DOCLANDS Documentary Film Festival
DOCLANDS
DEADLINE: February 10, 2023
INFO: Presented by the California Film Institute, DOCLANDS Documentary Film Festival brings compelling stories and the provocative insight behind them to Marin County, CA.
The fully in-person, in-theatre DocLands is scheduled to take place May 11-14, 2023 to again deliver an inspiring slate of events that engages our members and patrons, supports filmmakers and our valued partners, and bolsters the documentary film community. As we have throughout the past three years, we will remain responsive and respectful of the public health situation.
DocLands film slate of recently completed films is non-competitive and non-juried, with one overall Audience Choice Award. Dedicated to building connections and partnerships to invigorate the business and art of nonfiction filmmaking, DocLands aims to build an active, inclusive, and fully supportive community around documentary film through public screenings, engaged conversations, and grassroots networking and pitching events. It showcases documentary film with a diversity of content, within three main programming sections: Art of Impact, The Great Outdoors, and WonderLands.
AWARDS & PRIZES: DocLands film slate of recently completed films is non-competitive and non-juried, with one overall Audience Choice Award.
SUBMISSION PROCESS: DocLands entries will be accepted only via upload through the FilmFreeway submission platform. No DVDs or external links will be considered.
PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS:
Programming emphasizes new works in documentary features and shorts.
Feature-length entries (45 minutes and over) that have been or will have been exhibited theatrically or otherwise made available to the general public, either for free or for purchase, prior to DocLands dates may not be eligible to submit to this category. This includes, but is not limited to, public theatrical release or exhibition, television broadcast, home video, or any digital platform. Exceptions may be made under special circumstances.
Entries accepted for DocLands will NOT be eligible for inclusion in the Mill Valley Film Festival.
DocLands does not pay rental fees. Instead, our resources are invested in the production and promotion of the best possible showcase for your work. Films may subsequently be considered for theatrical runs (in-theater if possible or virtual) at our year-round venue, the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center.
Films may be screened more than once during the festival
Industrial, promotional or instructional films are NOT eligible.
Films must have been completed after October 1, 2021.
Filmmakers are responsible for providing an exhibition-quality file for online or for in-theater screenings, a DCP ONLY.
Filmmakers will be notified via email of entry status by approximately April 14, 2023.
Once a film is accepted it may not be withdrawn.
If selected to screen in the festival, you may be asked to provide an electronic press kit.
Theatrical exhibition prints must be sent to the Festival prepaid. Online transfer of DCPs is strongly preferred. Generally we do not accept shipments of drives outside of North America.
In case of loss or damage during the Festival, the responsibility of the Festival is limited to the costs of repair or replacement of the theatrical print only.
filmfreeway.com/DocLandsDocumentaryFilmFestival
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DIVERSE VOICES SCREENWRITING LAB
WeScreenplay
DEADLINES:
Early: February 15, 2023
Regular: March 15, 2023
Final: April 15, 2023
INFO: Diverse Voices is a dynamic virtual screenwriting lab with a proven track record of helping elevate stories that are told from perspectives that are often underrepresented in film and TV today. This includes writers of color, women writers, writers with disabilities, writers over 40, writers in the LGBTQ+ community, and any other voices that have historically been ignored by Hollywood.
A minimum of 4 winners will be selected to participate in this career-changing lab!
All readers for this lab come from diverse backgrounds, and all entrants will receive a page of FREE written feedback on their script from their first round’s judge.
Over a dozen past winners have been signed, staffed, and optioned as a direct result of their Diverse Voices Lab meetings. Past finalists and winners have signed with companies including Heroes & Villains Entertainment, 3Arts, Zero Gravity, APA, ColorCreative, and more. See some of our past WeScreenplay success stories.
wescreenplay.com/diverse-voices/
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Nawat Fes RESIDENCY
Nawat Fes
DEADLINE: February 15, 2023
INFO: Nawat Fes offers funded residencies in the eighth-century medina of Fes, Morocco to U.S. and international creators in multiple disciplines.
The initiative engages art to cultivate understanding among multifaceted cultures through the exchange of ideas. Hosted by the American Language Center Fes / Arabic Language Institute in Fez, a member of the American Cultural Association, Nawat Fes is a new program that hosted its first residencies in May 2022.
Two Nawat Fes artist residents at one time live and work in the ancient medina of Fes, which is considered one of the most extensive and best conserved historic cities of the Arab-Muslim world.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fes medina is one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones, containing narrow alleyways leading to ancient architectural treasures, traditional houses, artisan workshops and open-air markets.
Within this unique setting, Nawat Fes provides a supportive environment for research, reflection and artistic practice, allowing artists from around the world to experience and learn from Moroccan culture, and to contribute to the local cultural conversation.
DAR BENNIS: Two artists at one time reside and work on separate floors of Dar Bennis, a restored traditional Moroccan house in the old medina, tucked away not far from the main street. Each artist will have a bedroom, a private bath, and a basic studio in the house. The house has wifi, a shared kitchen, a laundry room and a roof terrace with a view of the medina.
As the rooms in Dar Bennis all open onto an interior courtyard, perfect quiet in the living and work spaces cannot be assured. There are several great cafes nearby that also make excellent off-site working environments.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS / OPPORTUNITIES: Nawat Fes artist residents will be expected to offer two opportunities for our community to engage with their work. These could be public programs such as a talk, performance, reading, lecture, workshop or concert, or an exhibition of their work during the residency.
These programs are intended for local students of English and/or international students of Arabic, as well as the local community. Artists should be prepared to engage with our community in English or Arabic.
RESDIENCY PERIODS: Nawat Fes offers several residency periods each year of roughly two months each. Artists are expected to arrive at the beginning of each residency period and to stay through the end of the residency period.
Residencies from Mid-May 2023 through Mid-May 2024 will be awarded to artists who apply at the February 15, 2023 application deadline. These residency periods will be:
SUMMER 2023 (Mid-May through Mid-July 2023)
FALL 2023 (Mid-October to Early December 2023)
WINTER 2024 (Mid-January to Mid-March 2024)
SPRING 2024 (Mid-March to Mid-May 2024)
Residencies after May 2024 will be scheduled in a future application process. If you are interested in applying at a future deadline, please add your name to the Nawat Fes email list and we will inform you when the next application cycle opens.
ARTIST STIPENDS: Residencies are supported by the American Language Center Fes, which provides housing at no cost to artist residents, along with a 200-dirham/day living allowance (depending on the exchange rate, this normally ranges from 16-20 USD/day), from which artists will provide their own food. Half of the stipend is provided on arrival, and half at the midpoint of the residency. We can recommend some excellent local cooks who can come to Dar Bennis to prepare a variety of meals, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, as well as traditional Moroccan dishes. Artists can use their stipend to pay for this service. The ALC will host occasional meals including other members of the Fes community.
ALC-ALIF staff and volunteers will be available on a limited basis to help artists engage with the local community. Artists will also be offered the option of a complimentary course in Moroccan Arabic, as well as optional translation services into Arabic for their descriptive and biographical material. Artists support the cost of their own travel, travel medical insurance, artist materials, any cost for mailing finished work out of Morocco, and all other costs.
SELECTION CRITERIA: Artists will be selected by a jury. We value diversity highly within our community of artist residents. Residencies are awarded based on the quality of work submitted, diversity of cohort, the proposal for intended new work, and the fit of the artist within Morocco and the Fes medina.
A high value is placed on linguistic exchange between the artists and the Moroccan community in Fes, which participates in American Language Center Fes programs in English, so artist applicants must have good conversation skills in English. Arabic and French are helpful but not required.
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Interdisciplinary Artist-in- Residence Programs
The Peter Bullough Foundation
DEADLINE: February 21, 2023
INFO: The Peter Bullough Foundation provides fall and spring residencies for emerging artists and scholars with diverse backgrounds and interests. We hope to create a community that elevates voices that are underserved, including those of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
The ideal applicant will be self-directed, motivated, able to work independently, and interested in engaging with the local community. Each awarded residency period is roughly four weeks long and is shared with one or two other artists in residence. Artistic collaborators in groups of two to three may apply in one application. While in residence, artists are required to host a community workshop, lecture, or event virtually or in-person.
The PBF accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, literature, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, music, music composition, playwriting, screenwriting, poetry, theatre, and the visual arts.
APPLICATION: Fall residencies begin in August, September, and October, and November and spring residencies start in late January, February, March, and April. Applications open in January for fall residencies and in August for spring residencies. Please sign up for our newsletter to be notified when applications open.
Applicants are not required to mail in hard copies of the application forms. If you need assistance with the online application process, or do not have access to a computer, please contact the PBF staff for guidance on applying.
