Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The Feature Film Grant Program supports eligible filmmakers working on feature-length narrative, documentary, experimental and essay films. Funding is available across development, production and post-production stages, with grants of up to USD 100,000 depending on the film format and stage.
Eligible feature film projects must be at least 65 minutes long and must not premiere before the selection process is completed. The programme primarily supports first- and second-time filmmakers, while established MENA directors with two or more feature films may apply only for post-production funding.
What is the Feature Film Grant Program?
The Feature Film Grant Program is a film funding opportunity designed to help filmmakers develop, produce and complete feature-length projects.
The programme supports creative storytelling across multiple formats, including:
- Narrative feature films
- Documentary feature films
- Experimental films
- Essay films
It also forms part of a broader grant framework that supports short films, feature-length films, TV series and web series, subject to eligibility criteria.
Main Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of the Feature Film Grant Program is to help filmmakers bring original creative visions to life.
The programme supports projects at key stages of production by providing financial assistance for development, production or post-production.
It aims to encourage high-quality cinema and creative storytelling, particularly from filmmakers connected to the MENA region.
Supported Film Formats
The programme supports feature-length films in several formats.
Eligible feature film formats include:
- Narrative films
- Documentary films
- Experimental films
- Essay films
The programme does not restrict creative style, but each project must meet the eligibility rules related to length, production stage, director profile, budget and premiere status.
Feature Film Length Requirement
Eligible feature film projects must be at least 65 minutes in length.
Projects shorter than 65 minutes may not qualify under the feature film category.
Applicants should ensure that the expected final running time clearly meets the feature-length requirement.
Supported Production Stages
The Feature Film Grant Program supports projects at three main stages.
Development
Development support is for projects in the early creative and planning stage.
This may include writing, research, script development, treatment development, visual materials, budgeting and production planning.
Production
Production support is for projects preparing to shoot or actively entering the filming stage.
This may include principal photography, production logistics, crew, locations, equipment and other production-related costs.
Post-Production
Post-production support is for projects that have already been filmed and need support to complete the final version.
This may include editing, sound design, music, colour grading, subtitles, visual effects and final mastering.
Funding Amount
Funding depends on the film format and production stage.
Narrative Feature Films
Narrative projects may receive:
- Up to USD 20,000 for development
- Up to USD 100,000 for production
- Up to USD 75,000 for post-production
Documentary Feature Films
Documentary projects may receive:
- Up to USD 15,000 for development
- Up to USD 75,000 for production
- Up to USD 50,000 for post-production
Experimental and Essay Films
Experimental and essay films may receive:
- Up to USD 10,000 for development
- Up to USD 30,000 for production
- Up to USD 30,000 for post-production
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is based mainly on the project format, stage and director profile.
Eligible applicants should be working on a feature film that:
- Is at least 65 minutes long
- Is narrative, documentary, experimental or essay-based
- Is in development, production or post-production
- Has not premiered before selection is completed
- Meets the director eligibility requirements
- Meets the producer attachment requirements where applicable
- Does not exceed the maximum eligible budget threshold
Director Eligibility Requirements
The director must have directed at least one short film.
The programme is mainly intended for first- or second-time feature filmmakers.
This means the director should generally be making their first or second feature-length film.
Co-directors are also subject to the same eligibility requirements.
If one co-director does not meet the eligibility rules, the project may become ineligible.
Eligibility for Established MENA Directors
Established MENA directors with two or more feature films are eligible only for post-production funding.
They are not eligible for development or production support under this programme.
This rule allows experienced directors to seek support for completing a feature film while keeping development and production support focused on emerging filmmakers.
Producer Requirement
For development and production stages, a producer other than the director must be attached to the project.
For documentary projects across all stages, a non-director producer is recommended.
This requirement helps ensure that projects have professional production support and are not managed solely by the director.
Budget Eligibility
Projects with development or production budgets exceeding USD 2.2 million are not eligible.
Applicants should ensure that their budget remains within the eligible threshold before applying.
This rule applies to development and production budget levels and helps target support toward independent and emerging film projects.
Premiere Rule
Projects that have already premiered before the selection process is completed are not eligible.
Applicants should avoid screening, releasing or publicly premiering the film before the programme finalizes its selection.
This rule is especially important for projects applying at the post-production stage.
One Application Per Director Rule
A director may be attached to only one application per cycle.
If a director is attached to more than one application in the same cycle, all submissions involving that director will be excluded.
This rule also applies to co-directed projects.
Resubmission Rules
Projects may apply a maximum of two times per production stage if eligible.
Applicants must follow the programme’s stage-specific resubmission rules.
Key rules include:
- A project may apply up to two times per eligible production stage.
- Projects funded at development stage may only reapply for post-production consideration.
- Projects funded at production stage are not eligible for post-production support.
- Resubmissions must include a detailed note explaining changes made since the previous application.
Key Concepts Explained
Feature Film
A feature film is a long-form film project. Under this programme, the project must be at least 65 minutes long.
Narrative Film
A narrative film is a fictional story told through characters, plot, dialogue and cinematic structure.
Documentary Film
A documentary film presents real people, events, places or issues through factual or creative nonfiction storytelling.
