SFFILM

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SFFILM Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund

The Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund will reopen in 2025

Overview

The SFFILM Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation as part of their mission to champion films that explore scientific or technological themes. SFFILM will award two to four $10,000 grants to filmmakers in the early stages of writing screenplays inspired by discoveries from the Stories of Science Sourcebook.

The Stories of Science Sourcebook is composed of significant scientific and technological Discoveries made in recent years as a source of inspiration to filmmakers interested in telling fictionalized stories that explore the discovery’s underlying themes or characters, and dramatize the impact of these breakthroughs on members of the broader public.

Filmmakers may take creative latitude when proposing adaptations of these stories, however, their proposals must be grounded in both the material and a commitment to portraying the science or technology at the center of the stories in a manner that is realistic and grounded in scientific research.

Recipients of the Stories of Science Development Fund who draw their inspiration from the articles and discoveries collected in the Stories of Science Sourcebook will receive a $10,000 cash grant and secure access to SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programsduring which they will receive guidance and mentorship from scientists and film industry professionals to help them shape their storytelling vision.

Browse the Stories of Science Sourcebook Discoveries here.

Timeline

  • The Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund will reopen in 2025

Who Can Apply

Applicant Criteria

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicant may not be an SFFILM or Sloan employee or a member of any SFFILM or Sloan boards.
  • Applicant must be the writer of the film.
  • Project must be inspired by a discovery in the Science in Cinema Sourcebook.
  • Project must be a feature length narrative/fiction film.
  • Project must be consistent with SFFILM’s mission and represent an imaginative contribution to the moving image art form.
  • There must be realistic scientific or technological content at the center of the screenplay.

Project Criteria

  • Project must be inspired by a discovery in the Science in Cinema Sourcebook.
  • Project must be feature length
  • Project must be a narrative/fiction film.
  • Project must be consistent with SFFILM’s mission and represent an imaginative contribution to the moving image art form.
  • There must be realistic scientific or technological content at the center of the screenplay.

Grantee Responsibilities

Financial Stipulations

  • Funds must be used towards developing the screenplay and/or living expenses.
  • Filmmaker will sign an agreement with SFFILM.
  • Filmmaker understands there will be a press release announcing chosen fellows. Unless otherwise specified during the approval process, the submitted bio and logline will be used in the press release.
  • Filmmaker agrees to submit a progress report detailing how the funds were spent alongside a new writing sample.
  • Supported filmmakers shall provide acknowledgment to SFFILM and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. SFFILM and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation are to be listed with other comparable funders with language that mirrors or is similar to: “Made with support from SFFILM and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.”

Additional Notes

  • Only one application per project will be accepted.
  • The Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund is open internationally.
  • While we encourage filmmakers to apply to the San Francisco International Film Festival, winning a fellowship from SFFILM does not guarantee acceptance into that festival.

How to Apply

To begin the application process, navigate to the Application page to review the required items for submission. Prepare your answers ahead of time in a separate document before submitting in case there are any problems with your submission. Leave time for technical issues, and please do not wait until the last minute to submit your application.

If you are a member of SFFILM, your application fee is waived. If you are not a member of SFFILM, there is an application fee that must be paid in order for your submission to be considered. To pay the application fee, enter your credit card information at the end of the application before submitting. Email support@sffilm.org if you have any technical questions.

Application Elements (subject to change):

  • Bio (200 words or less)
  • Logline. In a couple of sentences, please describe the crux of your film (75 words or less)
  • Project synopsis (300 words or less)
  • Brief description of the scientific or technological ideas you are exploring through this story (300 words or less)
  • In what ways could this story expand the public understanding of science or technology? (300 words or less)
  • What scientific or artistic guidance and research would you seek out to write this screenplay? (300 words or less)

Work Sample Materials (subject to change)

  • A one-page treatment. This should give us a clear sense of the beginning, middle and end of the story, as well as your central characters.
  • A one-page writer’s statement. Please describe your vision for this project. What drew you to this material or story? What themes are most compelling to you? How do you imagine the characters, tone and visual style manifesting in the script?
  • A previous work sample, with explanation. Either a ten-page writing sample or a five-minute visual sample. For visual materials, the primary applicant must have been the screenwriter.

