NATIVE AMERICAN UNSCRIPTED WORKSHOP
Native American Media Alliance (NAMA)
DEADLINES: September 8, 2025
INFO: The 5th Annual Native American Unscripted Workshop has opened the call for applications. This initiative is focused on spotlighting Native American documentary filmmakers and non-fiction content creators. With support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Los Angeles County Arts & Culture, NAMA is providing the Native American Unscripted Workshop for emerging and seasoned indigenous documentary filmmakers seeking to explore outlets for their current and upcoming projects.
The workshop is a virtual week-long creative program that provides access to creative executives, experienced producers and veteran documentary filmmakers. In its fourth year, the Native American Unscripted Workshop will accept approximately 10 Native American filmmakers to participate in the program taking place in late October, 2025.
The Native American Unscripted Workshop is designed to encourage Native American filmmakers to expand on their current opportunities. The workshop culminates in a pitch panel that will have each fellow present their latest project.
nama.media/5th-annual-native-american-unscripted-workshop-call-for-applications/
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Fall '25 GUEST RESIDENCY
Woodward Residency
DEADLINE: September 8, 2025
INFO: Applications are now open for our Winter/Spring '25 Guest Residency in Ridgewood, Queens, NY.
ELIGIBILITY: Established/emerging artists and creative professionals in the fields of literary arts, design, music, and multi-disciplinary arts are encouraged to apply.
Please note that art forms that generate fumes (such as oil painting) cannot be accommodated. Also, with the exception of our piano residents who can use headphones, our space is best suited to less cacophonous artistic pursuits.
AWARD BENEFITS:
Access to the building from 9AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday for the duration of your Guest Residency.
Guest Residents will work in the communal Great Room, with library etiquette.
Open invite to weekly tea and cake gatherings, and occasional work shares and evening parties.
A supportive and engaged community of working creatives.
WORK SAMPLES + PERSONAL STATEMENT: Recent work samples and your personal statement should reflect your commitment to your work and clarify how the residency would benefit your work at this time. Please see our application for specific guidelines.
REFERENCES: Please provide the contact info of at least one professional and one personal reference (excluding family members or significant others).
If you are new to your field of interest and don’t have a professional reference to speak to your current creative pursuits, you are welcome to provide a reference from someone in another field who has worked directly with you.
RESIDENCY SESSION: September 30, 2025 — Jan 30, 2026
EVALUATION PROCESS: A rotating panel of arts professionals will review all applications with the intent of supporting both established and emerging artists. Panelists include novelists, filmmakers, performance artists, literary agents, film/theater producers.
Selection criteria includes originality, commitment to your proposed field of work, interest in community, and demonstrated need for a work space.
We have limited space for Guest Residents and encourage all applicants to reapply if they don’t get a spot in the upcoming session.
NOTIFICATION: All applicants will be notified at least two weeks in advance of the start of their requested residency session.
woodwardresidency.co/guestresidency
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MENTAL HEALTH SHORT FILM GRANT
Voices With Impact
DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:00am PT
INFO: The Voices With Impact Film Production Grant offers filmmakers $7.5k USD to filmmaking teams making transformative 5 minute films on the topic of mental health. Selected filmmakers are supported through the filmmaking process and connected with mentors from our rich network of industry professionals. Films are distributed for years to come through our educational programming in partnership with postsecondary institutions across North America.
THIS YEAR’S THEME:
For the 2026 Voices With Impact Film Grant we are looking for film proposals that explore...Coping, Connection, and Community
We’re looking for honest, intriguing, humanizing, authentic stories inspired by lived experience of mental health. We don’t need these stories to be heavy though, we love exploring the lightness of these topics too, and the joy that can be found! We welcome comedy, horror, animation, drama, experimental, documentary, romance, and westerns - hey even sci-fi and fantasy if our juror’s believe it’ll fit the budget.
