Funding & Opportunities
The New Hampshire Film Bureau provides these notices for informational purposes only. The listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by the Film Bureau or the State of New Hampshire. Please direct any inquiries about these opportunities to the contacts provided.
Biomimicry and Indigenous Knowledge: Braiding Pathways for Regenerative Health Futures Project
Vision Maker Media and The Biomimicry Institute are proud to announce the Biomimicry and Indigenous Knowledge: Braiding Pathways for Regenerative Health Futures Project. This is an open call for Native filmmakers to produce a 10–20-minute documentary short film focused on stories that explore relationships with living systems and demonstrate how these relationships contribute to land-based healing, ecological stewardship, regenerative health, and our understanding of nature as teacher. Four Native filmmakers will be selected, and up to $25,000 USD will be awarded to each filmmaker.
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
Application: Grant Application
Contact Information: [email protected] or call (402) 472-3522
Roy W. Dean Fall 2026 Call for Submissions
The Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2026 is now open for submissions through October 31, 2026. As the final Roy W. Dean Grant in the 2026 cycle, it gives independent filmmakers access to cash, donated production services, and expert guidance to help advance their projects. Since 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have supported distinctive independent films that make a contribution to society. The grant is offered by From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps filmmakers complete their films and reach audiences. Documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series are eligible.
Eligibility
- Budget Must Be Under $500,000
- Open to Filmmakers from Any Country
- For Any Phase of Production from Development to Post-Production
- Films Can Be Any Length
- Live Action or Animated
What the Recipient Receives
- $3,500 in cash
- $15,000 in original music from composer David Raiklen, exclusive of recording costs
- $500 in grip, lighting, or expendables from Filmtools
- Additional donated products and professional services from film-industry donors
Britt Penrod Award
A $500 Britt Penrod Award will recognize an additional project distinguished by its originality and exceptional contribution to society.
Three Additional $500 Awards
Three projects will also receive The Stories That Matter Awards, each accompanied by a $500 cash prize. These awards recognize films that reflect real lives, communities, and pressing social issues and have the potential to resonate beyond the screen.
Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026
Submission Form: Fall Grant Application
Contact Information: [email protected] or call (805) 984-0098
Submit your Film to GHB's Local Lens
GBH seeks films by filmmakers from the New England region or stories pertinent to New England audiences for Local Lens, a curated series of local, independent documentaries that capture the essence of the region. With a rolling open call process, GBH is currently accepting submissions for completed non-fiction feature length, short films, and docuseries. The films air on GBH2, GBH44 and stream on our digital channels, including the PBS App, PBS.org/GBH.org, and GBH's YouTube Channel (when applicable). License fees are negotiated with filmmakers upon acquisition. You can learn more about the series and our latest films in this highlight from last fall, here.
Submission Deadline: Rolling
Submission Form: GBH's Local Lens
Contact Information: [email protected] or call (617) 300-3300
Moving Image Fund
The Moving Image Fund was founded in 2001 to provide funding and support for New England-based independent documentary film makers and video artists through all phases of production. The fund also provides career development support for filmmakers to help build a sustainable and strong community for independent artists in New England.
Eligibility:
- Projects must be long format; 40 minutes or longer
- Primary creative personnel (director and/or producer) must reside in New England
- Projects with directors or producers enrolled in high school, undergraduate or master’s degree programs at the time of application are ineligible for consideration
- Multi-channel or installation work will not be considered
- LEF no longer requires you to have a confirmed fiscal sponsor at the time that you submit a letter of inquiry or application
- For prior grantees, a final report on previous LEF grant funding is required
Submission Deadline: Rolling
Contact Information: [email protected] or call (617) 492-5333
