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It’s spring, a time for growth and new beginnings. If your project needs a fresh start, you’re in luck! There are several programs available to support independent creators in bringing their vision to life. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the valuable initiatives that exist within the industry to help get your project in front of the camera. Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or producer, there’s something for everyone to discover.
1. Pacific Islanders in Communications: Shorts Fund
This fund is accepting applications this spring. Filmmakers can request up to $25,000 for films that are 20 minutes or less, fiction or nonfiction, in any stage of production. Feature proofs of concept are acceptable.
Stories should focus on Pacific Islanders, with topics ranging from social and economic issues to the environment and more.
Completed films should be completed within 18 months of receiving PIC funds. Hopeful applicants can stand out with untold stories, an innovative approach, wide appeal, a completed script or treatment, or planned impact campaign.
Deadline: Applications open this spring (exact date is TBD)
On the web: https://www.piccom.org/pages/shorts-fund
2. Raindance Film Festival
This is the largest independent film festival in London, offering masterclasses, industry forums, and networking events for filmmakers. The festival has a special interest in showcasing films from first-time filmmakers, women filmmakers, LGBTQ+ stories, social justice and environment-focused stories, genre films, and documentaries.
If your film is programmed, it will automatically qualify for the Raindance Film Market, which has over 7,000 global buyers, and you won’t need an agent.
Deadline: Earlybird deadline is April 10; regular deadline is May 8
On the web: https://filmfreeway.com/Raindance
3. International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA)
This annual documentary festival in Amsterdam attracts over 300,000 participants and includes six competitions, exhibitions, and live performances. Prizes and awards ranging from €2,500 to €50,000, as well as a stipend, are offered. To participate, the film must be premiered in the Netherlands.
Deadline: Early deadline is April 13
On the web: https://www.idfa.nl/en/info/idfa-festival-submissions
4. Sundance Institute: Feature Film Program — Development Track
Are you a filmmaker with a work-in-progress fiction feature screenplay? With just one application, you could be considered for programs, fellowships, and grants.
Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to participate in the Directors and Screenwriters Lab, where eight fellows are chosen for month-long work with creative advisors throughout the entire filmmaking process.
The Screenwriters Lab gives participants one-on-one facetime with professional advisors, providing them with valuable feedback and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
Deadline: Applications open from April 14–May 15; decisions made by August 31
On the web: https://www.sundance.org/programs/feature-film/#feature-film-faq-popup
5. Marche du Film
The Festival de Cannes hosts an international film market called the Marché du Film, which runs from May 16-24 and attracts over 12,500 industry professionals from more than 100 countries. The market offers screenings for a fee, as well as networking events, a buyer’s program, and over 100 conferences. To register, one must be an accredited professional actively involved in the film industry.
Deadline: Badges on sale now through May 3
On the web: https://www.marchedufilm.com
Please note that film festivals and markets are chosen based on Dear Producer’s annual study, which asks distributors from where they acquire films, how many films they distribute in a year, and other factors.
