National Endowment for the Humanities announces documentary film grant opportunity

The National Endowment for the Humanities' Bridging Cultures Through Film: International Topics program supports projects that examine international and transnational themes in the humanities through documentary films.

The program seeks to support film projects designed to spark Americans' engagement with the broader world by exploring one or more countries and cultures outside the United States. Proposed documentaries must be analytical and deeply grounded in humanities scholarship. The program encourages the exploration of innovative nonfiction storytelling that presents multiple points of view in creative formats. The proposed film must range in length from a stand-alone broadcast hour to a feature-length documentary.

Projects are should demonstrate international collaboration by enlisting scholars based both in the U.S. and abroad, and/or by working with an international media team.

Two levels of support are available — development and production. Filmmakers can apply for either development or production funding but not for both simultaneously.

Development funds support filmmakers for a wide range of activities that include but are not limited to collaboration with scholars to develop humanities content, research, preliminary interviews, travel, and the creation of partnerships for outreach activities (public engagement with the humanities). Applicants must have obtained the commitment of humanities scholars to serve as advisers to the project prior to applying for a development grant.

Production funds support filmmakers in various stages of production and post-production. Applicants must submit a script for a production grant. This script should demonstrate a solid command of humanities ideas and scholarship related to the subject matter. Applicants must have consulted with appropriate humanities scholars about the project and must have obtained their commitment to advise the project.

Awards are for one to three years and for up to $75,000 (for development) and up to $800,000 (for production). Successful applicants will be awarded a grant in outright funds, matching funds, or a combination of the two.

Any U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is eligible, as are state and local governmental agencies. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Independent producers who wish to apply must seek an eligible organization to sponsor the project and submit the application.

More information can be found here.