Local Filmmaker Open Call

“Media making has purpose in society for community building, it’s not just a commodity.” - Louis Massiah, PMF Filmmaker Grantee

About the Local Filmmaker Open Call

People's Media Fund's (PMF) Local Filmmaker Open Call supports filmmakers across the Greater Philadelphia region with the development of their films and skills to further hone their craft. The grant includes a 12-month cohort that aims to serve as an incubator for local filmmakers to work on their films while gaining industry knowledge and building their networks (i.e. via capacity-building workshops, skill-sharing, work-in-progress screenings). In addition, PMF hosts an annual Fall Film Community Screening, where some grantees have the opportunity to screen their film and gain public interest and following.

Who is Eligible and How to Apply 

Film projects can be at any stage of production, from pre-production to post-production—and funds can support both short and feature films, as well as a range of genres from documentary to narrative and experimental. PMF will prioritize under-resourced local filmmakers whose work demonstrates a commitment to community and/or social justice. In total, up to $400,000 will be distributed to local filmmakers through this grant cycle.

You are eligible to apply if you:

✅ Live in Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, Montgomery counties), New Jersey (Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties), or Delaware (New Castle County).
✅ Are at least 18 years old.
✅ Are the director of the film you’re applying for.
✅ Have a fiscal sponsor or are able to secure a fiscal sponsor in order to receive the funding.

You are not eligible to apply if you:

❌ Are creating a promotional, commercial, or fundraising film for an organization or corporation.
❌ Are currently a student.
❌ Have received a 2025 Local Filmmaker grant.
❌ Have not turned in all reports due from previous PMF grants.

Additional Project Guidelines: 

• We will accept only one proposal per applicant.
• We accept both new and established film projects.
• Previous Local Filmmaker grantees are welcome to apply, if they did not receive a grant in 2025. 

Please note: These grants are not intended to fund the same project for which you received a prior grant. However, you may apply for different phases of a previous funded project.

Grant Awards

The Local Filmmaker Open Call will award one-year, non-renewable project grants, with requests ranging between $10,000 and $30,000 (in increments of $5,000).

Please consider what level of funding works best for your proposed project and the scale of the work. Historically, the average Local Filmmaker grant has been between $15,000 and $20,000, as panelists decide to fund as many films as possible.

How to Apply/Application Materials:

• APPLY ONLINE (English)
• PREVIEW THE APPLICATION (English)
• APLICA EN LINEA (Español)
• PREVIA DE LA APLICACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
• CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE BUDGET TEMPLATE

We aim to keep the process for applying as simple as we can. To apply, you will fill out an online application which includes contact information, a brief narrative about your film, a project timeline and budget, and work samples (optional but encouraged). You will receive confirmation when your application has been received.

Timeline and Review Process

Timeline (subject to change)

• February 3 — Application opens
• February 9 — Office hours, 12-1pm ET (Register)
• February 24 — Office hours, 5-6pm ET (Register)
• February 27 — Application closes at 11:59pm ET
• May — All applicants notified* / grants announced

*If possible, we will let applicants know earlier on if their proposal will not be funded.

The Review Process

Each year, PMF pulls together a diverse panel of four local filmmakers and film advocates to review proposals to the Local Filmmaker Open Call. The panel is comprised of individuals who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the local filmmaking community and practice their craft with intention, excellence, and care. They are knowledgeable about the nuts and bolts of film production along with the ethics of filmmaking.  

Proposals will be reviewed at the same time—after the application deadline has passed. The panelists will consider the following criteria: 

• Does the filmmaker have an impressive body of work?  
• Is the filmmaker from the Philly region and from an underrepresented group?
• Does their work demonstrate a commitment to community and/or social justice?
• Does their work engage and/or impact the Greater Philadelphia region?
• Is the filmmaker under-resourced?
• Are they creating work that is timely and needed? 

People's Media Fund staff and board are not involved in decision making. The decisions of the panel are final. This community-led grant-making process aligns with PMF’s vision to share and shift power with the community in pursuit of justice and equity. 

Application Support

Office Hours

People's Media Fund staff will host two virtual office hours in February to answer any questions about the application process. Multiple people are welcome to join and ask questions. Click below to register and attend:

• Monday, February 9: 12-1pm ET (Register)
• Tuesday, February 24: 5-6pm ET (Register)

Can't attend office hours? Email programs@peoplesmediafund.org for the recording.

FAQS

How much funding will be awarded through the Local Filmmaker Open Call? 
The Local Filmmaker Open Call will award a total of $400,000 in grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. 