To help spark ideas, here are just a few of the ways you might engage with the theme:
Small rituals of survival: personal strategies people use to stay grounded amid chaos—whether spiritual, absurd, or deeply practical
Intergenerational coping: how families pass down or disrupt harmful coping patterns
Art as a lifeline: how creativity, storytelling, music, or humor becomes a lifeline
Finding connection in unlikely places: online friendships, coworking spaces, support groups, shared grief, dog parks
Rebuilding connection after rupture: healing after estrangement, betrayal, or ideological conflict
The politics of empathy: how truly listening can change everything in a polarized world
Mutual aid and collective care: how people are caring for each other when systems fail
Spiritual or cultural communities as sites of healing or tension
IMPORTANT DATES:
Open Call for submissions globally: August 1 2025
Submission Window Closes: Sept 9 2025
Shortlist final interview: October 22-24 2025
Winners notified: October 30 2025
Production: November 2025-April 2026
Final Films delivered: April 20 2026
World Premiere: June 2026
The Voices With Impact Jury will be evaluating proposals using the following criteria:
Unique artistic and creative approach to telling the story
Accuracy of depictions of mental health issues, stemming from credible research sources and lived experiences
Consideration of filmmaking techniques and skill level
Identification/connection with the population within the subject matter and demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness around the topic
Degree to which the film has the potential reduce existing stigma
If the story could realistically be effective as a film that is five-minute or less
Filmmaker’s demonstrated ability to complete this project with a high level of professionalism
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PRINCETON ARTS FELLOWSHIPS
Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University
DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm EDT
INFO: Princeton Arts Fellowships will be awarded to artists whose achievements have been recognized as demonstrating extraordinary promise in any area of artistic practice and teaching. Applicants should be early career visual artists, filmmakers, poets, novelists, playwrights, designers, directors and performance artists—this list is not meant to be exhaustive—who would find it beneficial to spend two years teaching and working in an artistically vibrant university community.
Princeton Arts Fellows spend two consecutive academic years (September 1-July 1) at Princeton University and formal teaching is expected. The normal work assignment will be to teach one course each semester subject to approval by the Dean of the Faculty, but fellows may be asked to take on an artistic assignment in lieu of a class, such as directing a play or creating a dance with students. Although the teaching load is light, our expectation is that Fellows will be full and active members of our community, committed to frequent and engaged interactions with students during the academic year.
STIPEND: A $93,000 a year stipend is provided. Fellowships are not intended to fund work leading to an advanced degree. One need not be a U.S. citizen to apply. Holders of Ph.D. degrees from Princeton are not eligible to apply.
Past recipients of the Hodder Fellowship and individuals who have had a sustained and continuous relationship with Princeton University are not eligible to apply. Those who have had an occasional and sporadic relationship with Princeton may apply.
GUIDELINES: To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references (should the search committee choose to contact references, please do not request letters or have letters sent in advance of a request from the search committee), and work samples (i.e., a writing sample, images of your work, video links to performances, etc.). Please also submit a 750-word proposal that includes how you propose to use the fellowship to develop your work, what you might teach or pursue with undergraduates, and how you have approached community building in your artistic practice, teaching, and/or research.
arts.princeton.edu/fellowships/princeton-arts-fellowship/
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Call for application: 2026 Spring Summer Residency
MacDowell
DEADLINE: September 10, 2025
APPLICATION FEE: $30
INFO: MacDowell provides time, space, and an inspiring residential environment to artists of exceptional talent. A MacDowell Fellowship, or residency, consists of exclusive use of a studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for up to eight weeks. There are no residency fees, and MacDowell offers financial assistance to reimburse the costs of direct travel to and from the residency, as well as expenses that artists expect to incur while in residence, including rent, lost income, and childcare.
ELIGIBILITY: MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, which MacDowell defines in a pluralistic and inclusive way. MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice, and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns. To that end, MacDowell welcomes artists working in various stages of their artistic practice to apply. Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency season for which they are applying. Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework may apply.
MacDowell is committed to diversity and inclusion, and a more equitable arts and cultural sector. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MacDowell offers barrier-free access in its main buildings and some studios.
While there are no medical facilities or medical personnel on site at MacDowell, the Monadnock Community Hospital is located 3 miles away in Peterborough, NH. Additionally, there are several medical facilities (hospitals and urgent care centers) within a 30-60 minute driving radius. MacDowell welcomes artists of all abilities to apply; artists with questions or concerns about potential medical needs are encouraged to contact us prior to residency to discuss access needs.
