Submissions open for AXS Film Fund

AXS Film Fund strives to support independent documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds living with disabilities in their endeavors to tell stories, make films, and create content.

They seek to bring visibility to creators who are oftentimes overlooked. While they prefer that a person of color living with a disability is a key contributor to the project, they welcome diverse teams to apply.

Goals

• The AXS Film Fund Seeks to:
  • Provide grants to creators living with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, in documentary filmmaking and nonfiction new media to support the completion of their projects.
  • Elevate visibility of creators living with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and empower them to get recognition and job opportunities in the media industry.
  • Support a variety of creators and a broad range of stories.

Funding Information

• Each year they award up to five creators with grants of up to $10,000 each to assist them in finishing their projects in any stage of production.

Eligible Projects

• They fund:
  • Feature length documentary films (45+ minute runtime)
  • Nonfiction new media projects, with a film/video component.
  • Projects should be a documentary film or nonfiction new media project.
  • Documentary projects should be feature length films (experimental nonfiction will be accepted)
  • The project is in any stage of production (pre-production, production, post production, distribution).
  • Projects in languages other than English should have English subtitles.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for their grant:
  • Applicants cannot be enrolled in a full-time degree granting program.
  • Applicants should be 18 years of age or older to apply.
  • Applicants should be individuals, however they may have a fiscal sponsor.
  • Projects are encouraged to be led by individuals who identify as living with a disability, particularly those from underserved communities. However, all applicants are welcome to apply.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following projects are ineligible for funding and will not be considered:
  • The applicant and project do not meet the above listed eligibility requirements.
  • Fiction Projects: Narrative fiction films based on a true story are also not eligible.
  • Projects in which applicants are hired, employed, or commissioned by another entity.
  • Projects that meet their criteria, but have an incomplete application and/or are missing supporting materials.
  • Projects submitted after the submission deadline.

Selection Criteria

• Projects will be evaluated based upon the following:
  • The strength of the proposal and artistic approach.
  • The feasibility of the proposed project.
  • The ethics and accountability of the project.
  • A completed application and all requested materials.
  • A fulfilment of eligibility requirements.

For more information, visit AXS Film Fund.