When open, applications are available through the Call for Entry website by first making an artist account at Call for Entry and then by applying to the residency.
Applications include the following requirements:
Application Form
Personal Statement/Proposal
Resume, CV, or Statement of Qualifications
Work Samples/Portfolio
Two Personal References
LOCATION: Winchester, Virginia is a quintessential American small town with a rising arts scene. The town is home to a large regional art museum, several house museums, a children's discovery museum, and many small, local shops that embrace the area's creative community. Downtown Winchester offers numerous dining options and four award-winning locally-owned breweries. Additionally, Winchester is home to Shenandoah University which regularly hosts theater, dance, and music performances.
ACCOMMODATIONS & SUPPORT: The Peter Bullough Foundation is delighted to offer free accommodations for two to three artists at a time in Dr. Bullough’s former home, a renovated 1840’s house with private bedrooms and shared bathrooms and common spaces. Private studios and workspaces are located in an adjacent building that also houses the majority of Dr. Bullough’s book and art collections. Private gardens connect the properties and are also available as open-air workspaces.
A $550 stipend is provided to aid in covering supplies, necessities, and food for the month. If you have any questions about the residency program, please contact the PBF or check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
SELECTION: Selection is a multi-step process involving the PBF staff, residency committee, residency alumni, and board. We may request an interview with you to learn more about you and your work. Selections will be announced 30-45 days after the application deadline. The PBF does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, religion, creed, national origin, age, and/or disability.
peterbulloughfoundation.org/residencies
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New Voices Filmmaker Grant
NewFest / Netflix
DEADLINE: February 28, 2022
INFO: NewFest’s New Voices Filmmaker Grant, in partnership with Netflix, supports emerging LGBTQ+ directors by providing funding to make new work, assisting in getting their work more widely shared, and propelling their careers forward through mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities
AWARD: The Grant seeks to support the creation of work from underrepresented voices in the film industry, and awarded a $25,000 grant each to 4 director recipients who have not yet had their work distributed. In addition to the $25,000 grant and the opportunity to be connected with an industry mentor, fellows will also participate in events and have their work showcased at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the largest queer film festivals in the world. Fellows will also have the opportunity to travel as guests of NewFest to other North American film festivals.
CATEGORIES: Submissions are accepted for documentary, narrative, animated or episodic projects by and about the LGBTQ+ community.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applying director must be at least 18 years of age
Identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
A citizen of the United States, or permanent resident/green card holder
Eligible filmmakers must have directed at least one (1) short film or episodic inclusive of LGBTQ+ content that was completed within the past 5 years (January 2018)
Eligible directors must not have previously completed a feature-length film (over 45 mins), even if self-funded or without distribution, prior to February 2023
Eligible film directors must not have previously had their directorial work (short or episodic) publicly distributed with exclusivity and monetary compensation by anyone other than themselves in North America.
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Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
DEADLINE: February 28, 2023
APPLICATION FEE: $20 (Reading fee for processing your application).
INFO: Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Academy qualifying festival devoted to women filmmakers, will offer you an opportunity to produce a short film or pilot for your web series!
You will receive $5,000 to produce the first episode of your web series, which you can use as a calling card to attract a producer and other film opportunities. Short films of 15 minutes or less are also eligible. You will be guided on your journey in learning the art of creating a high quality micro budget short film.
Be prepared to begin production and shooting of your web series project shortly after you are selected as the Reel Sisters Fellow.
GENRES: Animation, Documentary, Narrative, Comedy & Sci-Fi.
You will retain full production and copyrights to your film. You must include Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series in your production credits as a supporter.
The pilot episode of your web series or short film will air on Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema virtual series and have a world premiere in our annual international Oscar qualifying film festival. If you are unable to commit to a world premiere with Reel Sisters, please do not apply for this opportunity.
ELIGIBILITY: Script must be written or co-written by a woman of color and non-binary filmmakers of color. Reel Sisters will accept submissions by women of African, Caribbean, Latina, Asian, Indian and Native American Descent. Please include your ethnicity in the application to confirm your eligibility. We encourage writing teams to apply.
FELLOWSHIP:
$5,000 to direct and produce the first episode of your micro budget film.
Announced as the Winner on Reel Sisters & African Voices websites. A feature will also be published in African Voices magazine.
Your Web Series Pilot will premiere on Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema online series and your film will have a world premiere in our annual film festival.
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will revise your production schedule and begin development.