For more information about our grants and fellowships, visit our FAQ page.

Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowship

 
Submissions for the 2024 Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowship are now closed.

Overview

The Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowship is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation as part of their mission to champion films and projects that explore scientific or technological themes or characters.

Awards are made to two projects once a year, at the screenwriting phase of development. To strengthen the film’s portrayal of science or technology, each fellow will be connected to a science advisor with expertise in the subjects at the center of their screenplays, as well as leaders in the Bay Area’s science and technology communities. In addition to a cash grant of $35,000, recipients secure a residency at FilmHouse and benefit from SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs.

In consideration of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our goal is to hold this residency in person, but we plan to make virtual accommodations for those who are unable to do so.

Timeline

    • Grant opens February 5th, 2024
    • Regular Deadline April 5th, 2024 (Application Fee $25)
    • Final Deadline May 17th (Application Fee $45)
    • Finalists Notified in July 2024
    • Recipients Announced in August 2024
    • Finalists Notified in July 2024

Who Can Apply

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old
  • Applicant may not be an SFFILM or Sloan employee or member of any SFFILM or Sloan boards.
  • Primary applicant must be in a key creative role for the film: screenwriter, director, or producer.
  • Film must be feature-length fiction film or episodic series. Documentaries or short films are not accepted. Project cannot be a work for hire.
  • Project cannot be a work for hire.
  • Project must be consistent with SFFILM’s mission and represent an imaginative contribution to the moving image art form.
  • There must be realistic scientific or technological content at the center of the screenplay.
  • Writers must have the intention of working with scientific advisors to ensure the accuracy of their stories.
  • Science-fiction and speculative stories are, in almost every case, ineligible. In some rare cases, a futuristic story might be eligible if it involves science or technology that is truly on the cusp of being introduced to society.
  • Projects may reapply and must include what significant progress has been made since the last submission.

How to Apply

To begin the application process, navigate to the “Apply Now” page to review the required items for submission. If you have not yet created an account for the SFFILM Grant Platform, please do so (please note: this is separate from your SFFILM member account).

If you are a member of SFFILM, your application fee is waived. If you are not a member of SFFILM, there is an application fee that must be paid in order for your submission to be considered. To pay the application fee, enter your credit card information at the end of the application after you hit “submit.” Email grants@sffilm.org if you have any technical questions.

Application Elements (subject to change):

  • Applicant Bio (200 words or less)
  • Logline. In a couple of sentences, please describe the crux of your film. (75 words or less)
  • Project synopsis (400 words or less)
  • To date, what support have you received for this project?
  • Provide a brief description of the scientific or technological ideas you are exploring through this story.
  • What scientific research, if any, have you conducted to date?
  • Each Fellowship includes the engagement of one science advisor. What would you want to gain from that advisor during this fellowship? Please be as specific as possible.
  • What made you want to tell this story and why is now the right time for you to tell it?
  • Describe your artistic vision and stylistic approach. How will your film look and feel and why do you want this particular style?
  • List the names, roles, and brief qualifications of the other key individuals involved in the project (up to 5 people). Indicate the date they became attached to the project. (optional)

Work Sample Materials

  • Current script sample: Ten consecutive pages of the script you are applying with. The ten pages do not need to be the first ten pages. Please select what you believe to be the best ten pages.
  • Script sample explanation: This should introduce the script pages from the project for which you are applying and provide context as well as any other pertinent information that would be helpful for the review panel to consider, such as which draft of the film this is and why you selected this passage.
  • Optional: You are welcome to submit a 5–10 minute visual sample however, we can’t guarantee that review committee members will view the sample or view it in its entirety.
  • Optional: A lookbook or pitch deck for the project.

Finalist Materials

  • A one-page writer or writer/director statement. This should provide insight into who you are, why you are the person to tell this story, and your process.
  • A 1-3 page treatment. This should give us a clear sense of the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
  • Full Script: Please submit the latest draft of the script you are applying for.
  • Full Script Explanation: Provide any relevant context for your script submission. Please note that some members of the review committee may be unable to read the full script. Make sure to include page numbers for an excerpt of at least 10 pages you’d like the committee to read if they’re unable to read the script in its entirety.
  • Optional but strongly encouraged: Previous Visual Work Sample & Explanation
  • Optional: Any updates that you’d like to share since you submitted your application

Click here to download a PDF containing additional details about grantee requirements.

