SFFILM

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Krishnan Shah Family Foundation Grant

 
Applications for the 2025 Krishnan Shah Family Foundation Grant open Tue, March 4, 2025!

Overview

The Krishnan Shah Family Foundation Grant supports and nurtures storytelling that explores the human condition with levity, joy and humor. The aim is to discover and nurture feature films that provide an uplifting experience, and create space for inspiration as a viewer. All film genres are eligible, however we do prioritize comedies, dramedies, and family-friendly projects.

Timeline

  • Grant opens Tue, March 4, 2025
  • Regular Deadline Fri, May 16, 2025 (Application Fee $30)
  • Final Deadline Fri, May 30, 2025 (Application Fee $50)
  • Finalists Notified in September 2025
  • Recipients Announced in October 2025

Who Can Apply

  • Filmmakers must be at least 18 years old.
  • Filmmakers may not be an SFFILM or Krishnan Shah Family Foundation employee or member of any SFFILM or Krishnan Shah Family 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 the human condition with levity, joy and humor.
  • Film must be a feature-length fiction film. Short films or documentaries are not accepted. 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).

Please select ‘SFFILM Narrative Grants 2025’ from the dropdown menu and complete the core questions. If eligible, you are welcome to submit to more than one of our Narrative grants by answering supplemental questions for each opportunity you’d like to be considered for.

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. (95 words or less)
  • Filmmaker Bio (400 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.
  • 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 ten 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

  • 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. k.
  • 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.

FAQs

Do I need to live in the Bay Area to be eligible for the SFFILM Krishnan Shah Family Foundation grant?
The Krishnan Shah Family Foundation 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 Krishnan Shah Family Foundation support?
Krishnan Shah Family Foundation supports films in the screenwriting stage, development, 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 $30 and the final deadline fee is $50. 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 $22,500.

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.

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.

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 would like to submit my project to more than one SFFILM narrative grant. Are there additional fees?
You are welcome to submit your application for consideration for more than one narrative grant opportunities. Please be sure to review the eligibility for each grant and answer the supplemental questions each grant requires. There is only one submission fee per application.

For more information about our grants and fellowships, please contact grants@sffilm.org.

2025 Festival Industry Badge

We can’t wait to welcome you to the 68th SFFILM Festival!

This badge provides one ticket per regularly priced 2025 SFFILM Festival screening, up to four per day, subject to availability. This does not include access to Opening and Closing Night films and parties, awards, and tributes. This badge provides access to the 2025 SFFILM Festival Lounge. Please see below for additional information on industry accreditation. This badge will include Jurors and Speakers as well as general Industry.

Buy Now

Tech Coordinator

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

Under supervision of the Tech and Operations Manager, the Tech Coordinator will support the execution of tech and A/V requirements for the 2025 SFFILM Festival. This includes all Festival venue load-ins and load-outs, equipment installation and breakdown, as well as testing and operation, wherever tech and A/V support is needed.

This position is expected to provide on-site support for the 11-day, in-person SFFILM Festival (April 17 – 27) in venues across the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as be available for any pre-fest events. This position is required to be based in the Bay Area and will need to work in accordance with in-office requirements as determined by organization-wide and department policies. Some night and weekend availability required.

This position is paid hourly at the rate of $24 per hour and is eligible for overtime. Th Coordinator will initially be a part-time role, and then shift to full time closer to April 12, 2025. Full-time hours and overtime likely expected between April 12 – April 30, 2025.

Anticipated start date is March 31, 2025 and end date is May 2, 2025.

Application review begins Feb 26, 2025.

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Support technical needs for all 2025 SFFILM Festival events, as assigned by the Tech and Operations Manager
  • Assist in the supervision of technical staff and projectionists across all Festival exhibition venues
  • Participate in the execution of load-ins and load-outs for all exhibition venues, as well as event, office, and lounge spaces as needed
  • Lead on-site testing of tech and projection equipment, including acting as host for filmmaker tech checks
  • Support the execution of enhanced onstage events, as needed
  • Active operation of tech and A/V equipment during various events, as needed
  • Support delivery and exhibition of non-film media – including Keynotes and Powerpoints – at all Festival venues
  • Assist integration of video capture set-ups and team needs into existing venue configurations
  • Advise others on proper operation and maintenance of tech equipment, such as lighting, microphones, accessibility devices, and A/V for the duration of the SFFILM Festival
  • Support the set-up and execution of virtual Q&As and conversations for exhibition in a theatrical setting, as needed
  • Support the triage necessary to transition live events to a virtual format, whenever required
  • Support other Operations team members and projects as needed
  • Participate in festival wrap conversations and create written wrap materials as needed

