Mountainfilm: Commitment Grants & Fellowships Open Through 7/31!

05 Jul Mountainfilm: Commitment Grants & Fellowships Open Through 7/31!

Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers to tell stories that support its mission to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Mountainfilm’s Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship initiatives are two ways the nonprofit does just that.

Mountainfilm will accept applications for both programs from July 1–31, 2020. Applications must be completed in full, including a video sample or trailer of your current project (no longer than 10 minutes). Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Notifications will be sent in mid-September. Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera.

Commitment Grant Applications

Mountainfilm’s Commitment Grant (application here) is focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in production or post-production stages. The nonprofit seeks non-fiction stories celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit. We welcome applicants from any country.

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the organization, funding for 2020 grants has been reduced to a total of $13,000 to be dispersed in grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. As a result, this year’s Commitment Grants will only be open to Mountainfilm alumni whose films have screened at the festival in Telluride.

The 2020 Commitment Grant program was made possible by everyone who participated in our e-bike raffle. Mountainfilm is so grateful for your support which allows it to continue to support filmmakers whose work is foundational to the festival.

If you are an early career filmmaker, please consider applying for the Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship (see below).

Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship Applications

In an effort to give early-career filmmakers much-needed support, Mountainfilm launched the Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship in 2018. (Apply here.)

The fellowship provides one filmmaker with a year-long mentorship, including edit and story consultation, networking opportunities and a $2,000 cash award. In addition, the fellowship includes a trip to Telluride during the festival over Memorial Day weekend, covering travel, lodging and a Mountainfilm pass ($3,000 value).

The fellowship is focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in production or post-production on their first or second documentary.

Applicants from any country are accepted, however, you must be currently residing in the United States.

This program is supported by Elizabeth & Allen Cutler:

“There is always a need for new voices and perspectives in the world of documentary film,” said the Cutlers, “as it can have a real impact on shaping the perception and understanding of the world in which we live.”