2026 Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship
Anarchists United
DEADLINE: January 5, 2026
INFO: The Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship is a six-month program providing an immersive introductory experience to the world of the TV ecosystem. Each Fellow will be assigned a seasoned industry mentor who will guide them by way of script development and career advice, and by the end of the program, introduce them to television producers and executives who align with their creative voice. The mentors will support the cohort through each step of the creative and networking process.
The 2026 iteration of the program is evolving. We are so grateful for our partners at Circle M+P for shepherding the first five years of the Fellowship. We are eager and thrilled the application is now available on Film Freeway.
Anarchists United will now be fully running the program and has taken the opportunity to assess the state of the industry. We feel compelled to acknowledge that making TV in 2025 looks different than it did when we first started back in 2021. With that in mind, Anarchists United is excited to announce a broader scope for the Fellowship in two important ways.
WRITERS WITH REPRESENTATION ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
A NEW FOCUS ON EMERGING MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL TV PATHWAYS.
According to the WGA, TV writing jobs have fallen by 42% in the ‘23-24 season. In response, the Fellowship aims to offer inspiration and resources to writers by examining routes outside that traditional modality. The Fellowship will expose its writers to emerging, nontraditional long-form storytelling avenues such as digital series and new media, while exploring the creator economy and the nascent indie TV space with a focus on how writers can begin to build their brand through new media opportunities.
BENEFITS: The Fellowship also includes informational panels with TV professionals, and the Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in mock general meetings and pitch sessions in preparation for their final industry meetings. By the end, each Fellow will have developed a submission-ready television pilot, been afforded multiple opportunities for networking, and be generally equipped with the essential tools for their success as writers in long form story telling. Each Fellow also receives a $10,000 stipend.
By promoting voices that have been historically underserved, the Fellowship will enrich both the professional lives of the Fellows and the dynamic quality of the entertainment industry.
RULES + TERMS:
Applicants must submit the TV pilot that they are planning on developing during the Fellowship.
Only one application per person.
Previous applicants can apply again as long as they still fit the criteria.
Applicants must not be in the WGA.
Must be U.S.-based.
filmfreeway.com/AnarchistsUnitedWritersDiscoveryFellowship
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2026 WIF WRITERS FELLOWSHIP
Women in Film LA
DEADLINE: January 7, 2026
APPLICATION FEE: $40
INFO: The WIF Writer Fellowship is a year-long program that supports both episodic and feature writers.
FELLOWSHIP SPECIFICS:
The WIF Fellowship Program reflects our commitment to advancing the careers of women, nonbinary, and trans people across all areas of the industry. It is our belief that a true culture shift includes support and community for every entertainment industry role. To that end, if you don’t see your role represented in the list of application options, we still encourage you to apply.
The 2026 WIF Fellowship will run from June 2026 through May 2027 and includes five core components:
Community Building - Fellows will expand their network of peers, collaborators, and advocates through in-person events, cross-cohort sessions, 1:1 meetings with other Fellows and alumni, mentor meetings, and industry generals.
Cohort Mentoring - Each career-track cohort (e.g., Editors) will meet as a group in a Mentor Circle led by an experienced professional in their field. Each cohort will have several group Mentor Circle sessions throughout the Fellowship year.
Educational Sessions & Workshops - The full Fellowship cohort will meet for presentations and workshops covering a range of industry topics.
Career Strategy with the Programs Team - Each Fellow will meet with the Programs Team to dig deeper into the Fellow’s goals, projects, and next steps.
Fellowship Year Project Plan - Each Fellow will develop a personalized project to complete during the Fellowship year, aligned with their career track, experience level, and prioritized goals. Past projects have included updating a professional reel or website, revising a script, workshopping a script through a table read, or screening a work-in-progress for feedback. Fellows will set benchmarks throughout the year, with support and accountability from the Programs Team.
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2026 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ* Voices
Lambda Literary
DEADLINE: $30
APPLICATION FEE: January 8, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
INFO: The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices is the nation’s premier LGBTQ writing residency. It is the only multi-genre writing residency devoted exclusively to emerging LGBTQ+ writers. The Retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to develop one’s craft and find community.
