Applications are now open for the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, which supports the work of nonfiction filmmakers from around the globe. 

In a changing media landscape, the fund has been a stable, progressive force in supporting work that has expressed the world in creative, complex, beautiful, and provocative ways, and has created real cultural and social impact around some of the most pressing issues of our time.

The Documentary Fund offers (non-recoupable) support for nonfiction projects that continue to elevate and advance cultural dialogue and break new ground in creativity and innovation. In its ongoing search for artists and projects to support, the Documentary Fund is seeking filmmakers with a distinct voice and vision, and a meaningful connection to the work they create.

The fund is especially keen to raise the voices of underserved or underrepresented communities from around the world in the service of building a more fair, free, and open society.

The deadline for the Documentary Fund is Monday, July 15, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Filmmakers who submit applications by then will be notified regarding the status of their application in early 2025.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritises support for independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1 million in U.S. dollars. 

Creative and editorial control must be held by members of the films’ key creative teams.

Through the fund, the program will continue to uplift productions led by artists from communities that have been traditionally marginalised (e.g., artists who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities), unearthing historically underrepresented narratives, and remains committed to elevating voices beyond our borders, celebrating the rich diversity of filmmaking traditions around the world. Current international priorities are artists living and working in regions that lack a robust infrastructure of support for independent film, regions of conflict, and countries where freedom of expression is under threat. Awards are made regardless of citizenship status.

Applicants may submit at any production phase from development through post-production. All proposals must convey some vision for a finished film. Projects should have secured characters or subjects, be able to articulate a story or structure, and be able to explain the project’s driving central question. The fund welcomes applications with aesthetic and storytelling traditions from all over the world and are not bound to specific themes or issues. Hybrid and experimental documentaries are eligible to apply. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information on selection criteria and priorities. 

WHAT WILL I NEED IN ORDER TO APPLY?

Written proposal

– Proposal Checklist

– Line-item budget (sample budget: Excel)

Visual samples

– Completed previous directing sample, any length or genre (optional)

– Current sample required for production and post-production applications. See Proposal Checklist for length suggestions.

HOW DO I START MY APPLICATION?

1. Go to apply.sundance.org and register for an account, or log in with an existing account.
2. Log in and select “2024 Documentary Fund Grant Application.”
3. Click “Apply.”
4. Get started!