Stories of Change: Social Entrepreneurship in Focus Through Documentary

Jun 20, 2008 Cara Mertes

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STORIES OF CHANGE:
Social Entrepreneurship in Focus Through Documentary

Request for Proposals: OPEN NOW
Deadline for Submissions: August 15, 2008
Awards announced: December, 2008

The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, in partnership with the Skoll Foundation, will provide $1.2 million in film project grants through a one-time only RFP (Request for Proposals) to enable the development and/or production of new feature-length independent documentary films that frame, examine and amplify social entrepreneurship as an innovative approach to the central questions of our time. The initiative anticipates funding up to 8 films in the range of $30,000-$150,000 per project. Editorial control must be retained by the filmmaker/s.

Documentary films that combine the art of storytelling with topics in social entrepreneurship and the work of social entrepreneurs, and which have a high potential for co-production and for a full distribution plan, including theatrical, broadcast and DVD distribution, will be given priority. Films can be at any stage of development, production or post-production to apply. Completed films will not be considered.

How do I find Social Entrepreneurs?
Peruse Skoll Social Entrepreneurs
Or visit the online discussion on the Social Edge website.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION GUIDELINES
The Request for Proposals is for films about social entrepreneurship including the work of a specific social entrepreneur. Rather than a visual report of the entrepreneur’s biography and past successes, the most competitive films will ideally allow viewers to learn about the social entrepreneur in an intimate and authentic way, to learn with candor about the challenges and obstacles facing his or her vision, and to follow first hand as they attempt to achieve their mission.

Proposals for documentary films are evaluated on effective storytelling, broad relevance and resonance, originality, artist vision and potential for social engagement. Generally speaking, Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program is synonymous with films that are artist driven with superlative storytelling. Filmmaker’s with demonstrated experience completing cinematic nonfiction films working in collaboration with leading social entrepreneurs will likely be most competitive. Proposals must be filmmaker driven.

Eligibility Summary:

  • Feature Length (60+)
  • Independent (filmmaker retains editorial control– no commissioned content)
  • New film or work in progress (films at completion or an online are NOT eligible)
  • Artist Driven (Filmmakers with aesthetic and narrative vision, experience and commitment)

    •  Desirability Summary:

  • Cinematic (artful use of film language, as opposed to studio or location interviews)
  • Effective Storytelling (clear beginning, middle and end to character or community journey)
  • Originality (under-told story or under-explored thesis, unique approach to the material, etc.)
  • Compelling (engaging characters handled with intimacy, candor, humanity, humor, courage)
  • Urgent (high stakes mission for broad constituents, timeliness but not “current affairs”)
  • Global Relevance and Resonance (outcomes matter concretely to more people, communities and countries than are seen onscreen) 

    • To apply, peruse frequentlyaskedquestions.pdfand the resource-guide-on-social-entrepreneurship.pdf compiled to support your proposal. Then, head directly to our online application to submit your proposal.