The 2026 Writers Retreat will take place from August 1-8, 2026. As we did in 2025, we are holding our Writers Retreat online. This format allows for us to continue building our organizational resources while offering the same high-quality programming that remains accessible to folks who may not otherwise be able to attend in-person programs. Not only that, but the Virtual Retreat was a hit in 2025! Fellows and Faculty reported the Lambda Literary Virtual Retreat model was “one of the more accessible and inclusive retreats of its kind available to writers, and is driven forward by leadership who are dedicated to supporting queer artists and their development” (Sam Heyman, 2022/2025 Fellow).
TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS, + FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Tuition for the 2026 Virtual Retreat is set at $1,100.
Accepted fellows will no longer have to fundraise for their own tuition–Lambda Literary will provide financial support to those who need it. We are working hard to make our spaces as accessible as possible, and those who cannot pay their own way should not have to expend more time and energy just to attend. With this new plan, Lambda Literary will be offering financial support to make sure every accepted writer can attend, regardless of financial status.
Find all available scholarships, financial support information, and other opportunities in the application form.
RETREAT DATES + LOCATION
The 2026 Writers Retreat will be held virtually from August 1-August 8, 2026.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
You may apply to more than one workshop, however, each application must be submitted separately and requires an additional fee. The fee for each application is $30.00 and is processed through Submittable's online portal. If you wish to pay by cash or check please contact retreat@lambdaliterary.org.
A limited number of application fee waivers are available for QTBIPOC** members of our community who have never attended the Writers Retreat before.
To inquire about a fee waiver, email retreat@lambdaliterary.org confirming your eligibility as:
A member of the QTBIPOC community
Someone who has never attended the Retreat before.
You do not need to provide any other identifying information. Waivers are given out on a first-come-first serve basis. Secure yours sooner rather than later!
To Apply, Please Prepare
1. An artistic/biographical statement (max 500 words).
2. a writing sample matching the genre of the workshop you’re applying for:
A writing sample in .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format.
For prose please double space and use a 12 point font.
For Screenwriting please use standardized scriptwriting format.
The sample you apply with does not have to be the same sample you plan to workshop at the Retreat.
Page limits per workshop:
For Fiction, Nonfiction, Romantic Fiction, Speculative Fiction, and Young Adult Fiction: 15 pages maximum. This maximum applies to cross-genre samples as well as samples in verse.
For Playwriting and Screenwriting: 15 pages maximum from a full-length work, short play/script, or piece of theatre/film. This page limit includes dramatis personae/cast list/setting/description.
For Poetry: 8 pages maximum
3. Optional, not required for acceptance:
Any publications of your work during the past two years, including anthologies, literary journals, magazines, websites, and books.
Any other writing conferences, retreats, and workshops have you attended.
Some scholarships, financial support, and additional opportunities require a scholarship statement (max 500 words).
APPLICATION REVIEW + STATUS NOTIFICATION:
Applications are reviewed in three stages by a panel of retreat alumni and Lambda staff. Reviewers are given comprehensive guidelines and a rubric to evaluate each application for craft, inventiveness, voice, and form. Within that, we strive to serve a variety of writers with varying backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, genders, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and localities.
In the first round of review, the top 50 fellowship candidates in each genre are identified. In the second round, the top 30 fellowship candidates in each genre are identified. In the third round of review, the genre-specific faculty member makes final decisions and chooses 12 fellows and 5 waitlist applicants out of the top 30 pool. Writers Retreat faculty make the final determinations regarding accepted and waitlisted applicants. All applicants will be notified of their application status in April 2026.
lambdaliterary.org/emerging-writers-retreat/
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WILD SEEDS RETREAT FOR WRITERS OF COLOR (SCREENWRITING, FICTION, POETRY)
DEADLINE: January 9, 2026 by 11:59pm ET
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: The Wild Seeds Retreat provides writers of color with an opportunity to meet other writers; to workshop their writing among peers; and to engage with published writers about concerns and issues related to writing and publishing. Through its writing workshops leaders, the Retreat provides the public with an opportunity to become knowledgeable about the range and diversity of the work produced by writers of color.
