Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers in telling stories that support their mission to inspire audiences to create a better world.
About Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship
.png)
Opportunity Details
Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers in telling stories that support their mission to inspire audiences to create a better world. They seek non-fiction stories celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit. Applications for Mountainfilm's 2025 Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship will open on July 1st.
Please note that if you are an early career filmmaker they will select an Emerging Filmmaker from the pool of Commitment Grant applicants for their Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship.
Commitment Grants
The Commitment Grants are focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in the production or post-production stages. Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera. They welcome applicants from any country.
Funding for this program is provided by Mountainfilm’s Filmmaker Fund, Borsecnik/Weil Family and Jess Stevens and Stephen Pollard in honor of the life of Isabella de la Houssaye.
Benefits of Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship
Commitment Grants
- Awards will range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship
Awards & Prizes:
- The fellowship provides one filmmaker with a yearlong mentorship, including edit and story consultation, networking opportunities and a cash award.
- In addition, the fellowship includes a trip to Telluride during the festival over Memorial Day weekend, covering travel, lodging and a Mountainfilm pass
Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship Requirements
Commitment Grants
- You are required to include a video sample or trailer of your current project, no longer than 10 minutes. They prefer password-protected Vimeo links instead of file uploads.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
- They consider projects in production or post-production only. Projects that are completed, have already been released, or have screened at festivals will not be considered.
- If you have previously received Commitment Grant funding for this project, please do not re-apply. If you have already applied for funding with this project in the past and were not granted, you may re-apply only if there have been substantial changes.
- They do not fund completed projects or impact campaigns.
- If you are the recipient of a Mountainfilm Commitment Grant, they expect the following:
- Regular updates on progress, 2–3 times annually.
- The Mountainfilm logo or name recognition in film or project credits that corresponds with the level of support.
- A discussion of premiere consideration with the Mountainfilm programming team, if the film is selected for inclusion at the festival.
- Depending on the level of support and length of film, we may require premiere status (Colorado or U.S.) and request the right to screen on Mountainfilm on Tour.
Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship
- They accept applicants from any country, however, you must be currently residing in the United States.
- You must include a director bio, headshot and cover letter.
- You must also include a video sample or trailer of your current project (no longer than 10 minutes). They prefer password-protected Vimeo links for our jury as opposed to uploads.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
- They consider projects in production and post-production.
Application Date and Process
Apply Here
Application Deadline
16 July, 2025
Scholarship Application Portal
View details of
Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship
Apply for Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship
