$0. It's completely free to apply.

The 2023 Cycle will open for applications November 15, 2022 and close December 31, 2022 at 11:59PM.

Funding is open to any BIPOC filmmaker living and working in Arkansas, or with a historical connection to the state. That includes citizens of Native Nations whose ancestral lands and whose Nations were formerly located within the borders of what is now Arkansas, and also to citizens of Native Nations whose ancestors were forced to emigrate through Arkansas as a result of federal Indian Removal policies. This includes Caddo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Delaware, Kickapoo, Osage, Peoria, Quapaw, Shawnee, and Tunica Tribes and Nations. Applications are also open to any BIPOC filmmaker who was born in or is otherwise connected to the state. 

​First, take some time to compose a pitch for your project (see guidelines below) and record yourself explaining the details in 5 minutes or less. Upload that to any streaming platform, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. You can make it a private link if you like, but please do not use a password. Then, once applications are live, hit the APPLY NOW button above and fill out the application form. You’ll be asked for a link to your application video on the form. You can also include any supplementary materials if you like, but that is not required. That’s it. We’ll make decisions regarding finalists by mid-August 2021. Finalists will be invited to an interview before winners are announced September 1, 2021.

1. Your name.

2. A description of your project.

3. Its current stage of development.

4. Your goals for the project.

5. Your goals for your own artistic career as a Black, Indigenous or filmmaker of color.

6. How you will use the award to further both.

No props, no theatrics, no costumes, no fancy camera work. Your video should be simple and straightforward, just you and a camera. No need for 8K hi-res video. Your phone or even your grandparents' handicam will work just fine. This is your opportunity to tell us directly your vision for the project and the award. You must be able to convey your idea with nothing but your persuasive prose.

​That’s entirely up to you. A script, a mood board, outline, production plan, directing reel, whatever you feel will support your application. But you are not required to upload anything. Awards will be given out primarily on the strength of the application video.

You can use the award for any stage of development and any genre of film. From the inception of the idea, the script-writing phase, pre-production, production, finishing funds, even distribution and exhibition. You just have to make a strong case for how the award will help you move the project forward in a significant way.

Yes! If you apply with a project and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to re-submit the same project in future cycles. And if you win an award in an early stage of development, you can also re-apply for another award to support a later stage of the same project.

Yes!

We will require a brief one-page report on the progress of your project within 6 months of winning an award. That should include a description of how you spent the money. This will be especially important if you plan to re-apply for an award later on.

Yes! While we encourage projects that address issues of social or racial justice, we in no way limit what we will fund in terms of subject matter, genre or tone. All we care about is your passion and your vision.

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Projects will be judged on the originality and creativity of the idea as well as the likelihood that the applicant can execute their vision should they win an award. Some filmmaking or production experience is a plus. As is a well-defined plan for how you will use the award to move your project forward, and how the award will support your larger goals as an artist. Most important are a creative vision, a unique voice and a compelling story.

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Yes, you may apply with a partner. All official applicants for each project must agree to the rules and speak to the elements of the application outlined above. You should plan together in advance how you will use your time.

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