DEADLINE: DCEFF Vantage Grant for Emerging BIPOC Filmmakers

The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) is the world’s premier showcase of environmentally themed films. Since 1993, our mission has been to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film. Each March in Washington, D.C. (or virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic), we host the largest environmental film festival in the world, presenting 100+ films to audiences of more than 20,000 and collaborating with over 110 partners, including museums, embassies, universities, and theaters. The festival is one of the leading annual cultural events in Washington, D.C., winning the 2017 DC Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Creative Industries.

The 31st annual festival takes place March 16-26, 2023.

In an effort to reinforce the importance of supporting the creative and informative works of BIPOC creators, the new DCEFF Vantage Grant will provide pitch training and funding to emerging BIPOC filmmakers. The Grant will award $12,500 to a qualifying filmmaker to assist with a short film or first feature, in any stage of production, that addresses a timely environmental issue.

On December 13, 2022, DCEFF opened pitch project submissions on FilmFreeway, from which 4-6 emerging BIPOC filmmakers will be selected to present their project in a live pitch in front of a panel of industry and environmental leaders and subject experts. All finalists will receive extensive pitch training from Judith Helfand, co-creator of Chicken & Egg Pictures, filmmaker (A Healthy Baby Girl, Blue Vinyl, Cooked: Survival By Zip Code) and professor at the Columbia University School of Journalism.

The deadline is January 20, 2023 for eligible filmmakers and/or producers to submit a proposal to participate in a live pitch at the 31st Annual DCEFF on March 26, 2023, with the Vantage Grant being awarded to the winning pitch.

Learn more.