers, culminating in a pitch event where teams can secure up to $150,000 in grants. Keep an eye out for the 2024 application period.
Comcast NBCUniversal’s Black Experience on Xfinity Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity, endorsed by the African American Film Critics Association, awarded $1 million in grants to 10 Black filmmakers. Details on future grants are forthcoming, but Comcast remains committed to supporting Black filmmakers.
Film Independent Amplifier Fellowship Sponsored by Netflix, this fellowship supports six emerging Black American filmmakers with $30,000 grants and tailored mentorship from industry leaders, including Netflix executives and Film Independent board members.
Film Independent Project Involve This program pairs 30 diverse Fellows with industry mentors each year, guiding them through the creation of a short film. Grants available to Project Involve participants include:
Amazon Studios Film Fellowship: $10,000 grant
LAIKA Animation Track: Production grants and stipends for stop-motion animated shorts
Los Angeles Media Fund Fellowship: $10,000 grant
Panavision Fellowship: $60,000 camera rental package
Participant Fellowship: $10,000 grant
Sony Pictures Entertainment Fellowship: $10,000 grant
iTVS Diversity Development Fund Based in San Francisco, iTVS offers up to $35,000 to directors of color developing documentaries for public media. This grant is for research and development, requiring projects to be in early stages. Note that applications typically take about two weeks to complete.
Jacquie Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund This $300,000 fund supports emerging diverse content creators in nonfiction shorts, features, web series, VR, or podcasts, inspired by the work of Peabody Award-winning director Jacquie Jones.
NewFest’s Black Filmmakers Initiative NewFest’s initiative supports queer Black filmmakers by funding new or ongoing projects, covering festival submission fees, providing free tickets to Black-led organizations, and supporting travel costs to NewFest events. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Sidewalk Film Festival Black Lens Filmmaker Grant In partnership with the Law Firm of Stacey A. Davis, this grant awards $1,000 and a Sidewalk Film Center membership to Black filmmakers in Alabama.
Wrapping up Film grants for people of color are crucial to fostering diversity in filmmaking. These organizations are providing essential support to underrepresented voices. For more information on film grants, check out our Producer’s Guide to Securing Film Grants or our list of Best Film Grants for Women!
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
What OPPRIME.tv Offers Filmmakers
OPPRIME.tv is a dedicated streaming video-on-demand platform showcasing award-winning independent films. Our platform, www.opprime.tv, aims to empower independent filmmakers with insights into the industry’s business model, promoting effective monetization and successful film launches.
Monetizing Your Film: Our OPPRIME.tv Referral Link enables filmmakers to monetize their films and engage with their fanbase directly. This mobile point-of-sale system allows filmmakers to market their films through email, social media, Instagram bios, and webpages. Subscribers can support their favorite filmmakers with a $5 monthly fee, splitting the fee between the filmmaker and OPPRIME.tv for platform maintenance and growth.
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Connecting with Industry Professionals: We facilitate exposure by connecting filmmakers with industry professionals, including production company executives, directors, cinematographers, agents, and more.
Global Reach: OPPRIME.tv serves as a clearinghouse connecting filmmakers with distribution professionals worldwide, enhancing the global reach of independent films.
By leveraging OPPRIME.tv, filmmakers can maximize their film’s potential and reach their audience effectively, all at no cost to the filmmaker.
Video-on-Demand: www.opprime.tv
Visit our filmmaker resource page: www.opprimetv.co
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