New Fellowship Offers $25K to Filmmakers Who Champion Conservation

In a growing crop of grants and support for filmmakers, SFFILM (formerly known as the San Francisco Film Society) has announced a partnership with Vulcan Productions (STEP,Racing Extinction, Girl Rising) for a new opportunity for mid-level filmmakers telling stories about the most important conservation and environmental issue faced by our planet. 

From Carole Tomko, General Manager and Creative Director of Vulcan Productions:

"Stories about the environment and conservation that inform and enlighten have never been more important. SFFILM is the perfect partner to support emerging filmmakers in telling these vital stories. Through the SFFILM/Vulcan Environmental Fellowship, we hope to enable greater storytelling on today’s critical environmental issues."

The fellowship is open to all documentary filmmakers regardless of their location, as long as they can travel to San Francisco to get support from the SFFILM FilmHouse Residency. If you snag the fellowship, it comes not only with $25,000 but an expert advisor on your environmental topic, and access to SFFILM's artist development services. It also provides travel to San Francisco and Seattle for workshops on filmmaking, the environment, and the entertainment industry. 

There's an emphasis on being a mid-level or established filmmaker here, so you’re a stronger candidate if you’ve got a film or two under your belt. All you need to get started is to complete a Letter of Inquiry through the SFFILM portal (which includes basic categories like Topic Summary, Artistic Approach, Budget—must be under $3 million—and Distribution Strategy).

If you think climate change is a hoax, you need not apply.  Otherwise, get started on the SFFILM application, and best of luck! The deadline is Monday, March 5th.

What you receive 

• A $25,000 cash grant
• Guidance from advisors with expertise in the specific environmental issue they are exploring
• Travel to San Francisco and Seattle to participate in workshops on filmmaking and environmental activism
• Lesson plans for educational outreach, developed by SFFILMEducation staff
• Strategic consultation from SFFILM and Vulcan Productions staff, including SFFILM and Vulcan filmmakers and policy, science and technology experts, as well as documentary mentors, who will advise the fellow artistically while providing industry support that will allow the filmmakers to successfully enter fundraising and production

Featured header image from Danfung Dennis' VR project "Melting Ice."