Fellows will engage in daily writing, reading and sharing sessions with workshop leaders and cohort leaders. Fellows will also have an opportunity for one on one sessions with their workshop leader. A detailed itinerary will be provided to accepted fellows.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
The applicant’s submission packet must include a cover letter of introduction that includes:
The reason you want to participate in the Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color.
A statement about how you would benefit from this experience.
Background information about you as a writer.
Brief description of the project you are presently working on (if applicable).
A writing sample (up to five pages). This will be a separate upload in the application below.
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your writing. This will also be a separate upload in the application below.
Scholarships are very limited. If you are requesting one, please include a rationale in your cover letter.
There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $25.00. How will you submit your application fee? You can either submit:
Postal mail with the signed and dated application. See the address below.
Online (if online, CLICK HERE to submit your payment.)
TUITION: This is a tuition-based program. If accepted, a tuition fee of $300.00 will be due.
centerforblackliterature.org/wild-seeds-retreat/
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Sunlit Residency: Summer '26
Sunlit Residency (Ithaca, NY)
DEADLINE: January 10, 2026
PROCESSING FEE: $25
INFO: A residency for social justice, human rights and the arts in Ithaca, NY.
This residency honors the legacy of anthropologist Dr. Sue-Je Lee Gage, pioneering scholar of Amerasians in South Korea, change maker, beloved teacher and mentor whose talents and interests spanned the fine arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. Scholars, artists, writers, and activists are invited to apply for short-term residencies in her former home in Ithaca, New York, to pursue projects related to the passions and interests that motivated Dr. Gage's work for social justice, human rights and the arts on a broad scale.
Residents are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ithaca, New York.
All household amenities, including wi-fi, will be provided.
All questions and queries regarding the residency may be addressed to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please complete the Application Form. Also email the following as Microsoft Word or pdf attachments to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com:
Project Description: Submit a statement (max. 1500 words) describing your proposed work, how it aligns with the goals of the Sunlit Residency, current stage of the project, goals for completion while at the Residency, and a schedule for how you plan to utilize your time while at the Residency.
Work Samples: Scholars and creative writers are requested to submit two samples of written work. Artists are asked to submit two fine art samples, or representations thereof. Activists are requested to submit a brief (about 250-300 word) description of past activities relevant to the proposed project, or other evidence of such activities.
Updated Curriculum Vitae
A Confidential Letter of Reference: The letter should be emailed directly to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com by a professional colleague and/or supervisor who is familiar with your project and your goals.
Processing fee of $25: Payment should be made via our donation page on the website.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage
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DIVERSE VOICES IN DOCS FELLOWSHIP
Kartemquin Films
DEADLINE: January 12, 2025
INFO: The Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or another person of color in the Midwest. The program is rooted in ideals of a collaborative community and welcomes filmmakers who are committed to unflinching documentary filmmaking rooted in social justice.
Founded by Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films and Margaret Caples of Community Film Workshop of Chicago, this twelve month cohort based program supports non-fiction filmmakers telling stories that are intimate, grounded in community, and provoke audiences to question the world around them.
Questions? Email us at dvid@kartemquin.org.
kartemquin.org/program/diverse-voices-in-docs/
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OPEN CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: OXBELLY RETREAT
Oxbelly
DEADLINE: January 14, 2026
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The Oxbelly Retreat is an annual gathering of international storytellers, dedicated to the exchange of ideas, deepening of craft and broadening of artistic horizons through intercultural dialogue. In 2026, the Oxbelly Retreat includes programs for writers working in film and literary fiction – with the Screenwriters program led by Radu Jude and the Fiction Writers program led by Chigozie Obioma. There is no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.
FICTION WRITERS PROGRAM: The Fiction Writers program is designed to give fellows both a space to experience support for their work-in-progress as well as the opportunity to write in an ambient environment. The first 4 days consist of a series of writing workshops led by acclaimed writers, along with dedicated one-on-one sessions. The second half offers a mini-residence for the fellows to soak in the scenic and peaceful atmosphere of Costa Navarino and produce work. Fellows also engage in a session focused on enhancing their knowledge of the literary industry and how to promote their work.
Evenings consist of interdisciplinary programming for all attendees – a curated series of sessions exploring the craft of writing, readings, screenings and panel discussions that cut across multiple mediums. Fellows will also have the opportunity to engage with attendees from other creative sectors including the fellows and advisors from the Screenwriters program, which runs concurrently.