FAQs

Do I need to live in the Bay Area to be eligible for the SFFILM Sloan Fellowship?
No. SFFILM Sloan is open to filmmakers based anywhere in the U.S. or internationally.

What is the difference between the regular deadline and the final deadline? Will my project be more competitive if I submit earlier?
The regular deadline fee is $25 and the final deadline fee is $45. We encourage filmmakers to submit as early as possible but it does not make the application more competitive.

What is the difference between the Sloan Fellowship and the Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund?

  • The Sloan Fellowship supports narrative features and series centered around scientific and technological themes in the screenwriting stage. Two fellows are selected annually and awarded cash grants of $35,000, a FilmHouse residency, and a science advisor to support the scientific accuracy of the project.
  • The Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund awards a $20,000 cash grant to 2-4 filmmakers in the earliest stages of writing screenplays inspired by articles and discoveries from the Stories of Science Sourcebook. The Development Fund runs every other year and will resume in 2025.

Are science fiction projects allowed to apply to the Sloan Fellowship or the Sloan Development Fund?
Science fiction projects are defined as projects that incorporate fictional elements that expand beyond today’s scientific capabilities and are not eligible for SFFILM’s Sloan opportunities.

How much science does my film have to include to be eligible?
Eligible films for Sloan opportunities must portray scientific or technological themes at their center that directly drive the story arc and/or character development forward. Films with peripheral scientific characters or ideas will not be competitive.

What is the Stories of Science Sourcebook?
The Stories of Science Sourcebook compiles compelling reported articles and momentous recent discoveries in the scientific and technological fields for filmmakers applying to the SFFILM Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund only.

When will the Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund Reopen?
The Sloan Stories of Science Development Fund operates every two years and will reopen again in the Spring of 2025.

Are there other Sloan opportunities for filmmaking?
Yes! The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation offers many film grants through various organizations and universities across the country. You can find a complete offering through their Grants Database.

For more information about our grants and fellowships, visit our FAQ page.

SFFILM Documentary Film Fund

Applications are now closed.

Overview

The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund has distributed more than $900,000 to advance new work by filmmakers nationwide.
DFF grants are awarded once each year to documentary feature projects and are open to filmmakers internationally. Individual grant amounts and the number of grants made will be determined on an annual basis. As with all SFFILM grants, in addition to the cash awards, recipients will gain access to numerous benefits through the comprehensive and dynamic SFFILM Makers artist development program.

The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund has an excellent track record for advancing compelling films that go on to critical acclaim. Previous DFF winners include Sarvnik Kaur’s Against the Tide, winner of the Sundance 2023 Vérité Filmmaking Prize; Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborne’s Going Varsity in Mariachi, winner of the Sundance 2023 Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award; Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s multiple Sundance winner Writing With Fire and Jessica Kingdon’s Ascension both nominated for the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature; Ljubo Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska’s Honeyland, which won a record number of juried awards at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for Academy Awards for both Best Documentary Feature and Best Foreign Language Film.

Timeline

  • Fri, Feb 9, 2024: Grant Opens
  • Fri, May 3, 2024: Regular Deadline ($25 Application Fee)
  • Fri, May 31, 2024: Late Deadline ($45 Application Fee)
  • Mid September: Finalists Notified
  • Mid October: Recipients Notified

Who Can Apply

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicant must be in a key creative role for the film: ideally, the producer or director.
  • Applicants who are not SFFILM members must pay the $25 (regular deadline) or $45 (late deadline) fee. SFFILM members will have all fees waived.
  • Filmmaker may not be SFFILM employee or board member.
  • Filmmaker may not be a full-time student.
  • Project cannot be a work for hire.
  • Project must be a feature length documentary (60 minutes or more).
  • Project must be within 3 months of beginning post-production from the final deadline.
  • Projects can be produced or based anywhere in the world.
  • Projects must be consistent with SFFILM’s mission and represent an imaginative contribution to the moving image art form.
  • Project reflects innovation in storytelling and visual style.
  • Projects that primarily use interviews as a storytelling device will not be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

