SUNDANCE DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAM MANDATE
The Documentary Film Program (DFP) supports U.S. and international feature documentary filmmakers who use engaging, nonfiction storytelling to convey current human rights issues, freedom of expression, social justice, civil liberties, and other contemporary issues.
The Documentary Film Fund is a core element of the Sundance Documentary Film Program, making over $1.5 million in grant awards annually. As of 2007, the Fund has provided 432 grants to projects from 54 countries. In supporting such work, the Sundance Documentary Fund promotes the diverse exchange of ideas by artists and audiences. The Documentary Film Fund awards grants to projects that excel in storytelling approach, stylistic innovation, subject relevance and potential for social engagement.
FUNDING CATEGORIES
Applications are accepted in two funding categories: Research/Development or Production/Post-Production.
- Development funding is provided to projects that are between the early research phase through pre-production. Grant amounts for this category are up to $20,000. No reel required with application, but a previous sample work is required.
- Production/Post-Production grants provide funds to filmmakers in various stages of the production and post-production stages. Applications should include at least 20 minutes of continuously edited materials for the project being proposed. Longer cuts and fine cuts can be submitted if available, as well as 1 previous sample work. The reel should convey the narrative and aesthetic vision for the final film.
If you have already received a grant from the Documentary Fund there is an additional category for which you can apply for the same project, “Audience Engagement,” which supports innovative outreach and engagement campaigns.
HOW TO APPLY
The Fund has two deadlines annually, generally in January and June. The next deadline is JULY 7, 2008 for both development and production proposals. Proposals may be submitted anytime in advance of the deadline. Decisions may take up to six months. Please see www.sundance.org/documentary for application guidelines.
The Fund is very competitive, generally receiving between 600 and 800 applications per year and making nearly 50 awards annually. A panel of film professionals and human rights experts conduct a review of each docket, and make recommendations based on their insight and expertise.
If you receive a grant from the Sundance Documentary Fund you gain access to high level, value added offerings of services and support available by invitation only. Through year-round support activities, the Sundance Documentary Program provides a continuum of support through the life of a project, from research to production and post-production, through to distribution and audience engagement. These activities include the Documentary Composers Laboratory and the Documentary Edit and Story Laboratory, panel programming at the Filmmakers Lodge at the Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Independent Producers Conference, and a variety of collaborative international documentary initiatives. These support activities are designed to advance storytelling technique, provide professional development opportunities, and develop the documentary film field internationally.
Please visit www.sundance.org/documentary to apply.