Experience and Skills

  • Experience setting-up and operating basic audio-visual packages including microphones and PA systems, simple live music amplification, presentation and theatrical lighting, and media playback devices
  • Experience managing specialized technical personnel and supporting timely equipment install and removal
  • Experience and comfort supporting and trouble-shooting live events and familiarity with the pressures and challenges of onstage production with high-touch constituents
  • Familiarity with projection technologies and challenges, especially DCP
  • Familiarity with functionality and operation of accessibility devices a plus
  • Ability to communicate clearly and consistently with people of all levels of technical sophistication and experience
  • Strong time management and personnel management skills
  • Comfort working with media presentation and editing tools, including Keynote, Powerpoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and Davinci Resolve a plus
  • Familiarity with virtual presentation tools and technology, as well as video conferencing platforms and basic production is a plus
  • Able and comfortable performing heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs)
  • Must be proactive, communicative, and able to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to learn and apply new technical concepts in a short period of time
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, to prioritize effectively, and to respond to last-minute requests
  • Comfort in Google Drive, FileMaker, and Basecamp a plus

Supervision

This position reports to the Tech & Operations Manager

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Operations Coordinator

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Coordinator will assist the Operations department in daily administrative activities leading up to and during our 2025 SFFILM Festival. This position will work closely with the Director of Operations and the Office & Production Manager on the goals and execution of office and building management. During the Festival, this role will serve as a lead Office Assistant and will be a primary point person in the office.

This position is required to be based in the Bay Area leading up to and during the 2025 SFFILM Festival (April 17 – 27), as well as to be available during several pre-fest launch events, and will need to work in accordance with in-office requirements as determined by organization-wide and department policies. The start date for this position is March 3, 2025 and the end date is May 8, 2025. This position is salaried at the rate of $20 an hour and is eligible for a limited amount of overtime.

Application review begins February 10th, 2025.

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Assisting with day-to-day administrative operations, such as physical and electronic filing of mail, and maintaining and replenishing office supplies.
  • Assisting with day-to-day financial tasks, including check filing and depositing, filling out purchase orders, sending out invoices, and completing credit card reconciliations.
  • Assisting with onboarding seasonal staff, overseeing their onboarding tasks, setting up their workstations, and setting up their laptops in advance with the IT Manager.
  • Supporting the creation and updating of onboarding and HR materials and resources.
  • Assisting the Office & Production Manager with daily requests from staff and serving as a liaison for internal staff communications, including basic IT troubleshooting, meeting scheduling, basic facilities troubleshooting, and fulfilling supply requests.
  • Managing communication with subletters around in-office events and SFFILM meeting room scheduling.
  • Serving as a liaison for administrative and facilities communications, such as with IT, janitorial, repair technicians, and the Building Manager.
  • Serving as an Office Assistant during the Festival and a primary point person for office responsibilities and communications.
  • Supporting other Operations team members pre-festival with projects as needed, including administrative support.
  • Supporting other Operations team members during the festival, with a focus on supporting the Production teams, including acting as a Production Assistant during festival events as needed.
  • Creating a written wrap-report and summary of all necessary timeline info.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated administrative experience
  • Experience as an Office Coordinator is a plus
  • Be friendly, welcoming and comfortable interacting with people with vastly different backgrounds and roles
  • Ability to multitask, exhibit consistent follow-through and work under time constraints
  • Experience working in a non-profit professional environment or film festival is a plus
  • Possess great energy and efficiency and a cooperative spirit
  • Flexible, energetic, detail-oriented team player
  • Good organizational skills
  • Must be proactive, communicative, and able to work with minimal supervision and a limited budget
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, to prioritize effectively, and to respond to last-minute requests
  • Comfort with the heavy lifting and labor inherent in loading in and out festival sites
  • Comfort in Google Drive, FileMaker, and Basecamp a plus

Supervision

This position reports to the Director of Operations

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.