Experimental Film
An experimental film uses unconventional visual, sound, narrative or structural approaches. It may challenge traditional film language or form.
Essay Film
An essay film explores an idea, argument, personal reflection or social theme through cinematic storytelling. It may combine documentary, narration, archive, imagery and analysis.
Post-Production
Post-production is the final stage of film completion. It includes editing, sound, music, subtitles, colour correction, visual effects and final delivery preparation.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The programme supports feature-length projects with strong creative vision and clear production potential.
Supported projects may include:
- First feature films by emerging directors
- Second feature films by emerging directors
- Feature documentaries
- Fiction feature films
- Experimental feature-length projects
- Essay films with a clear cinematic approach
- MENA-directed projects seeking post-production support
- Projects at development, production or post-production stage
What Projects Are Not Eligible?
Projects may be ineligible if they do not meet the core requirements.
Ineligible projects include:
- Feature films shorter than 65 minutes
- Projects that have premiered before selection is completed
- Projects with development or production budgets above USD 2.2 million
- Development or production projects without a producer other than the director
- Projects directed by filmmakers who do not meet the eligibility rules
- Projects where co-directors do not meet eligibility requirements
- Projects involving a director attached to more than one application in the same cycle
- Projects funded at production stage seeking post-production support
- Resubmissions without a detailed note explaining project changes
How the Programme Works
The programme provides funding based on the film’s format and current stage.
Applicants must identify:
- The film format
- The production stage
- The director’s eligibility status
- The budget level
- Whether the project has premiered
- Whether the correct producer structure is attached
The requested grant amount must match the eligible funding category.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a complete application that clearly shows the project’s eligibility, creative strength and production readiness.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm that the project is a feature film of at least 65 minutes.
- Identify the format: narrative, documentary, experimental or essay film.
- Select the correct stage: development, production or post-production.
- Confirm that the project has not premiered before selection.
- Check the director’s eligibility as a first- or second-time filmmaker.
- For established MENA directors, apply only for post-production support.
- Ensure that all co-directors meet the same eligibility conditions.
- Attach a producer other than the director for development and production stages.
- For documentary projects, attach a non-director producer where possible.
- Confirm that the development or production budget does not exceed USD 2.2 million.
- Make sure the director is attached to only one application in the cycle.
- If resubmitting, include a detailed note explaining changes since the previous application.
- Submit the application according to the official programme guidelines.
Why It Matters
The Feature Film Grant Program supports filmmakers at critical stages of the creative process.
Feature films often require significant time, planning, financing and professional collaboration. This grant helps filmmakers move projects forward when they need support for writing, shooting or completing the final film.
By supporting narrative, documentary, experimental and essay formats, the programme encourages diverse forms of cinematic expression.
It also helps emerging filmmakers build careers and contributes to the growth of independent cinema connected to the MENA region.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should show a clear creative vision and a realistic plan for completing the project.
Applicants should focus on:
- A strong story or artistic concept
- Clear director’s vision
- Evidence of previous short film experience
- Realistic budget and timeline
- Strong producer attachment
- Clear production stage
- Proof that the film has not premiered
- Strong explanation of why funding is needed
- Clear progress update for resubmissions
- Strong post-production plan if applying at completion stage
The application should clearly match the funding strand and avoid confusion between development, production and post-production needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility rules before applying.
Common mistakes include:
- Applying with a film under 65 minutes
- Applying after the film has already premiered
- Submitting a project with a budget above USD 2.2 million
- Applying without a producer when one is required
- Listing the director as the only producer for development or production
- Applying as an established director for development or production when only post-production is allowed
- Attaching the same director to more than one application
- Including a co-director who does not meet eligibility rules
- Resubmitting without explaining what changed
- Applying for post-production after receiving production funding
FAQ
What is the Feature Film Grant Program?
The Feature Film Grant Program is a funding opportunity for filmmakers working on feature-length narrative, documentary, experimental or essay films.
What is the minimum length for eligible feature films?
Eligible feature film projects must be at least 65 minutes long.
What production stages are supported?
The programme supports development, production and post-production stages.
How much funding is available for narrative feature films?
Narrative feature films may receive up to USD 20,000 for development, up to USD 100,000 for production and up to USD 75,000 for post-production.
How much funding is available for documentary feature films?
Documentary feature films may receive up to USD 15,000 for development, up to USD 75,000 for production and up to USD 50,000 for post-production.
Can established MENA directors apply?
Yes, but established MENA directors with two or more feature films are eligible only for post-production funding.
Can a director submit more than one application?
No. A director may be attached to only one application per cycle. If this rule is violated, all submissions involving that director will be excluded.
Conclusion
The Feature Film Grant Program provides important support for filmmakers developing, producing or completing feature-length films. With funding available for narrative, documentary, experimental and essay projects, the programme helps filmmakers advance creative work across multiple cinematic forms.
Applicants should ensure that their projects meet all eligibility rules before applying. Strong applications will present a clear creative vision, an eligible director profile, a realistic production structure and a funding request that matches the correct film format and stage.
For more information, visit Doha Film Institute.