  • To begin the application process, navigate to the “Apply Now” page to review the required items for submission. If you have not yet created an account for the SFFILM Grant Platform, please do so (please note: this is separate from your SFFILM member account).
  • Filmmaker clearly articulates the intended goals for the grant.
  • Filmmaker explains how the project takes a visually innovative approach.
  • Filmmaker demonstrates how the grant will impact short- and long-term professional and artistic goals.
  • It is recommended that the 10-minute sample be 1-2 scenes from the film and not a trailer.
  • Only one application per project will be accepted.
  • Please note that while we encourage filmmakers to apply for to the SFFILM Festival and other SFFILM Makers grant, fellowship, and residency programs, winning a Documentary Film Fund grant does not guarantee acceptance into any of the above programs.
  • Films that have previously submitted to this fund may reapply if significant progress has been made since the last submission.
  • Filmmakers will be notified of their application status via email by the end of November. Funds for grantees will be available shortly thereafter.
  • Email grants@sffilm.org if you have any questions.

Finalist Materials

10-25 applicants will be chosen as finalists. The following materials will be required for further consideration before the winners are selected. Finalists will have two – three weeks to submit these items:

  • A work sample that is up to 10 minutes long. You may share either an excerpt (or excerpts) OR a full cut of your film with specific time codes for the 10 minutes you feel most strongly represent your artistic vision, characters, and story. The external review committee will only see this work sample and not the original one you submitted. We highly recommend that your work sample be a scene or scenes versus a trailer or teaser. The review committee will not be able to watch more than 10 minutes.
  • An updated, detailed budget (should include line items, not just top sheet)
  • Any updates to the film or stage that you would like to share with the review committee (1-2 paragraphs max, please)

 

FAQs

  • Do I need to live in the Bay Area to be eligible for the SFFILM Doc Film Fund grant?
    No. The SFFILM Doc Film Fund is open to filmmakers based anywhere in the U.S. or internationally.
  • What stage does this fund support?
    The SFFILM Doc Film Fund supports feature-length documentaries in post-production. While we know the documentary production process is often nonlinear with various stages happening at the same time, a project must be within about 3 months of beginning post-production from the final deadline.
  • What should my visual sample include?

    We recommend sending 1-2 scenes so that the review committee can get a sense of the story and characters and if it can sustain a feature length film, your access to the central subjects, and the artistic voice and direction of the film. We recommend sending the scene(s) you feel most strongly portray these elements in lieu of a trailer. We understand the scenes will be in progress and do not expect them to be picture locked, color corrected, or finalized in any way.

    If you send materials over 10 minutes, we cannot guarantee that the review committee will be able to watch more than the first five minutes of the materials you send. If you do not want the first five minutes to be watched, please include the timecode of the five minutes you would like the committee to watch.

  • What types of films does this fund support?
    The SFFILM Doc Film Fund supports a range of films from around the world. Films do not have to have a strong social issue and most often do not have that at the center of the film. The fund supports documentaries that exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters and an innovative visual approach. Recent examples of this include Honeyland, Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Midnight Family, The Feeling of Being Watched, Midnight Traveler, and Cutie and the Boxer.
  • How many projects are granted each year?
    The Documentary Film Fund grants its support to approximately 3-5 projects each year with grants of $10,000 - $20,000
  • When are applicants notified?
    All applicants will be notified of their status through the SFFILM grant platform by mid-November.

For more information about our grants and fellowships, visit our FAQ page.

Invitation-Only Programs

SFFILM Makers offers funding and support to independent filmmakers through several programs that are by invitation only. SFFILM’s Artist Development team hand-picks projects that surface from various other support initiatives; there is no application process for these programs.

SFFILM Invest

SFFILM Invest unites individuals from Bay Area philanthropic and film funder communities with the most exciting voices in independent film. Through careful curation, SFFILM offers Invest members a selection of feature-length documentary and narrative films, an intimate environment to meet with the talented filmmakers seeking funding, and a unique path to pursue collaborations. Beyond this core engagement, SFFILM Invest offers bespoke opportunities to enhance both new and experienced members’ understanding of the current film market and the creative process behind the storytelling. Lastly, Invest members will have access to year-round SFFILM programming and special events to keep up with the latest cinematic offerings and connect with each other as a growing community.

