Local Filmmaker Fund

The Local Filmmaker Open Call, administered by the People's Media Fund (PMF), supports filmmakers in the Greater Philadelphia region with funding and professional development resources to advance film projects at any stage of production. Established in 2018 following the sale of WYBE Channel 35’s broadcast license, PMF was created to uplift Black-led, Indigenous-led, and people-of-color-led media organizations and projects focused on justice and narrative power. The Local Filmmaker Open Call reflects PMF’s mission by placing grantmaking decisions into the hands of a local, community-based panel of film professionals who are committed to equity, care, and artistic excellence. This annual grant opportunity provides selected filmmakers with both funding and access to a 12-month cohort experience. The cohort functions as an incubator, offering capacity-building workshops, networking opportunities, and access to screening platforms such as PMF’s Fall Film Screening. In addition to financial support, grantees benefit from a collaborative environment designed to nurture both creative and professional growth. Filmmakers are encouraged to apply regardless of their project’s production phase—applications are accepted for projects in development, production, post-production, and even impact-focused phases. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of four local filmmakers and film advocates who consider a range of criteria, including the applicant’s body of work, community focus, under-resourced status, and the relevance of the proposed project. PMF’s decision-making process is strictly community-led; PMF staff and board do not participate in the final grant decisions. The panel may also nominate local filmmakers in addition to reviewing applicants from the open call. To apply, filmmakers must submit an online application that includes a project description, visual materials (e.g., rough cuts, pitch decks, scene selects), and a basic budget. While having a fiscal sponsor is not required at the time of application, grantees must secure one prior to fund disbursement. Funds may be used for a wide range of project expenses, including compensation for the filmmaker or collaborators, and fiscal sponsorship fees. Student filmmakers are not eligible for this opportunity. The 2026 grant cycle opens on February 3 and closes on February 27. Selected applicants will be notified in April, following a March decision-making period. Office hours are available for interested applicants to learn about best practices and strengthen their proposals. Filmmakers who received a Local Filmmaker grant in 2024 are not eligible to apply in this cycle, but prior year grantees may be considered. The Local Filmmaker Open Call continues PMF’s commitment to equity-driven storytelling by fostering an ecosystem of filmmakers whose work engages directly with community needs and social justice. With a focus on collaborative growth and local impact, the grant is more than just funding—it’s a pathway to visibility, development, and long-term sustainability in the field of filmmaking.

Include visual materials (rough cuts, pitch decks); clearly describe community impact and narrative purpose.