SUBMISSIONS

Overview

Mirroring Diane’s generosity and commitment to bold, visionary storytelling, the Diane Weyermann Fellowship program aims to empower advanced-career creative documentary directors and producers, building a robust community of support that will help them create significant works of art that connect with audiences across the world.

Up to three original, feature-length documentaries in mid to late production from global filmmaking teams will be selected to participate in a 18 month collaborative Fellowship program. 

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

• $100,000 in total grant support ($50,000/ year) to support both director/producer salaries and/or production costs and/or post-production costs
• Two creative retreats in Maine coinciding with the 2025 and 2026 Camden International Film Festivals, including work-in progress feedback screenings, mentor-led workshops and industry networking opportunities.
• Ongoing mentorship designed to support the filmmaking teams in the advancement of the project, as well as the individual professional and personal. growth of each fellow, through monthly cohort calls, peer support, connection with industry leaders, and reviewing proposals and budgets, providing notes on work samples and rough cuts as needed throughout the duration of the program.

Eligibility

• Content: Cinematic, feature-length documentaries (70 minutes or longer) highlighting stories of moral and ethical urgency that will resonate with international audiences.
• Project Stage: We’re looking for films between in mid-to-late production stages with at least 10 minutes of edited material at the time of application 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 late 2026 or in 2027 will be prioritized. Due to the duration of the fellowship, projects scheduled to be completed between the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026 will not be eligible.

• Budget: Projects with budgets of less than $1.5 million and at least 10% of budget raised from other sources will be prioritized.
  • As a note, for the disbursement of the grant money, film teams must be working with a Fiscal Sponsor or other formal financial entity. Fiscal sponsorship is not required at the time of application, but will just need to be secured by the time selected projects receive their funding. 

• Team: Projects must have both a director and producer attached, with both having at least one feature-length film completed and distributed, and signed MOUs or contracts in place for the current project in the application. 
  • We strongly encourage applications from filmmakers that have been historically marginalized in the film industry by virtue of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class or citizenship status, as well as filmmakers from countries and regions within the Global South.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, January 21, 2024 at 11:59p ET.

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, from mid 2025 to end of 2026, 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 June 2025.

LIVE VIRTUAL INFO SESSION + Q&A

Join us for a live virtual information session to hear from our team about the fellowship as well as get the opportunity to ask questions about the application and selection process. 

When: Friday, December 6, 11:30am-12:30pm ET