Firelight Media invites emerging filmmakers living in the American Midwest who
identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) to submit proposals or
works-in-progress for a new digital shorts series, HOMEGROWN: Future Visions.
Eight selected filmmakers will receive $35,000 to produce an 8-10 minute non-fiction
short film. The filmmakers will work with Firelight Media from development through
distribution, and will receive mentorship by established independent filmmakers.
Additionally, filmmakers will be paired with a local public media station for additional
editorial and audience engagement support, with a focus on local expertise and
communities. Selected films will be distributed through public media with a planned
release for Fall 2022.
Eligibility Requirements:
● Project must be short form non-fiction, with a duration of 8-10 minutes
● Project must be in development, pre-production, or early production
● Applicant must identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of color
● Applicant must reside in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin)
● Applicant must be able to complete the project by August 2022
● Applicants must hold artistic, budgetary, and editorial control, and must own
the copyright of the proposed project
● Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the time of submission
● Applicants must be willing and able to work collaboratively with Firelight
Media, local public media staff, and mentors
● Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant
Projects NOT Eligible:
● Feature documentaries, series, or fiction projects
● Projects in post-production or completed films
● Projects from currently enrolled students or made in conjunction with
coursework
● Projects or production entities which are non-US-based, owned, or controlled
● Branded content or promotional projects
Apply: Deadline: 10/29/21 at 11:59pm CST via Submittable: https://bit.ly/3upzF29
