Entries open for the Documentary Film Program

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) Documentary Film Program provides financial support to creative documentary filmmakers from the Arab region and diaspora. The program funds documentary projects across development, production, and post-production stages, prioritizing strong storytelling, artistic quality, and realistic production planning.

AFAC Documentary Film Program Overview

The AFAC Documentary Film Program is an annual grant initiative designed to support independent documentary filmmaking in and about the Arab region. It focuses on nurturing creative, high-quality documentary films that reflect diverse narratives, social realities, and artistic approaches.

The program supports feature-length, medium-length, and short documentary films at various stages of production.

Types of Documentary Projects Supported

AFAC funds documentary projects at specific stages depending on film length:

Feature-length documentaries in development, production, or post-production
Short and medium-length documentaries in production and post-production

Projects are expected to demonstrate artistic merit, clear storytelling vision, and feasible production strategies.

Grant Amounts and Funding Limits

Funding amounts vary based on project type and phase:

Development: up to USD 10,000
Feature-length documentary production: up to USD 50,000
Short and medium-length documentary production: up to USD 20,000
Feature-length post-production: up to USD 25,000
Short and medium-length post-production: up to USD 10,000

Grant amounts are awarded annually and depend on project scope and evaluation outcomes.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The program is open to a wide range of filmmakers connected to the Arab region.

Eligible applicants include:

Arab directors and producers living in the Arab region or in the diaspora
Non-Arab producers applying with an Arab director
Filmmakers of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, and experience levels

Projects applying for production or post-production funding are strongly encouraged to have a producer attached.

Application Limits Per Cycle

To ensure fair access:

Producers may submit up to two projects per category per cycle
Submitted projects must not be linked to the same director
Each applicant may submit only one application per open call

Who Is Not Eligible

The following applicants and projects are not eligible:

AFAC board members, staff, jurors, readers, and their business partners or family members
Applicants with an open AFAC grant
Directors who already hold an open AFAC grant
Recipients who received grants in two consecutive years, within the restricted timeframe
Producers with two open grants who have not completed at least one project
Projects that have already received two AFAC grants
Completed projects or expenses incurred before grant agreement signing

These rules ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.

What the Grant Covers

AFAC Documentary Film grants support essential project-related costs, including:

Research and development
Production and post-production expenses
Equipment, materials, and space rental
Artistic and technical labor fees

Director and producer fees are allowed up to a maximum of 30 percent of the total grant amount.

Travel and Expense Rules

Travel expenses may be covered when they are directly related to the project’s research or implementation. AFAC does not provide mobility grants. Retroactive funding for completed projects or prior expenses is not permitted.

Open Call Structure and Timeline

AFAC launches two open calls each year:

First open call: Creative and Critical Writings, Documentary Film, Performing Arts, Visual Arts
Second open call: Cinema, Music, Documentary Photography, Training, Regional Events

Applicants may submit only one application per open call cycle.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through AFAC’s official online application platform.

Application process:

Complete the online application form
Upload all required supporting materials
Submit before the official deadline
Receive an automatic confirmation email upon successful submission

Applications sent by email or postal mail are not accepted. Incomplete submissions are automatically disqualified.

How Applications Are Evaluated

AFAC follows a multi-stage evaluation process:

Initial eligibility and completeness review by the grants management team
Artistic and feasibility assessment by independent readers
Final selection by an independent jury committee

Selected projects are announced on AFAC’s website and social media channels. All applicants are notified by email before the public announcement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting incomplete applications or missing supporting materials
Applying with an open or recently completed AFAC grant
Requesting funding for completed projects
Exceeding application limits per cycle
Ignoring eligibility and conflict-of-interest rules

Careful preparation significantly improves application success.

Why This Program Matters

The AFAC Documentary Film Program plays a vital role in:

Supporting independent documentary voices from the Arab region
Encouraging diverse, underrepresented narratives
Strengthening documentary filmmaking infrastructure
Enabling filmmakers to reach international audiences

It contributes to cultural dialogue, social reflection, and artistic freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the AFAC Documentary Film Program?

Arab directors and producers worldwide, and non-Arab producers working with Arab directors, are eligible to apply.

What types of documentaries are supported?

Feature-length, medium-length, and short documentary films at development, production, and post-production stages.

Is a producer required for all applications?

A producer is strongly encouraged for production and post-production applications but not mandatory for development.

Does AFAC fund completed documentary films?

No. Completed projects and retroactive expenses are not eligible for funding.

How many applications can one producer submit?

Producers may submit up to two projects per category per cycle, provided they involve different directors.

How are applications selected?

Projects are reviewed by independent readers and a jury based on artistic quality, storytelling strength, and feasibility.

When will applicants be informed of results?

Applicants are notified by email before selected projects are publicly announced.

Conclusion

The AFAC Documentary Film Program provides essential funding and institutional support for documentary filmmakers telling powerful stories from the Arab region. By supporting projects across all key production stages, the program strengthens creative documentary cinema and amplifies authentic voices on a global stage.