After the Retreat, Oxbelly offers fellows additional support for their writing and career. Avenues of support includes a partnership with Granta, one of the world’s leading literary platforms, where, once a year, fellows may submit unpublished work directly to the editors to be considered for potential publication.
The Fiction Writers program has no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.
Open Call for Greek and international applicants who are emerging writers of novels or short stories, including unpublished writers and students, 18 years old and over.
Finalists will be interviewed in late spring 2026.
SCREENWRITERS PROGRAM: The first four days consist of one-on-one sessions and workshops with experienced writer-director advisors.
The second half of the program expands to include special guests who range from established directors, actors, cinematographers, composers, editors to producers and industry professionals, as well as creatives from other fields such as theatre, visual arts, and literature.
While the 8-day program focuses solely on the creative writing process, the established creatives and industry who participate in Oxbelly become resources to the fellows' projects and careers post-Retreat.
Evenings consist of interdisciplinary programming for all attendees– a curated series of sessions exploring the craft of writing, readings, screenings and panel discussions that cut across multiple mediums. Fellows will also have the chance to engage with attendees from other creative sectors, including the fellows and advisors from the Fiction Writers program.
The Screenwriters program has no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.
Open Call for Greek and international applicants, 18 years old and over.
Finalists will be interviewed in late spring 2026.
The Screenwriters program is open to writer-directors applying with their second fiction feature film.
The application materials consist of a project synopsis, a writer’s statement, a treatment, a full script, a sample of their debut fiction feature film and a mood board (optional). Each applicant must be the author of the material they submit.
CONTACT: For any information, please email contact@oxbelly.com
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From Page to Proof
GET IT MADE x The Writers Lab
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
FEE: $115
INFO: From Page to Proof is an initiative from GET IT MADE and The Writers Lab that gives storytellers the opportunity to turn their completed screenplay into a Proof of Concept (POC) — a short, high-impact visual piece that captures the style, tone, and market potential of a feature or TV pilot.
The grand prize winner will have their Proof of Concept (whether a short film or cinematic trailer) made to showcase its full potential to studios, streamers, and investors, along with a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership.
Five finalists will also receive a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership to refine and package their projects for industry readiness.
HOW IT WORKS: ELIGIBILITY, SUBMISSIONS, PRIZES:
Eligibility:
Open to all screenwriters worldwide, 18 or older.
Submit a Proof of Concept (POC) script of up to 6 pages.
A completed feature screenplay or TV pilot that the POC represents is required.
Scripts must be written in English.
All material must be the entrant’s original work. Adaptations require secured rights.
Submission Requirements:
Required: POC script (PDF, max 6 pages).
May be requested: Completed feature or TV pilot script (standard format, PDF).
Optional: Synopsis, pitch bible, or supporting materials.
Entry fee must be paid before uploading materials on FilmFreeway.
Workshops:
Earliest Bees (Sept 2–15): Access to both GET IT MADE and The Writers Lab virtual workshops.
Early Birds (Sept 16–30): Access to The Writers Lab virtual workshop.
Workshops are group sessions, held online, non-refundable and non-transferable.
Judging Process:
Round 1: GET IT MADE producers select a shortlist.
Round 2: Judging panel of The Writers Lab leaders, GET IT MADE Industry Pros, and a guest juror select finalists and the Grand Prize winner.
All judging decisions are final.
Prizes:
Grand Prize: Production of the Proof of Concept (short film or trailer) plus a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership.
Finalists (5): Each receive a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership.
Production scope may be adapted based on format, genre, and available resources.
Rights & Ownership:
Entrants retain full rights to their scripts.
GET IT MADE holds production rights to the Proof of Concept it produces for promotional and industry use.
By submitting, entrants grant GET IT MADE and The Writers Lab permission to use names, likenesses, and project information for publicity.
General Terms:
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Multiple entries allowed; each requires a separate fee.
Submissions not following guidelines may be disqualified without refund.
Production timelines may vary depending on resources and scheduling.
Refund Policy
All entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of submission status, disqualification, or withdrawal.