SFFILM Invest builds upon the organization’s rich history of providing financial support to independent films and progressive creative teams from around the world, as well as its commitment to growing the Bay Area filmmaking community. The initiative is dedicated to the long-term sustainability of independent film and serves as a resource throughout the filmmaking journey for content creators.

Since its launch in 2018, Invest members have funded 30 films in all stages of production with over $3 million in grants and equity funding. Some notable projects supported through this initiative include A Love Song (2022 Sundance premiere), Ascension (2022 Academy Award nominee Best Documentary Feature), Cryptozoo (2021 Sundance and SFFILM Festival awards), the audience favorite Feels Good Man (2020 Sundance Film Festival award), and the Academy Award nominated Honeyland (2020 Best Documentary Feature, Best International Feature).

SFFILM Invest is by invitation only.

SFFILM/Dolby Institute Fellowship

The Dolby Institute Fellowship supports narrative feature films from development through post-production, under a partnership between SFFILM and the Dolby Institute.

This fellowship provides an exciting opportunity rarely afforded to independent filmmakers—to thoughtfully elevate and deepen the role of sound and image in their finished films with advanced technology from Dolby Laboratories. SFFILM Makers—SFFILM’s artist development program—and the Dolby Institute offers the selected fellows artistic and industry guidance, facilitates introductions, and provides a cash grant allowing them to begin work with a sound designer during the screenwriting stage. Fellows also gain post-production support, with comprehensive sound design, a Dolby Atmos mix, and Dolby Vision color correction and mastering support.

The inaugural Dolby Institute Fellowship was awarded in 2018 to The Sound of Silence, directed and co-written by Michael Tyburski and produced and co-written by Ben Nabors. The film premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed theatrically nationwide by IFC Films that fall. The 2021 Dolby Institute Fellows are writer/director Kobi Libii with his film The American Society of Magical Negroes and writer/director Beth de Araújo and producers John Baker, Rodrigo Teixeira, and Lourenço Sant’ Anna for their project Josephine. The 2023 Dolby Institute Fellow is writer/director Sean Wang whose film, Dìdi (弟弟), premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

The Dolby Institute Fellowship is by invitation only.

SFFILM Djerassi Fellowship

The SFFILM Djerassi Fellowship provides a one-month artist residency for an emerging or established screenwriter.

Located in a spectacular setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 40 miles south of San Francisco, the program provides artists with uninterrupted time for work, reflection and collegial interaction in a professionally supportive and inspirational environment. The SFFILM Djerassi Fellowship is supported by a gift from SFFILM Board Member Dale Djerassi.

Designed for both US-based and international screenwriters, the SFFILM Djerassi Fellowship offers living and studio accommodations and meals. Residents work and are housed in three buildings on the Djerassi ranch according to artistic discipline and creative project. Living quarters and studio space consist of a four-bedroom house and a unique, remodeled twelve-sided barn. The Middlebrook Studios, new spaces for writers, are also available. The residency does not include travel and writing supplies.

The Djerassi Fellowship is by invitation only.

SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disability Grant

The SFFILM Rainin Filmmaker with Disabilities Grant, introduced in 2020, supports filmmakers whose films specifically address stories from the disability community. Ensuring historically excluded communities have access to artistic and financial support to create a more inclusive film landscape is at the core of SFFILM and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s partnership.

Awards are made to 1-3 projects per year in the fall (at least one for a San Francisco Bay Area filmmaker), for films in all stages of production (screenwriting, development, or post-production). We accept feature and short films, both narratives and documentaries. In addition to a cash grant of up to $7,500, recipients secure a one-year residency at Filmhouse and benefit from SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs. Some notable projects supported through this initiative include The Tuba Thieves (2023 Sundance premiere) and I Didn’t See You There (2022 Sundance premiere).

The SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant is by invitation only.

For more information about our grants and fellowships, visit our FAQ page.

SFFILM Rainin Grant

 
Submissions for the 2024 SFFILM Rainin Grant are now closed.

