Canon Video Grant – Short Film Documentary

The Canon Video Grant – Short Film Documentary supports a professional videographer or photojournalist to produce a short documentary film on a social, economic, political, or cultural issue presented in a journalistic format. The grant provides €8,000 plus the loan of professional Canon video equipment, and the selected applicant must produce a documentary of up to 8 minutes.

Short Description

Offered by Canon in association with Images Evidence, this grant is designed for experienced visual storytellers working in photojournalism, documentary filmmaking, or video production. It supports the creation of a short documentary project and includes both financial assistance and technical equipment, with the final film to be presented in connection with the Visa pour l’Image – Perpignan Festival.

Funding Information

• Grant amount: €8,000
• Additional support: Loan of a professional video kit
  • 1 video camera
  • 2 cine lenses
• Final output required: A short documentary of no more than 8 minutes

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

• Be an individual professional videographer or photojournalist
• Be of any nationality
• Have professional experience in:
  • Photojournalism
  • Documentary filmmaking
  • Video production
• Have completed at least one video reportage
• Be able to communicate in French or English

Project Focus

Projects should cover social, economic, political, or cultural topics and must be presented in a journalistic short documentary format.

Recipient Responsibilities

The selected grantee must:

• Produce the approved short documentary project
• Use the title “Winner of the Canon Video Grant – Short Film Documentary” in related communications
• Keep Canon and Images Evidence informed about project progress
• Allow the project to be considered for screening by the organizers
• Obtain approval if additional funding partners are involved
• Avoid submitting the same project for other grants or awards before its official festival presentation
• Return the loaned equipment by April 2027

Important Deadlines and Commitments

• Award ceremony attendance required: Early September 2026
• Festival: Visa pour l’Image – Perpignan Festival
• Travel costs: Must be covered by the recipient
• Teaser submission deadline: 11 August 2026
• Promotional materials required:
  • Portrait photo
  • 60-second teaser
• Final documentary submission deadline: By April 2027
• Final version requirement: High-resolution copy for screening at the 2027 festival edition

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Signed application form
• Proof of identity
• Affidavit confirming professional status
• CV or biography
• Anonymous note of intention with synopsis
• Detailed project budget
• One completed video report

Key Restrictions

• The same project cannot be submitted to other grants or awards until after its official presentation at the festival
• Any co-funding partners must be approved by Canon and Images Evidence
• The winner cannot reapply for five years

FAQs

Who can apply for the Canon Video Grant?

Professional videographers or photojournalists of any nationality with at least one completed video reportage and experience in documentary or journalistic visual storytelling.

How much funding is provided?

The grant provides €8,000 plus the loan of professional Canon video equipment.

What kind of project is required?

Applicants must propose a journalistic short documentary on a social, economic, political, or cultural topic, with a final duration of up to 8 minutes.

Is festival attendance mandatory?

Yes. The recipient must attend the award ceremony at Visa pour l’Image – Perpignan Festival in September 2026, at their own expense.

When is the final documentary due?

The completed film must be submitted in high resolution by April 2027.

Can the same project be submitted to other grants?

No. The selected recipient agrees not to submit the same project for other grants or awards until after its official festival presentation.

Final Takeaway

The Canon Video Grant – Short Film Documentary is a strong opportunity for experienced photojournalists and documentary videographers seeking support to produce a compelling short film on an important public-interest issue. With €8,000, access to professional equipment, and visibility through the Visa pour l’Image festival, it offers both funding and recognition for impactful visual storytelling.