Full scholarship to Scriptwriting Essentials: The Art of Creating Strong Female Characters™ (Instruction value: $600). Any script revisions will be done in our workshop series.
Access to The Micro Budget Indie Filmmaker’s Podcast produced by Zanah Thirus.
One on one consultation with mentors who will guide you in how to produce your first micro budget film.
Reel Sisters will assist in securing distribution opportunities and marketing support.
One Year Membership to African Voices/Reel Sisters (Includes free magazine subscription and discount to our programs).
REEL SISTERS APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Your application must include the following information to be complete. Thank you for submitting your webs series project in consideration for our Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship!
INTRODUCTION (700 words max): Briefly tell us about your journey as a storyteller. Share information about what led you to writing and filmmaking as a career. Share your inspiration for creating the web series and the audience you would like to reach. Describe how the Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship would make a difference in your career.
LOGLINE (75 words max): a one to two-sentence description of the story.
SYNOPSIS (350 words max): brief summary of the plot of the script. Please include all major characters and story points, including the ending.
PILOT Web Series Screenplay (no longer than 15 pages)
Length - no longer than fifteen (15) pages. This does not include the title page.
Limited to one (1) main location (INT or EXT). If you use more than one location, explain in your application any donated space or ability to accommodate additional locations on a microbudget project
Written in English (Translated scripts are welcomed as long as you are the author).
Writing teams are welcomed but one member must be a woman of color.
Include a title page displaying only title of screenplay and name of credited writer(s)
Submit only original screenplays. The rights must be wholly original with and owned by the writer
Submit as a pdf file and must meet all standard screenplay format guidelines
Include 1 page draft of your Production Schedule. It will be revised if you are accepted as a Fellow.
Submissions will be evaluated with the following criteria:
PLOT: Create compelling richly textured characters. Films with strong female roles are encouraged.
CHARACTERS: Quirky and original characters that are relatable. Give us three dimensional protagonists and antagonists.
PRO TIP: “Every villain has someone who loves him,” Steve Carter, playwright.
ORIGINALITY: Create bold characters that the world has not seen before. Take risks and experiment with visual and written language on the screen and page. Hook the viewer in the first five pages of your script.
africanvoices.submittable.com/submit/243648/reel-sisters-microbudget-film-fellowship-2023
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BLACKSTAR FILM FESTIVAL
DEADLINES:
Preferred: March 1, 2023
Late: April 1, 2023
INFO: The BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and of global Indigenous communities, showcasing films by Black, Brown and Indigenous artists from around the world.
AWARDS & PRIZES:
Best Feature Narrative
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Narrative (ACADEMY AWARDS® qualifying)
Best Short Documentary (ACADEMY AWARDS® qualifying)
Best Experimental
Audience Awards
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for consideration:
Films must be directed by a person of African descent or who otherwise identifies as Black, Brown or Indigenous, and feature persons of African descent, or tell a story of Black, Brown or Indigenous experiences.
Narrative feature films and documentary films must not exceed a runtime of 120 minutes.
Shorts must not exceed a runtime of 40 minutes.
Non-English language works must have English subtitles at the time submitted. Dialogue lists will not be accepted.
Though not required for eligibility, preference is given to premiere status films: Philadelphia, East Coast, US, North American, and World premieres.
Note: Submissions may be in work-in-progress form; however, works that are not final cuts must be clearly marked “Work in Progress (WIP)” or “Rough Cut” with an indication of what will change or what is missing (e.g., temp sound, missing animation, etc.). If accepted, final prints/media files must be received by June 15, 2023. No exceptions.
Entrants must fully comply with these entry rules and regulations, including all deadlines, film length, entry material and other requirements.
Note: Entry fees are in U.S. dollars, are per film and are non-refundable. BlackStar reserves the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met including if eligibility status changes post-submission. Shorts are films 40 minutes or less; features are films greater than 40 minutes, but not exceeding 120 minutes.
Students: Entry fees for student submissions for the Official Entry Deadline will be waived upon receipt of a photocopy of a current and valid student ID card or a letter from an accredited school that verifies enrollment. For questions, contact submissions@blackstarfest.org.
Films will be automatically entered into audience competition unless the entrant(s) request to be withdrawn. Entrants must make this request at the time of application.
Please note that recipients of the juried Short Narrative and Short Documentary Awards are eligible for consideration in the Live Action Short and Documentary Short categories of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy's rules.