Entries open for Documentary Film Production Grants

Through its open call, JustFilms supports artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively intersect with the social justice issues that are central to the Ford Foundation‘s mission.

All projects submitted for JustFilms grants will be assessed on the basis of alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, intersectional representation, innovation in storytelling, and production viability & independence, as well as social and cultural impact. At this time, they do not accept unsolicited Letters of Inquiry (LOI), proposals from organizations, or for impact campaigns.

Funding Information

• Their grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• JustFilms accepts submissions for feature documentary films only (running time 50 minutes or more) from filmmakers globally, focusing on regions where the Ford Foundation has offices.
• Applicants can be production companies (US or International), sole proprietors/single-member LLCs, or organizations/projects with fiscal sponsorship.
• The open call does not support student films, short films, commissioned films where the filmmaker is not the rights holder to the project, episodic series, new media (AR, VR), podcasts, films that have already premiered or broadcast, or impact campaigns.
• While the JustFilms Open Call is open to eligible project applications from filmmakers at any career stage, successful applicants are typically able to show a deep connection to the independent documentary film ecosystem and have received relevant support for their past or current work.

Evaluation Criteria

• When evaluating production submissions for grant funding, reviewers will use the following weighted criteria to prioritize recommended projects:
  • Foundation’s Thematic Alignment (30%): Assess whether the project aligns with the JustFilms strategy. Evaluate how well the project addresses gender, race, and disability justice themes. Does the project offer an analysis of political, economic, or cultural power? Also, consider whether the project aligns with other Ford program strategies or regional offices’ priorities.
  • Intersectional Representation (25%): Assess the project’s ability to provide an intersectional analysis and represent diverse perspectives. Consider the geographic focus, audience engagement, and support for underrepresented filmmakers.
  • Innovation in Storytelling (25%): Evaluate the project’s innovative approach to content creation for advancing justice. Assess its ability to creatively reshape narratives and challenge conventional perspectives.
  • Production Viability and Independence (20%): Assess the project’s independence in production and its feasibility. Are the filmmakers skilled and resourced enough to produce the proposed project?

For more information, visit Ford Foundation.