Deadline: 16-Jul-2025
Mountainfilm supports documentary filmmakers who tell stories that inspire audiences to work toward a better world. They are particularly interested in non-fiction projects that highlight adventure, activism, social justice, culture, the environment, and the indomitable human spirit.
Their Commitment Grants are designed for filmmakers in the production or post-production phase. Awards for these grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, and Mountainfilm places a strong emphasis on encouraging diversity behind the camera.
They also offer an Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship for early-career filmmakers, which includes a $2,000 award, mentorship, editing and story consultations, networking support, and a trip to the Mountainfilm Festival.
Applicants for the Commitment Grants may come from any country. To apply, you must submit a video sample or trailer of your current project, which should be under 10 minutes. Vimeo links are preferred. Only projects in production or post-production will be considered. Completed projects, films that have already been released or screened at festivals, and those that have previously received Commitment Grant funding are not eligible. If you’ve applied before and were not selected, you may re-apply only if there have been significant changes to your project.
Grant recipients are expected to provide regular progress updates, include Mountainfilm’s logo or name in their project credits, and discuss premiere opportunities with the festival’s programming team. Depending on support level and film length, Mountainfilm may request premiere status or screening rights for their touring program.
For the Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship, applicants must be currently living in the U.S., even though international applicants are otherwise welcome. Submissions must include a director bio, a headshot, a cover letter, and a video sample under 10 minutes, preferably shared via Vimeo. Only projects in production or post-production will be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For more information, visit Mountainfilm.