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2026 open-call residency program for BIPOC artists
Ma’s House (Shinnecock Indian Reservation, a sovereign self-governing nation in Southampton, NY)
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: Ma’s House’s Artist-In-Residency program is open to US-based creatives of color working in any genre of visual art, creative writing, and performance arts.
We encourage resident artists to pursue work that relates to or is inspired by Shinnecock’s history, the local landscape, community-based work, and critical engagement in issues of diversity, race, and identity.
There is no work expectation for the Ma’s House residency aside from leading one public program, including, but not limited to, a hands-on workshop, a public performance, a reading, open studios, and more.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Ma’s House Artist Residency is open to US-based BIPOC artists 21+ years of age. A variety of disciplines are accepted including, but not limited to: visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, and music composition. Solo artists are a eligible to apply.
Applicants will be chosen based on project proposals, artistic merit, feasibility/logistics of the residency, and how the artist will benefit from working at Ma’s House and Shinnecock.
RESIDENCY LENGTH:
Residencies will be scheduled by mutual agreement between accepted resident artists and Ma’s House year-round.
Residencies can be a minimum of a weekend and a maximum of two weeks. Artists from federally recognized tribes may apply for up to six months.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Residents will be required to participate in a minimum of one public program during their stay (open rehearsals, workshops, studio visits, lectures, or artist talks).
Engaging with or researching Shinnecock artists, east-end artists, and local art institutions is strongly recommended before arrival.
RESIDENCY COSTS
There is no fee to apply or fee to attend. Residents will be responsible for their own groceries and meals.
Thanks to the Creatives Rebuild New York grant, we are grateful to offer $ 250.00 per week honorariums for visiting artists. (Or about $35.70 per day if staying more or less than a week)
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UCROSS FELLOWSHIP FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS
UCROSS Foundation
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: Our dedicated fellowship supports the work of contemporary Native American visual artists, writers, and performers. Selected fellows are offered a four-week residency, which includes uninterrupted time, private studio space living accommodations, meals prepared by our professional chef, a stipend, and the experience of the majestic High Plains. The Ucross Fellowship for Native American Artists also includes an award of $2,000 and the opportunity to present work publicly, such as a featured exhibition in the Ucross Art Gallery, a reading, or a performance.
The fellowship began in 2018 by supporting Native American visual artists, thanks in large part to a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Following the success of the first two years, in 2020, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) granted Ucross funds to continue the program for visual artists and expand its reach to include Native American writers. In 2024, the NEA granted Ucross additional funds to include Native American performers.
ELIGIBILITY: Residencies are open to Native American writers who meet the criteria below. They must:
Be a practicing contemporary writer who is currently producing works in one or more of the following genres, including but not limited to FICTION, NONFICTION, POETRY, DRAMA, SCREENWRITING, PLAYWRITING, and HYBRID FORMS;
Be an enrolled member of a state-recognized or federally-recognized Tribe, Pueblo, Nation, Native Community, Political Entity, or Alaskan Native Village.
FICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your writing sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate sample: 20 pages of fiction, which could be a novel excerpt, a story, several stories, or a combination.
NONFICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate sample: 20 pages of nonfiction.
POETRY WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Poetry submissions may be single-spaced and should include your full name. * Appropriate samples: 10 pages of poetry.
PLAYWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate samples: One complete play (documentation of production may be included, if relevant), noting the 20 pages that you would like the reviewers to read.
SCREENWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate samples: One complete screenplay (documentation of production may be included, if relevant), noting the 20 pages that you would like the reviewers to read
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Ucross Foundation acknowledges with respect that it is situated on the aboriginal land of several Indigenous communities, including the Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota nations. Indigenous people continue to live in this area and practice their teachings and lifeways. Today, this region remains an important place for many Indigenous peoples. As a Wyoming institution, we recognize and respect this historical context and are working to build reciprocal relationships with the Native nations on whose lands we are situated. In partial fulfillment of that commitment, Ucross established Fellowships for Native American Visual Artists in 2017, Writers in 2020, and Performers in 2024.
ucrossfoundation.submittable.com/submit
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Monson Arts RESIDENCY
Monson Arts
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.
Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.
Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.
Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples
A letter of intent for your time at the residency
C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)
Two reference names
2026 SPRING RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:
3/30 – 4/23 – Residency – (With Abbott Watts Resident)
4/27 – 5/21 – Residency
*5/26 – 6/5 – Residency – (With Abbott Watts Resident) 2 week residency (Tuesday start for memorial day)
monsonarts.slideroom.com/#/login/program/87435
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The Diverso Fellowship
DIVERSO
DEADLINES:
Earlybird - January 23, 2026
Regular - February 20, 2026
INFO: DIVERSO is a student-run film nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of entertainment by empowering the next generation of storytellers.
In partnership with THE WRITERS GUILD FOUNDATION, we have created The Diverso Fellowship: a fellowship program for statistically overlooked student screenwriters.
Vetted by a rigorous committee of industry professionals, three talented students will be selected to spend ten weeks over the summer of 2026, attending panels with renowned industry professionals, learning from the best by shadowing writers' rooms, and receiving mentorship to refine their scripts and prepare for professional opportunities, including staffing or representation.
Fellows are expected to make a 20-hour commitment each week and are required to attend all Fellowship events, including educational panels, mentor meetings, script workshops, and more. The fellowship will be hosted virtually over the summer (tentatively set for June 15th - August 24th).
Our program is made possible by our incredible sponsors: WarnerBros Discovery, Madison Wells Media, Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Miranda Family Fund, the Writers Guild Foundation, and more.
Please follow us on social media @diversoorg to stay tuned for specific dates and times!
AWARDS + PRIZES:
Last Season's Benefits Included:
1. Industry Mentorship:
Each Fellow is paired with a working industry mentor for the duration of the Fellowship. Scripts undergo multiple revisions, with each draft receiving structured feedback through one-on-one mentorship and cohort workshops led by the Diverso team.
*Previous mentors include: Joe Robert Cole (BLACK PANTHER), Charise Castro Smith (ENCANTO), Nahnatchka Khan (FRESH OFF THE BOAT), Andrew Ahn (FIRE ISLAND), Geetika Lizardi (BRIDGERTON), Alex Song-Xia (RICK & MORTY, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON)
2. Salon Night:
The Fellowship culminates in a curated pitch salon where Fellows present their scripts to alumni and industry professionals. Past attendees have included executives and representatives from Blumhouse, Pixar, 360 Entertainment, UTA, and more.
3. Panels:
Writing Across Mediums - Dominique Morisseau (SHAMELESS)
360 Entertainment Panel on Finding Representation - Melissa Breaux (Manager, Producer, 360) & Sam Sekoff (TV Lit Manager/Agent, 360, Range Media Partners, Gersh)
The Art of Pitching - Carole Kirschner (Director, CBS Writing Program & WGA Showrunner Training Program)
Animation In 2025 - Mike Jones (SOUL, LUCA, ELIO) and Brenda Hsueh (ELEMENTAL)
Building a Long Term Writing Career - Simon Racioppa (INVINCIBLE)
4. Shadowing Writer's Rooms.
Fellows gain firsthand exposure to professional writers’ rooms. Most recently, the cohort shadowed two sessions of Brilliant Minds through a partnership with Berlanti Productions.
*Past shows have been from Disney+, AppleTV+, and The CW
5. Access to a network where you will build lifelong relationships with like-minded peers and alumni.
RULES + TERMS:
Please read all instructions and FAQs carefully before you begin your submission process. Applicants can only submit once per category. Any errors or multiple submissions could disqualify your application.
SUBMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants must be statistically overlooked writers currently enrolled in a community college or university as an UNDERGRADUATE or GRADUATE student (Winter' 25 Graduates are eligible).
For eligibility and submissions information, please scroll down and read the
filmfreeway.com/diversofellowship
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Research & Development Grant
Chicken & Egg Films
DEADLINE: February 4, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
INFO: Now in its fourth year, the Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least one feature-length documentary and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film.
With continued grant-making support by Netflix, the Research & Development Grant supports directors to ideate and plan for their next feature-length film. Many filmmakers invest their personal resources into their films and face funding challenges when entering into the research & development stages of new projects. It is hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material, yet producing material without external funding can be almost impossible. To address this challenge, the Research & Development Grant provides financial support to directors during a filmmaking stage that is too often unpaid and unsupported.