Overview

The SFFILM Rainin Grant program is the largest granting body for independent narrative feature films in the US. Grants support films that address social justice issues—the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges—in a positive and meaningful way through plot, character, theme, or setting and benefit the Bay Area filmmaking community in a professional and economic capacity.

Awards are made to 15-20 projects once a year in the fall, for screenwriting, development, or post-production. In addition to a cash grant of up to $25,000, recipients secure a one month residency at FilmHouse and benefit from SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs.

In consideration of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our goal is to hold this residency in person, but we plan to make virtual accommodations for those who are unable to do so.

Since 2009, the SFFILM Rainin Filmmaking Grants program has funded more than 100 film projects, including Sean Wang’s Dìdi (弟弟), Savanah Leaf’s Earth Mama, Fernando Frias’s I’m No Longer Here, Channing Godfrey Peoples’ Miss Juneteenth, Joe Talbot’s The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You, Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Monsters and Men, Jeremiah Zagar’s We the Animals, Chloé Zhao’s Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, and Benh Zeitlin’s Beasts of the Southern Wild. Supported films have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, South by Southwest, the San Francisco International Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival and many more. Learn more about the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.

Current SFFILM Rainin Grants are as follows:

  • Screenwriting Grant: These grants are open to filmmakers anywhere in the US, as well as internationally, and are up to $25,000. The funds allow filmmakers to devote dedicated time to furthering their work, and the grant includes a FilmHouse residency in the Bay Area to further develop the screenplay, and have access to both peer and established mentorship engagement.
  • Development Grant: These grants are up to $25,000 for producers of narrative features tackling social justice issues who demonstrate a need to engage with the Bay Area to develop and package their films. The grant includes a FilmHouse residency with peer and established mentorship engagement. Successful projects will be at a stage to pursue financing, casting, location scouting, and/or other key activities to package the film before production. Major screenwriting work should be complete by this stage.
  • Post-production Grant: These grants are up to $25,000 for filmmaking teams of a narrative feature. Projects should have significant creative work remaining in the editorial process or have a specific need related to sound or color in post-production. There is no Bay Area residency commitment required for this stage.

Timeline

  • Grant opens February 5th, 2024
  • Regular Deadline April 5th, 2024 (Application Fee $25)
  • Final Deadline May 17th (Application Fee $45)
  • Finalists Notified in September 2024
  • Recipients Announced in October 2024

Who Can Apply

  • Filmmakers must be at least 18 years old.
  • Filmmakers may not be an SFFILM or Kenneth Rainin Foundation employee or member of any SFFILM or Kenneth Rainin Foundation Boards.
  • Applicants must be actively engaged in one of the following phases: screenwriting, development, or post-production and should apply for the phase of production they expect to be in six months after the final submission deadline.
  • Primary applicants must be in a key creative role for the film: screenwriter, director or producer.
  • Film must feature plot, character, theme and/or setting that explores social justice issues, such as human and civil rights, anti discrimination, disability issues, gender issues, sexual identity and/or other social issues of our time. Project must have strong and recognizable social value, contributing, for example, to a greater public appreciation of a disenfranchised group, identifying an area where social change is needed or bringing to light a difficult or inspirational story, condition or issue.
  • Film must be feature-length fiction film. Short films or documentaries are not accepted. Project may not be work for hire.
  • Project may not be work for hire.
  • Project budgets shall be $3,000,000 or under including all phases of production.
  • Projects may reapply and must include what significant progress has been made since the last submission.

How to Apply

To begin the application process, navigate to the “Apply Now” page to review the required items for submission. If you have not yet created an account for the SFFILM Grant Platform, please do so (please note: this is separate from your SFFILM member account).

If you are a member of SFFILM, your application fee is waived. If you are not a member of SFFILM, there is an application fee that must be paid in order for your submission to be considered. To pay the application fee, enter your credit card information at the end of the application after you hit “submit.” Email grants@sffilm.org if you have any technical questions.

