Deadline: 31 July 2019
Applicants are invited to submit applications for Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) Film Grant which will provide modest start-up funding (25,000 AED) to create short films (documentaries are given priority) on topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and broader Gulf region.
One grant is awarded annually each year through a competitive application process. Films produced through the RAKFAF Film Grant are screened at the festival the following year.
Objectives
- Increase the number of short films and documentaries on topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region;
- Present a wider range of stories about Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates; and
- Support talented young film directors and media professionals to help them establish their careers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Directors must have a background in filmmaking and/or media studies;
- Directors should either be (1) current university students who have completed at least two years of their academic program, or (2) have graduated with their BA or MA degree within the last five years;
- Directors ideally will have shown at least one film at a film festival in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf region, or overseas;
- Proposed story ideas must be for a short film (less than 30 minutes). Documentary projects addressing important topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region are especially encouraged and given funding priority; and
- Final films must be in Arabic or English (with subtitles in the other language) to ensure accessibility among diverse audiences.
How to Apply
To apply, interested individuals and organizations should submit the following materials at the address given on the website.
Materials may be in Arabic or English:
- Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) applying for the RAKFAF Film Grant and a brief summary of the proposed documentary topic;
- Director’s CV and names/roles of other individuals who will be involved in the documentary project;
- Detailed storyboard for the proposed documentary;
- Completed RAKFAF Film Grant Budget Template detailing all expected costs and a list of facilities, special equipment, or other resources necessary for making the documentary. If other individuals, organizations, or sponsors are also providing financial or in-kind support (e.g. expertise, use of equipment) it should be noted. The Al Qasimi Foundation’s financial contribution should not exceed 25,000 AED.
- List of locations and areas where filming will take place. This should include whether permission will be required for any locations;
- Anticipated timeline for the project, including filming and editing milestones and associated deliverables;
- Letter of recommendation from a professor, colleague or organization; and
- One sample of the director’s latest film on DVD (if this is the first film, submit samples of recent media projects).
For more information, please visit http://www.alqasimifoundation.com/en/what-we-do-l3/31/ras-al-khaimah-fine-arts-festival-film-grant