WORK SAMPLES: Work samples supporting the proposed project and completed within the past four years are requested, unless otherwise noted. All work samples are uploaded and submitted through the online application. Applicants unable to submit new work for the panel to review should include a note of explanation. Those applicants whose proposed project does not fall clearly within an artistic discipline should contact the Admissions office to discuss which discipline would best fit the proposed work. For detailed work sample requirements for each artistic discipline, click here.
REFERENCES: The MacDowell admissions department has temporarily suspended the reference letter requirement as part of the application process as a result of direct feedback from artists who have said reference letters pose a barrier to applying. Not all artists have access to referrers, and this lack of access disproportionately effects women and BIPOC artists. While reference letters can serve a purpose in application reviews, it is not an equitable or fair assessment tool. This experiment is part of MacDowell’s effort to improve equity and access in its culture.
macdowell.org/apply/application-guidelines
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Call for films: Atlanta Film Festival
Atlanta Film Festival
DEADLINES / FEES:
Regular: September 12, 2025
Late: October 17, 2025
Extended: November 7, 2025
FEES: Fees are based on category and deadline. Please visit the website for more info
INFO: The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema. Our 11-day festival presents over 120 films from all over the world, representing 110+ countries, selected from over 6,000 submissions. Each year, 90%+ of ATLFF’s program is composed of submitted films. ATLFF actively strives to provide a diverse slate of programming with spotlights on filmmakers of color, LGBTQ+ films, women and gender non-conforming filmmakers, and filmmakers from the Georgia. For the 2024 festival, 49% of the program selected from submissions was directed by women and gender nonconforming directors and 59% by BIPOC directors, as well as 24% of selected films coming from Georgia filmmakers.
In addition, each year ATLFF seeks to program a variety of genres and film styles including (but not limited to): experimental films, music videos, comedies, horror and sci-fi, virtual reality, food films, and puppetry films.
ATLFF has been named a “Top 50 Festival Worth the Entry Fee” and one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker magazine, and has been recognized as a Best Film Festival by Creative Loafing, Sunday Paper, USA Today 10 Best, and Atlanta Magazine, as well as the Best Spring Festival by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
ATLFF’s continued exposure is in part thanks to growing distributor and press attention. Recent distributor attendance includes A24, Paramount, Netflix, Lionsgate, Focus Features, The Orchard/1091 Media, Magnolia, Bleecker Street, The Film Collaborative, Participant Media, Archer Gray, Kino Lorber, XLrator Media, CNN, HBO, Showtime, AMC, Sundance TV, Warner Media, NBC Universal, Filmstruck, Kickstarter, Seed & Spark, Vimeo, and MUBI.
Now in its eighth year, our Georgia Film Award has grown into two juried awards – Georgia Feature Award and Georgia Short Award to further celebrate and recognize the outstanding work of filmmakers in our community. Films made by Georgia-based directors and submitted to either feature film category or short category in Narrative, Documentary, or Animation will be eligible for consideration for the appropriate category upon inclusion in the festival. Georgia film submissions are also considered for non-Georgia competition categories as applicable.
Georgia filmmakers may submit with a discounted submission fee for projects that were both shot in Georgia and come from a director with a current Georgia address. Projects that meet both qualifications can submit at a discount. To obtain the discount code, applicants will need to email GA@atlantafilmfestival before submitting with the following information: the city the director resides in and where in GA the film was shot. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in the state and partially produced the film in Georgia.
AWARDS + PRIZES:
Over $100,000 in combined cash and prizes for have been given for awards in the following categories year to year:
The winners of Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and the Georgia Feature Award receive a rental credit from the Atlanta Film Society's own annual credit donated by the Plaza Theatre to perform a week-long Oscar Qualifying Theatrical run at the Plaza Theatre (up to a $6,500 value each).
Best Narrative Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)
Best Documentary Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)
Best Narrative Short ($750 cash prize)
Best Documentary Short ($750 cash prize)
Best Animated Short ($750 cash prize)
Best Cinematography ($90,000 value in camera and post rental/services)
Georgia Feature Award ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)
Georgia Short Award ($750 cash prize)
*Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change.
