NewFest’s New Voices Filmmaker Grant, supported by Netflix, supports emerging directors telling LGBTQ+ stories by providing funding to make new work, assisting in getting their work more widely shared, and propelling their careers forward through mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Donor Name: NewFest
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/12/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Grant seeks to support underrepresented voices in the film industry, and provides a $25,000 unrestricted grant to 4 emerging directors.
In addition to the $25,000 grant and industry mentorship, fellows will also participate in events and have their work showcased at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the largest queer film festivals in the world. Fellows will also have the opportunity to travel as guests of NewFest to other North American film festivals.
Submissions are accepted from emerging directors who make documentary/nonfiction, narrative, and/or animated film/episodic projects that highlight LGBTQ+ stories.
Eligibility Criteria
At the time of application, eligible filmmakers:
- Are at least 18 years of age.
- Currently live in the US, have resided in the US continuously for at least the past two years, and plan to reside in the US for the full duration of the grant period (through June 2027).
- Have previously directed at least one (1) short film or episodic project inclusive of LGBTQ+ content that was completed within the past 3 years (since January 2023).
- Have not previously directed a completed feature-length film (over 60 mins), even if self-funded or without distribution.
- Must not have formal representation for directorial work (i.e. are not currently signed with an agent and/or manager).
- Must not have entered a distribution deal for any of their directorial work in which they both received monetary compensation and granted exclusive North American distribution rights to a third-party distributor.
For more information, visit NewFest.