A total of $450,000 USD will be awarded in the following grant amounts:
$10,000 USD grants for Research
$20,000 USD grants for Development
The final number of Research Grants vs. Development Grants disbursed will be determined during the selection process, based on the characteristics and strength of the applicant pool for each category.
The purpose of the Research & Development Grant is to support projects at the early stages of their lifecycle. If you have already raised a significant amount of capital (over 35% of your film’s total budget) and have shot and/or edited a substantial amount of footage, you may not be competitive for this grant, unless you can demonstrate very specific needs for the project (such as previously overlooked research activity).
We have separated the Research Grant from the Development Grant to allow early-stage projects to receive support without the need to submit all the deliverables required for projects in the development phase.
We recognize that each documentary is unique and that processes for research and development, fundraising, and production can vary widely. The information provided here is not intended as strict eligibility criteria, but rather as general guidelines to help applicants understand the stage at which we aim to provide support for projects.
The 2026 Chicken & Egg Films Research & Development Grant is generously supported by Netflix.
ELIGIBILITY:
You may only submit one application per cycle. If you have more than one eligible project, you must submit only one for consideration. You may apply for either the Research Grant or Development Grant, but not both.
Applicant Eligibility Filmmakers must meet the following criteria:
Identify as a woman or gender-expansive filmmaker.
Our working definition of gender-expansive is that it is an umbrella term that includes any person whose gender identity or gender expression does not comply with the socially defined gender norms and roles of their culture. This includes, but is not limited to, non-binary, trans, third gender/two-spirit, and agender individuals). Please refer to our gender expansion page for more information.
Have directed at least one feature-length documentary, which is defined as an independently produced film that is at least 48 minutes in length.
Films must be completed to be considered for this requirement. If you are currently directing your first feature-length film, you would not be eligible to apply until that film is completed and has premiered or is completed and at the time of applying has a confirmed world premiere at a festival taking place before the end of May - in short the film must have premiered before final selections are made.
The film must be independently produced. However, commissioned documentaries and television documentaries, including those produced for news/journalism outlets, are eligible to be considered as prior work if the director had creative control.
Feature-length narrative work is not eligible to be considered as prior work for this application.
Be based anywhere in the world, except for countries which are under comprehensive US sanctions. Further information about US sanctions can be found here.
Project Eligibility Projects must meet the following criteria:
Must be a documentary or nonfiction film (including hybrid docs)
Our evolving definition of a hybrid documentary is a film that incorporates fictional or scripted elements as a formal device in which it is clear to the viewer which elements are fiction and which are not. The incorporation of fictionalized elements is used as a way to further explore the main themes of the film or even question the nature of ‘fact’ and ‘reality’. Externally the finished film should be intended to be programmed and characterized in the press as documentary or hybrid documentary film, and not as a narrative/fiction film. We do not consider narrative memoir, speculative fiction, or docudramas (dramas that are based on a true story) as hybrid documentaries.
Must be feature-length (48 minutes or more). (Short / medium-length films or series are not eligible.)
Must be in the research or development stage. (Refer to the section Project Stage: Research vs. Development in the Program and Application Guide for more information on what we consider each stage to be.)
Must be independently produced. Works-for-hire are not eligible, and student films produced in an undergraduate or graduate program are also not eligible.
Notes for repeat applicants: You can reapply with a project up to 3 times. If this is your third time submitting to the R&D grant with the same project, this is the final time it will be considered. Applications submitted more than three times will be disqualified.
You cannot apply for an R&D grant and our (Egg)celerator Lab program with the same project in the same year. You may, however, apply to the (Egg)celerator Lab with the same film project if you applied for R&D in the previous year, as long as the project and applicant meet all other eligibility requirements. See the FAQs for guidance filmmakers who have received prior support from Chicken & Egg Films.
You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the Research & Development Grant. However, if you are awarded, you must have a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds. If granted, we can help advise on this. We require prompt response upon communication of results. If granted, there is a 12-week period following notification in which you must secure a fiscal sponsor, and the grant must be disbursed within 2026.
For more information on eligibility, please download this Program & Application Guide and review the FAQs.