ACADEMY-QUALIFICATION: The winners of Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Animated Short all qualify for the following year’s Academy Awards in their respective categories.
ATLFF juries are composed of filmmakers, film critics, academics and industry figures. Recent jurors have included Academy Award-nominated filmmakers and representatives from The Los Angeles Times, Indiewire, TIME, Adult Swim, VICE, Vimeo, NPR, Film Independent, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Seed and Spark, Music Box, NEON, Oscilloscope Laboratories, IFC Films, Factory 25, MEMORY, and MUBI.
Films competing in juried categories are chosen solely at the discretion of the ATLFF programming team. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee placement in competition. Films are not programmed in or out of competition, as competition status is determined once the full program has been locked.
All officially selected features and short films will be eligible for our Audience Awards. In addition to the juried prizes listed above, ATLFF also awards prizes in a variety of non-juried categories. While they vary from year to year, recent non-juried prizes have included Programmer Awards, the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award, and the Southern Documentary Fund Award. All official selections that meet the guidelines of these non-juried competitions, in a year when they are being presented, will be eligible.
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VCCA RESIDENCIES AT MT. SAN ANGELO
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
APPLICATION FEE: $30
INFO: Residencies can be transformative to an artist’s process and the effect on an artist’s career profound. A residency at VCCA gives artists the time and space to explore and go deeper into their work. Away from the constraints of “the real world” and in an accepting environment of talented peers, one can dream and create with the feeling that anything is possible.
VCCA’s Mt. San Angelo location in Amherst, Virginia, typically hosts 360 artists each year in residencies of varying lengths (no minimum; up to six weeks) with flexible scheduling. A residency at Mt. San Angelo includes a private bedroom with private en-suite bath, a private individual studio, three prepared meals a day, and access to a community of more than 20 other artists in residence.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, VCCA is surrounded by natural wonders and hiking trails. Many local sites and additional inspiration can be found in short drives to Lynchburg (20 minutes), Charlottesville (1 hour), Roanoke (1.5 hours), or Richmond (2 hours).
FULLY FUNDED FELLOWSHIPS:
CHRISTINA CHIU AAPI WRITERS FELLOWSHIP
Who: Writers, with preference given to those who self-identify as part of the AAPI community
What: Two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)
GREATER OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIPS
Who: Artists in any discipline who have not previously been in residence at VCCA, with preference given to those who self-identify as people of color
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)
RICHARD S. AND JULIA LOUISE REYNOLDS POETRY FELLOWSHIP
Who: Poets
What: Three-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)
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2026 winter Residency
Monson Arts
DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
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 WINTER RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:
1/12 – 1/22 – 2 Week Residency
1/26 – 2/19 – Residency (With Abbott Watts Resident)
2/23 – 3/19 – Residency
monsonarts.org/residencies/overview/
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WRITERS’ ACCESS SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM
The Writers Guild Foundation
DEADLINE: September 16, 2025
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The mission of the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50, with the tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, resulting in meaningful employment opportunities.
These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job. Graduates of the program are added to an ongoing list of trained writers’ assistants and script coordinators (WA/SCs) that is made available to studios, networks and showrunners, in order to increase the pool of eligible hires.
By offering this opportunity to writers who are typically excluded from the writers’ room, we hope to increase representation among television writers, and capture stories from all corners of the human experience.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Founded in partnership with TV writers and producers Tanya Saracho (Vida), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time), and Liz Hsiao Lan Alper (Day of the Dead), the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative to support the full inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry.
Each 12-week course incorporates a variety of lessons tailored to the positions of a writers' assistant or script coordinator. Instructors have developed a comprehensive syllabus to cover the ins and outs of these positions.
By the end of the semester, participants will have working knowledge to integrate into a writers' room and crucial connections to access these opportunities.
SCHEDULE + CLASS STRUCTURE:
Classes are typically held on Thursday evenings between January and May. The precise schedule for each cohort is subject to change.
Approximately 16 to 18 applicants will be selected each cycle.
LOCATION:
Current sessions are hosted online via Zoom.