At what stage of production (pre-production, production, post-production) do projects need to be? 
Filmmakers can apply for funding at any stage of development. 

What length do films have to be or are you open to both short and feature films? 
We are flexible and open to both short and feature films. If you apply for a feature film, please be clear what phase of work this grant will support.

Is this opportunity only for documentary projects? 
No. In addition to documentary, this grant cycle supports a range of films from narrative to experimental.

Do filmmakers have to live in the Greater Philadelphia Area? 
Yes. PMF defines the Greater Philadelphia region as the following:

• Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania
• Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey
• New Castle County, Delaware

Does filming need to happen in the Philly region? 
No. However, the panel does take into account how this grant impacts the Philly region, local crew members, etc. Read staff essay for more info about our support of the local filmmaking community: Funding A Lifeline: Supporting Community through Film. 

Can filmmakers who have already received a grant from PMF apply? 
Filmmakers who received a Local Filmmaker grant last year (2025) are not eligible to receive a grant this year. However, the panel will consider supporting filmmakers who have received a grant in prior years.

Please note: These grants are not intended to fund the same project for which you received a prior grant. However, you may apply for different phases of a previous funded project. 

How many times can I apply? 
We will not accept more than one proposal per applicant for the Local Filmmaker Open Call. 

I don't have a fiscal sponsor, may I apply? 
If you don’t have a fiscal sponsor at the time of application, you may still apply as long as you secure a fiscal sponsor before funds are disbursed. We are unable to make grants to applicants without a fiscal sponsor. 

Can current students apply?
Students are not eligible for this grant, however they can apply to Scribe Video Center's Student Filmmaker Fund. The 2026 deadlines for this opportunity grant are March 15 and October 31.

Who decides who receives funding? 
An independent review panel of four individuals who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the local filmmaking community and practice their craft with intention, excellence, and care. They are mindful of the nuts and bolts of film production along with the ethics of filmmaking. PMF staff and board do not make the decisions.  

What does the panel consider when evaluating my application? 
Panelists will consider the following criteria:

• Does the filmmaker have an impressive body of work?
• Is the filmmaker from the Philly region and from an underrepresented group?
• Does their work demonstrate a commitment to community and/or social justice?
• Does their work engage and/or impact the Greater Philadelphia region?
• Is the filmmaker under-resourced?
• Are they creating work that is timely and needed?

Can grant dollars be used to help filmmakers pay themselves? 
The filmmaker should be able to pay themselves and others, along with any other expenses related to their project or professional development. Please ensure that your fiscal sponsor would allow this. 

If awarded a grant, will there be reporting requirements? 
Yes, filmmakers will be asked to fill out a survey at the end of their grant period which includes a description of how funds were spent.

What advice do you have for creating a compelling application? 

• Attend office hours: Talk directly with PMF staff on February 9th, 12-1pm ET (Register) or February 24th, 5-6pm ET (Register) about tips and advice for applying. We’re here to support!
• Consider the power of work samples! Rough cuts, visuals, look books are very helpful for the panel. Consider materials that will help the panel see your vision. Depending on the stage of production, we encourage (but not require):
  • If in development stage: visual materials (teasers, pitch decks, edited footage of up to 10-mins, scene selects).
  • If in production stage: a sample up to 10 minutes. Sample should show visual treatment, developing tone and style. A complete scene is helpful for the panel to understand your intentions (limit to 10 pages).
  • If in post-production stage: a sample demonstrating access to characters, story arc or concept, visual treatment. A rough cut may be submitted.
  • If in the impact stage: a sample of campaign materials, curriculum, etc.
• Think through your budget: When submitting your budget, you may use PMF’s budget template or your own. Is your budget clear? Does it itemize costs for all aspects of this phase of your film project? What do you financially need to complete this work in a way that honors your vision and community? Have you indicated where funding from PMF will be allocated? If applicable, did you include any fiscal sponsorship fees? Remember, your budget tells a story!

About People's Media Fund

Formerly known as WYBE Channel 35, the People's Media Fund (PMF) was founded in 2018 when WYBE sold its broadcast license as part of the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadcast Incentive Auction and received a one-time payment of $131.5 million. With these funds, PMF supports Black-led, Indigenous-led, and people-of-color led media organizations and media making projects that help communities build their narrative power for equity and justice.

Header photo: Still from "This too is Liberia," by 2021 Local Filmmaker Grantee Artina Michelle.