Application elements (subject to change):

  • Logline. In a couple of sentences, please describe the crux of your film. (75 words or less)
  • Filmmaker Bio (200 words or less)
  • Project synopsis. (400 words or less)
  • Describe how your film, through plot, character, theme, or setting, explores urgent social issues of our time. (300 words or less)
  • What made you want to tell this story and why is now the right time for you to tell it? (300 words or less)
  • How does the film contribute to or uplift the Bay Area filmmaking community professionally or economically? For Screenwriting or Development Phase (300 words or less)
  • Please describe your artistic vision and stylistic approach. How will your film look and feel? (300 words or less)
  • List the names and roles and briefly describe the qualifications of the other key (up to 5) individuals involved in the project. These individuals could include producers, directors of photography, editors, actors or other key cast and crew. State the date they became attached to the project. (300 words or less)

Work Sample Materials:

  • Current script sample: Ten consecutive pages of the script you are applying with. The ten pages do not need to be the first ten pages. Please select what you believe to be the best ten pages. Please include a page introducing the script pages that provides any necessary context.
  • Script sample explanation: This should introduce the script pages from the project for which you are applying and provide context as well as any other pertinent information that would be helpful for the review panel to consider, such as which draft of the film this is and why you selected this passage.
  • Budget Top Sheet (required for development and post-production applicants. Optional but strongly encouraged for screenwriting stage applicants)
  • Optional but strongly encouraged: A lookbook or pitch deck for the project.
  • Optional but strongly encouraged: A previous work visual sample 5-10 minutes in length.

Finalist Materials

Approximately 25 applicants will be chosen as finalists. The following materials will be required for further consideration before the winners are selected. Finalists will have approximately two weeks to submit these items:

Screenwriting

  • A one-page writer/director’s statement. This should provide insight into who you are and your process.
  • A two to three page treatment. This should give us a clear sense of the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
  • A minimum of 25 pages of the script you are applying for. The 25 pages do not need to be the first ten pages. Please select what you believe to be the best 25 pages.
  • A script explanation that gives context in terms of where we are in the script as well as orientates us as to where we are in the story (500 words max)
  • Proof of rights to story (if applicable)
  • Optional: A minimum of ten pages of a previous script. The ten pages do not need to be the first ten pages. Please select what you believe to be the best ten pages. If you don’t have a previous screenplay, you can submit a visual sample, with an online link in an attached document alongside an explanation of the visual sample.

Development/Packaging

  • A one-page director’s statement. This should provide insight into who you are and your process.
  • A one-page producer’s statement. This should provide insight into who you are and your process.
  • A two to three page treatment. This should give us a clear sense of the beginning, middle and end of the story.
  • Full Script: Please submit the latest draft of the script you are applying for.
  • Full Script Explanation: Provide any relevant context for your script submission. Please note that some members of the review committee may be unable to read the full script. Make sure to include page numbers for an excerpt of at least 25 pages you’d like the committee to read if they’re unable to read the script in its entirety.
  • A full budget that includes  actual funds raised to date, in-kind donations with associated market value and any outstanding or pending funds.
  • Optional but encouraged: Previous Work Sample. A ten-minute sample of a previous work of the writer/director (short or feature). We will only accept online links.

Post-production

  • A one-page writer/director’s statement. This should provide insight into who you are and your process.
  • A one-page producer’s statement. This should provide insight into who you are and your process.
  • A two to three page treatment. This should give us a clear sense of the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
  • Full Script: Please submit the latest draft of the script you are applying for.
  • A full budget that includes actual funds raised to date, in-kind donations with associated market value and any outstanding or pending funds.
  • Work sample one: A ten-minute sample of the work in progress. We also invite you to submit a full copy of the film but we can’t guarantee we will watch more than ten minutes. Should you choose to submit the entire project please include a timestamp of the 10 minutes you would like the committee to watch if they are unable to view the full cut.
  • Optional but encouraged work sample two:
  • A ten-minute sample of a previous work of the writer/director (short or feature). We only accept online links.

Click here to download a PDF containing additional details about grantee requirements.