Optional in-person meetups and networking events will take place in Los Angeles.
Applicants residing in the Los Angeles area will receive priority during the admissions process. A maximum of 10% of the overall class will be reserved for participants who live outside the LA area.
ELIGIBILITY:
Please visit our application guidelines page for detailed information on eligibility and requirements to apply.
This program is designed to support the inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry. Writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply.
To qualify for this program, applicants must be:
At least 18 years of age.
Eligible to work in the U.S.
Able to demonstrate meaningful ongoing efforts to break in as a TV writer.
Interested in pursuing employment in a support staff role.
Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements.
Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors.
No professional writing experience is required. However, we do expect that all applicants are well-versed in the fundamentals of writing for the screen prior to their participation in the program. This program is not a writing fellowship; it is a professional training program that focuses specifically on support staff roles.
Applicants who have previously worked as a writers’ assistant or script coordinator are not eligible to apply. Former writers’ PAs and showrunner’s assistants are exempt from this rule.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
All applicants must be prepared to submit the following information and materials:
Summary of previous writing experience or education
Preferred genres and creative influences
Essay question responses
400-word personal statement
Professional resume
Applicants are restricted from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate written responses for any portion of their application or associated materials.
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Guggenheim Fellowship
The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
DEADLINE: September 16, 2025 by 11:59pm EDT
INFO: The Guggenheim Fellowship is an annual competition celebrating exceptional achievements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. It offers support to exceptional individuals in pursuit of scholarship in any field of knowledge and creation in any art form, under the freest possible conditions.
For a century, Guggenheim Fellowships have helped artists, writers, scholars, and scientists at the highest levels of achievement pursue the work they were meant to do. Since our founding, we have supported over 19,000 Fellows.
Our mandate is uniquely broad. We support Fellows in over 50 different fields, spanning the full range of creative arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, including several interdisciplinary areas.
The Guggenheim Fellowship supports individuals who have achieved notable success in their careers across the creative arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. It is designed for mid-career professionals whose work is well-established. Potential Fellows have already made significant contributions to their field and are eager for time and resources that will allow them to further their meaningful work.
While many applicants are affiliated with an academic institution or university, independent scholars, writers, and artists are eligible to apply.
A Guggenheim Fellowship term may last from six months to one year, although the proposed project does not need to be completed within that period
We do not require academics to be on sabbatical leave or free from administrative or teaching duties during the Fellowship period, but it’s fine if they are. Also, we do not commit to replacing full salaries or guaranteeing specific costs. The award funds can generally be used for any purpose related to the pursuit of the Fellow’s project – living expenses, materials, travel, equipment, etc.
FELLOWSHIPS IN THE CREATIVE ARTS:
Guggenheim Fellowships in the creative arts have fueled projects in writing, the visual arts, dance, and music.
Our first Fellowship class included 24-year-old Aaron Copland, the “dean of American composers.” Every year since then, we have celebrated the work and vision of numerous artists. We supported Zora Neale Hurston as she wrote “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and Robert Frank as he photographed what would become “The Americans.” We have contributed to the careers of poet laureates, National Book Award honorees, and Pulitzer Prize winners; artists exhibited in The Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and renowned galleries; filmmakers who have won Oscars and revolutionized documentaries; dancers who have established entirely new ways of moving; and composers who have written their own rules for new music.
We are proud to support creativity in all forms, without constraint.
APPLICANT CRITERIA:
All applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada at the time of application.
Individuals who have already received a Guggenheim Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.
Guggenheim Fellowships are not open to students (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
Our awards are intended for individuals only; they are not available to organizations, institutions, or groups.
PROJECT CRITERIA:
The Foundation accepts applications from individuals proposing scholarly or creative projects in the creative arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and a range of interdisciplinary fields.
Please note the following exceptions:
Guggenheim Fellowships are not available for the creation of residencies, curriculum development, or any type of educational program, nor are they available to support the development of websites or blogs.
Anthology, oral history, e-book, or textbook projects are not supported by our awards.
We regret that our awards are not available to support the writing of literature for children or young readers, or support any other type of work (e.g., films, plays, etc.) intended for young audiences.
