Deadline: 5 April 2019
The U.S. Department of State, Embassy of the United States of America in Chisinau is seeking applications for its Small Grants for Content Production to support independent voices in the Moldovan media landscape.
Specifically, this initiative seeks to support the development of a community of filmmakers and digital content creators who use their medium to tell powerful and engaging stories.This initiative focuses on the narrative short format (live action, maximum running time of five minutes – 5:00).
The embassy seeks a partner to implement a 48-hour film challenge that will allow emerging filmmakers from Moldova (and possibly neighbor countries) to showcase their talent and develop a community of creative content producers. Emerging filmmakers would be professionals in the early to middle stages of their career (at least one year of experience working in a professional media environment).
During the activity, filmmakers will receive instructions on a theme, write a script, produce a short film (under five minutes in duration), and then present the final product to peers in the final hours of the event. All of this is to take place within 48 hours. The films will then be evaluated and recognized for excellence accordingly by a small panel.
The activity should include at least five production teams (team generally includes 5-10 people, including screenwriter/director, director of photography, editor, actors, etc…from Moldova and two teams of filmmakers from a neighboring country. There is a possibility of bringing a U.S. expert to assist in implementation. Those costs should be included in proposal if relevant.
Program Objectives
The hereby project aims for the following objectives:
- Build capacity for local content production among emerging filmmakers
- Provide the next generation of producers, directors, editors and actors a foundation to develop ties within the creative community, both locally and regionally.
Funding Information
- Funding per grant: $50,000
- Expected award date: May 1, 2019
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit organizations (NGOs, CSOs, Think-Tanks) and independent mass media (often registered as Limited Liability Companies) officially registered in the Republic of Moldova.
- Direct funding for U.S. and third-country institutions is not available under this funding opportunity. The organizations without Moldovan registration can apply only as partners through an eligible organization.
- Organizations submitting proposals must meet the following criteria:
- Organizations may submit only one proposal.
- Public Affairs Section reserves the right to request additional background information on applicants that do not have previous experience administering federal grant awards, and these applicants may be subject to limited funding on a pilot basis.
- Please note: the Department of State prohibits profit under its assistance awards to for-profit or commercial organizations. No funds will be paid as profit to any recipient. Profit is defined as any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The permissibility of costs incurred by commercial organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR Part 31, Cost Accounting Standards, and Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. Program income earned by the recipient must be deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based.
How to Apply
Please send the applications electronically at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=313467