Since 2009, the SFFILM Rainin Filmmaking Grants program has funded more than 100 film projects, including Sean Wang’s Dìdi, Savanah Leaf’s Earth Mama, Fernando Frias’s I’m No Longer Here, Channing Godfrey Peoples’ Miss Juneteenth, Joe Talbot’s The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You, Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Monsters and Men, Jeremiah Zagar’s We the Animals, Chloé Zhao’s Songs My Brothers Taught Me, Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, and Benh Zeitlin’s Beasts of the Southern Wild. Supported films have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, South by Southwest, the San Francisco International Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and many more. Learn more about the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.

FAQs

Do I need to live in the Bay Area to be eligible for the Rainin Grant?
The SFFILM Rainin grant is open to applicants who live anywhere in the U.S. or internationally. The stories can be set anywhere in the world.

What stages does the Rainin grant support?
Rainin supports films in the screenwriting stage, development/packaging, and post-production.

What is the difference between the regular deadline and the final deadline? Will my project be more competitive if I submit earlier?
The regular deadline fee is $25 and the final deadline fee is $45. We encourage filmmakers to submit as early as possible but it does not make the application more competitive.

How much funding can I request?
Applicants can request up to $25,000.

Is there a budget cap?
Yes, the film’s budget must be below $3 million.

What are acceptable uses of the funds?
For the screenwriting stage, the funds are awarded to the writer or writer/director and can be used for cost of living expenses and childcare while the filmmaker works on the project. Filmmakers have also used the funds for research trips, consultants, and table reads. For the development stage, the funds are awarded to the producer and should be spent on parts of the development process such as casting agents, location scouts, and/or lookbooks. up to 40% of the awarded funds can be used to create a proof-of-concept, mood reel, or a closely related short film if the producer feels that this is the best use of those funds to unlock additional support for the film. For post-production, you should clarify which elements of post-production you would like to put the grant towards.

Which phase should I apply for?

  • Screenwriting Grant: These grants are open to filmmakers anywhere in the US, as well as internationally, and are up to $25,000. The funds allow filmmakers to devote dedicated time to furthering their work, and the grant includes a FilmHouse residency in the Bay Area to further develop the screenplay, and have access to both peer and established mentorship engagement. The screenplay must explore issues pertaining to social justice.
  • Development Grant: These grants are up to $25,000 for Bay Area-based producers tackling social justice issues O. The development grant continues the organization’s commitment to producers in film through financial and artist development support
  • Post-production Grant: These grants are up to $25,000. This stage supports films with an exceptional commitment to social justice. Projects should have significant creative work remaining in the editorial process or have a specific need related to sound or color in post-production. There is NO Bay Area residency commitment required for this stage.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can apply?
No, there is no limit. Projects may reapply and state what significant progress has been made since the last submission.

The application asks how my project uplifts the Bay Area filmmaking community. I do not live there and my film is not set there. What are the expectations?
Projects and filmmakers do not have to be rooted in the Bay Area in order to apply. However, we ask applicants to consider how they can best both learn from and give back to the Bay Area filmmaking community to reach their goals. This can be done by shooting in the Bay Area, participating and hosting talks and events at Filmhouse during the residency, or connecting with local communities or resources within the Bay Area, among other contributions.

What is the residency? Is it mandatory?
All filmmakers applying for the screenwriting and development/packaging stage must complete a residency period of four weeks. The 4 weeks do not need to be contiguous. The residency does not include living arrangements, but is an open workspace at SFFILM’s FilmHouse office. The residency includes peer-to-peer engagement with SFFILM’s year-round residents and feedback sessions, one-on-one meetings with expert advisors working in various sectors of the film industry, space to work from including a quiet screenwriting room and editing suite, year-round programming including talks, workshops, table reads, and work-in-progress screenings, and support from SFFILM’s Artist Development team. We strongly encourage filmmakers to fulfill the residency requirement during the annual San Francisco International Film Festival in April in order to take advantage of the industry and programming. In consideration of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our goal is to hold this residency in person, but we plan to make virtual accommodations for those who are unable to do so.

Is there an additional stipend for travel and accommodations to the Bay Area?
No. Filmmakers are welcome to apply the grant toward cost of travel but no additional stipends are provided.

I don’t live in the Bay Area and am not shooting there. Can I still apply for the development/packaging grant?
Yes.

For more information about our grants and fellowships, visit our FAQ page.
For any and all questions, please contact grants@sffilm.org.