Sundance Fund to Support International Documentary Projects

[anna balint]

Sundance Fund to Support International Documentary Projects

The Sundance Institute's International Program has announced the creation of
the Sundance Documentary Fund, formerly the Soros Documentary Fund of the
Open Society Institute.

The Sundance Documentary Fund is dedicated to supporting international
documentary films and videos focused on current and significant issues and
movements in contemporary human rights, freedom of expression, social
justice, and civil liberties. In supporting such works, the Sundance
Documentary Fund seeks to give voice to the diverse exchange of ideas
crucial to developing an open society, raise public consciousness about
human rights abuses and restrictions of civil liberties, and engage citizens
in a lively, ongoing debate about these issues.

This highly competitive program only accepts projects dealing with
contemporary issues, and does not accept historical projects, biographies,
or series. Individuals from around the world may apply with documentary film
or video projects that range in length from full broadcast hour to long
format feature. Applicants must have creative and budgetary control over the
proposed documentary. Quality of work samples, strength of proposal,
potential for broad international distribution, and the issue's significance
are elements heavily weighed during the review process.

Two project categories will be considered for funding:
Development Funds: are available for projects in the research or
preproduction phase. Grants in this category range up to $15,000. Grantees
receiving development funds may reapply for additional support upon
completion of at least a rough cut of their documentary.
Work in Progress Funds: are available for projects in production or
postproduction. These submissions are eligible for the maximum grant award
of $50,000, but generally, awards in this category will average $25,000.

For complete program information, see the Sundance Institute Web site
www.sundance.org under programs