Published writing not regarded as appropriate for our competition includes self-published works, publications for which the author has paid, and publications by publishers who do not engage in a process of critical review of submitted work. In addition, genre work (e.g., mysteries, romance, fantasy, etc.) is not within our scope.
We also accept applications for collaborative projects from two individuals who are working together on the same project, i.e., joint applications. If you would like more information about applying jointly, please contact us at competition@gf.org.
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OPEN CALL: Firelight Fund
Firelight Media
DEADLINE: September 18, 2025
INFO: As Firelight Media celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, we launch the Firelight Fund to meet this urgent moment. The Fund supports Black, Brown, and Indigenous stories from development through distribution, with a focus on those who are telling urgent stories and using their craft to advance social justice.
The Firelight Fund is more than a grant – it's a statement of our deep belief in the power and importance of documentary film, art, and culture – especially when these forms of expression are under attack. The Fund works to strengthen the infrastructure for Black, Brown, and Indigenous documentary filmmakers. Despite uncertainties surrounding documentary funding and distribution, we believe these challenges should not hinder new work; rather, they should inspire artistic growth and new forms of solidarity.
GUIDELINES: The Firelight Fund will prioritize filmmakers from communities disproportionately impacted by today’s political and social crises, with attention to those from Black, Brown and Indigenous communities – especially those targeted due to their gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic and immigration status, geographic location, and/or disability.
Initial grant sizes will range up to $50,000 per project, and the inaugural grant cycle will kick off in the fall of 2025.
Open to short documentaries at any stage and feature-length documentaries at production, post-production, or distribution and impact stages.
Open to directors (including co-directors) who primarily reside in the U.S. or its territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands).
Priority given to projects and filmmakers that fit the selection criteria and demonstrate a commitment to Firelight Media’s mission, vision, and values.
Priority given to applicants whose grant activity timeline is both urgent and feasible, and who can clearly articulate how the grant will advance their project.
SELECTION PROCESS:
We anticipate making the initial grant disbursements in the fall of 2025.
Applications are evaluated based on:
Relevance & Urgency: Timely, community-driven stories
Artistic Vision: Bold, original, and creative storytelling
Impact Potential: Ability to inspire awareness, action, and systemic change
Community Connection: Deep, authentic relationships with the participants or communities represented
Feasibility: Realistic scope, timeline, and budget
firelightmedia.tv/programs/firelight-fund
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STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive
National Association of Latino Independent Producers / NewFilmmakers LA / STARZ
DEADLINE: September 18, 2025 by 11:00am PT
INFO: NALIP and NFMLA are excited to collaborate once again with STARZ for the fourth season of the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive—an empowering program aimed at nurturing new voices in television. This initiative provides emerging writers the opportunity to refine their skills and develop original spec scripts with hands-on guidance from top-tier mentors, executives, and experienced writers.
In 2025, four writers will be selected to participate in both phases of the program. In Phase 1, participants will connect with 15 industry professionals from a diverse range of TV backgrounds while crafting a spec episode treatment. In Phase 2, each writer will be paired with a mentor to write a full spec episode script based on an existing STARZ series.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Selected participants must be available for the duration of the following dates:
Phase One:
October 6th, 2025 - October 10th, 2025
1 Week, 32 hours total (Mon - Fri)
A one-week intensive featuring meetings & sessions with industry creatives and professionals
Participants receive feedback & support to develop an episode treatment
The program culminates with a STARZ jury reading treatments
Phase Two:
October 13th, 2025 - October 24th, 2025
2 Weeks, 8 Hours/Week
Meetings with STARZ executives to hone spec script
Feedback from STARZ mentors to refine spec script
Final review and final set of notes for spec script
Presentation of spec script
BENEFITS:
A $5,000 USD grant will be awarded to writers selected for the program
An opportunity to connect with industry professionals and creatives.
