Building Bridges Documentary Fund

Building Bridges Documentary Fund Application Process

Application Window: March 16, 2026 - April 26, 2026 at 11:59 PST

Review Timeline: CAAM takes approximately six months to review all applicants. Finalists will generally be notified in late summer 2026 to submit an update.

Required Application Materials:

1. Project Information:
- Project Title
- Logline
- Story Synopsis
- Topic Summary

2. Narrative Sections:
- Connection to the Story (CAAM recommends reviewing Documentary Accountability Group (DAWG) resources, including "From Reflection to Release: Framework for Values, Ethics, and Accountability in Nonfiction Filmmaking" and Doc Society's "Safe and Secure" handbook)
- Artistic Approach
- Intended Audience
- Distribution Goals
- Production Timeline
- Grant Impact statement (explain how you will use funds if awarded, with dispersal at end of year)

3. Budget:
- Full line item budget in USD
- For R&D: line item R&D budget only required
- For Production/Post-production: complete project budget required
- Must show Total Secured and Pending Funds

4. Visual Sample Materials (varies by funding phase):
- Production Funding: Minimum 15-minute sample of the project being submitted
- Can be scene(s), trailer, and/or string of scenes
- Should demonstrate story structure, tone, visual style, and intended editing style
- Should be closest example of what final film will look and feel like
- Should NOT be a pitch reel
- R&D Funding: Minimum deck with still images
- Preferably original still images rather than AI-generated versions
- If submitting visual sample from former work as director/producer, be specific about your role (field work, research, casting, etc.)
- Post-production Funding: Full-length rough or fine cut required
- Film should be close to completion
- Running time should be comparable to final length (26:46, 56:46, 1:26:46, or 1:56:46)
- Do NOT submit trailers, selects, demo segments, or assemblies

5. Team Materials:
- Director's Previous Work
- Team bios

6. Co-Director Requirements:
- Must submit dual directorial statement explaining how directing responsibility is shared

Important Notes on Application:

• AI Use: Command of English does not need to be fluent; authenticity in your own voice is valued. Reviewers can detect generative AI usage. Be authentic in submitted materials.
• AI in Film Content: For projects discussing AI, reference the Archival Producers Alliance Generative AI Initiative for best practices guidelines, supplemental toolkit, and case studies (available in 2025).
• Status Updates: Due to high volume of applications, CAAM cannot answer emails regarding status updates. You will be notified at end of review process regarding project status if awarded.

Qualification Criteria for U.S.-Muslim Story:

Projects must address at least one of the following:

Does your film center Muslim protagonist(s)?

Do the international components widen the aperture of the U.S.-Muslim story, protagonists, or topic context?

Does your film lead with the intention of creating a film that awakens the point-of-view and narrative(s) of Muslims in the United States?

If yes to any of these, your project likely qualifies.

For Overseas Filming:

Film can be filmed overseas

Must clarify in written materials how international components and storylines illuminate understanding of U.S. Muslim community

Must explain core ethos and tenets of film and how it illuminates U.S. Muslim community/protagonist story

Recommend making this clear in story and topic summary section