WHAT FELLOWS RECEIVE

Over the course of 18 months, Diane Weyermann Fellows receive:

• $100,000 in total grant support ($50,000 each year) to support both director/producer salaries and production costs
• Two creative retreats in Maine coinciding with the 2023 and 2024 Camden International Film Festivals, including feedback screenings, mentor-led workshops and industry networking opportunities
• Ongoing mentorship from directors, producers, editors, and industry leaders – through calls, reviewing proposals and budgets or providing notes on work samples and rough cuts – throughout the duration of the program.

SUBMISSIONS

ELIGIBILITY

Content: Cinematic, feature-length documentaries (60 minutes or longer) highlighting stories of moral and ethical urgency that will resonate with international audiences.

Project Stage: We’re looking for films between development and early- to mid-production stages with at least 10 minutes of edited material and access secured with key participants, including signed releases. Applicants must hold at least 50% of the project’s copyright. Projects on track to be completed and released via festivals and/or theatrical distribution in 2025 or 2026 will be prioritized.

Budget: Projects with budgets of less than $1.5 million and at least 10% of budget raised from other sources will be prioritized.

Team: Projects must have both a director and producer attached, with either having at least one feature-length film completed and distributed, and signed MOUs or contracts in place. We strongly encourage applications from filmmakers in the Global South and filmmakers in developed nations from backgrounds that have been historically marginalized in the film industry by virtue of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, class or citizenship status.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:59p ET.

LIVE VIRTUAL INFO SESSION + Q&A

A live virtual information session and Q&A was held on December 13, 2022 discussing the fellowship in further detail! Tune in here to watch the recording.

SELECTION PROCESS

• All applications that pass an eligibility check based on the above criteria will advance to Phase 1 of review.
• Members of Points North’s curatorial team will select up to 25 finalists to advance to Phase 2. Finalists will be notified and asked to provide any relevant project updates.
• In Phase 2, a Selection Committee comprised of Points North staff and 3-5 jurors will review all finalist applications and recommend a shortlist based on the following criteria:
  • Artistic Approach: Does the project have a clear creative direction or vision? Does it demonstrate a unique visual language or an innovative approach to the documentary form?
  • Topic: Are the central topics/themes/questions unique to this film, or is the approach to the topic structured in an original way? Does this film ask questions that have a particular moral and ethical urgency? Are the filmmakers approaching their protagonists/participants with nuance and authenticity?
  • Connection to Story/Community: Does the filmmaker have a strong connection or collaborative relationship with the individuals and/or communities they plan to represent on screen? Have they carefully considered their ethical responsibilities, including any potential risks to participants in the film?
  • Feasibility: Are the proposed project timeline and budget realistic? Does the filmmaking team have the experience and/or team necessary to realize the vision outlined? Are there any concerns about roadblocks this project may face in the future?
  • Project and Career Stage: Is the project at a stage where the resources, mentorship, industry connections and exposure provided during this 18-month program will significantly advance its progress? Is the filmmaking team in a place where this opportunity will help them build a more sustainable career in independent documentary filmmaking?
  • Audience: Does the project have the potential to resonate with its target audience(s) and reach audiences across international borders and cultures?
• In Phase 3, recommended applicants will be interviewed by Points North staff. Final decisions will be made by May 2023.