An opportunity to obtain feedback on your spec episode script from leading executives
Finalists will be provided a Stage 32 Scholarship and given one-year of unlimited access to over 3,000 hours of training taught by Stage 32 educators
APPLICATION/APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
Must be the credited sole writer with at least one fully completed short or feature narrative film, which has been accepted into a film festival, OR have a story department-related credit (e.g., writer's assistant, staff writer, showrunner's assistant, script coordinator) on an episodic project
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and legally authorized work, and participate in the Intensive in the United States
Must accept and agree to program rules, terms & conditions, and sign the program release
Must be available for all program dates outlined above
APPLICATION/APPLICANT MATERIALS:
All submission materials must be in English. If the project is in another language, please include a written English translation
The first ten pages of an original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script
A treatment of the original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script submitted
A resume (no more than one page)
A writer's statement (no more than one page) detailing what inspired you to apply to this program and your professional goals
A bio of the writer, including any relevant projects, awards, accolades, festival recognitions, etc
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Reel Sisters MicroBudget Film Fellowship
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival + Lecture Series
DEADLINES / FEE: September 30, 2025 / $30
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 have one year to complete your short film project.
You will receive $5,000 to produce a short film or the first episode of your web series, which you can use as a calling card to attract a producer and other film opportunities. You will be guided on your journey in learning the art of creating a high-quality micro budget short film. Story is Queen.
Be prepared to begin production and shooting of your web series project shortly after you are selected as a Reel Sisters Fellow! You will have a year to complete your film project (June 2026).
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.
AWARDS + PRIZES:
$5,000 to create your short film, pilot episode or web seres project
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.
Scholarship & Mentorship opportunity with Reel Sisters Scriptwriting Essential: The Art of Writing Strong Female Characters™
Opportunity to Showcase Your Project on Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema online series
Announced as the Winner on Reel Sisters & African Voices websites. A feature will also be published in African Voices magazine.
RULES + TERMS:
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, Arab and Native American Descent. Please include your ethnicity in the application to confirm your eligibility. We encourage writing teams to apply. You must be located within the U.S. , Puerto Rico or Caribbean Islands.
REEL SISTERS APPLICATION GUIDELINES: Your application must include the following information to be complete. Thank you for submitting your short screenplay project in consideration for our Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship! Please upload the following application information with your script.
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 short screenplay project 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.
SHORT 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 micro budget 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.
filmfreeway.com/ReelSistersMicroBudgetFilmFellowship
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2026 RESIDENCIES
Vermont Studio Center
DEADLINE: September 30, 2025 by 11:59pm EST
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Vermont Studio Center invites applications for 2026. Nestled in the Green Mountains, VSC hosts an inclusive, global community of artists and writers. Enjoy private studios and lodging, fresh - local meals, and a vibrant Visiting Artists & Writers Program.
VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.
Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.
A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.
PROGRAMMING
During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
VSC is committed to community building both locally and on campus. Every resident has the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program for 3 hours per week, by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, School Arts Program, Visual Arts, and the Writing Program. No prior experience is necessary.
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2025 John Lewis Writing Grants
Georgia Writers Association
DEADLINE: October 10, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET
SUBMISSION FEE: $0
INFO: The Georgia Writers Association's John Lewis Writing Grants are inspired by the late civil rights icon and his more than three decades of service as Georgia’s 5th District representative. The John Lewis Writing Grants will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screen/playwriting.
The purpose of the John Lewis Writing Grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of promising Black writers in Georgia. Applicants must be emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win the John Lewis Grant one time.
GRANT: The winning recipients will receive $500, and an invitation to read from their work at the next Red Clay Writers Conference.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Applicants are ineligible if they have published more than one traditionally published book. Promising writers without publication will be considered. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win a grant once. There is no submission fee to enter. Applicants are ineligible if they are of relations to any of the Georgia Writers staff or board of directors.
GUIDELINES:
Writers may apply in only one genre and must submit the following:
A completed grant application
An artist statement of 500 words (max.) as a concise description of your work and goals as a writer. Tell us what inspires your writing career, and how your work engages (directly or indirectly) with the legacy of John Lewis.
A writing sample of 10 pages (max.) of a published or unpublished piece in the genre in which you are applying: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or screen/playwriting. If submitting poetry, one poem per page please.
*Do not include your name or any identifying information in the writing sample.
georgiawritersassociation.submittable.com/submit/333082/2025-john-lewis-writing-grants