DCEFF Vantage Grant

DCEFF Vantage Grant for Emerging BIPOC Filmmakers

Overview: The DCEFF Vantage Grant is a commitment grant supporting emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) filmmakers working on environmental films. The grant recognizes the need for representation in environmental storytelling created by members of communities most impacted by environmental issues.

Award Amount: $12,500 to the grand prize winner; $500 to all other finalists who pitch

Geographic Scope: United States (travel support for pitch finalists from within the US only)

Focus Areas:

Eligibility Requirements

• BIPOC identity (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) as director or producer
• Emerging filmmaker status (not yet made a feature-length film)
• Project must be a short film or feature on an environmental theme
• Project must be in one of these stages: Research and development, pre-production, production, or post-production
• If selected as finalist, must be available to attend the live pitch event and travel from within the US
• Must be able to present in English

Grant Support Includes

• $12,500 funding for the winning project
• Extensive pitch training from industry professionals (e.g., Judith Helfand, co-creator of Chicken & Egg Pictures)
• Live pitch presentation opportunity in front of industry and environmental leaders
• Travel and hospitality provided to pitch finalists to attend the Festival
• Feedback from industry panel on projects
• $500 awarded to all remaining finalists

Background: Established in 2022 as an extension of DCEFF's commitment to expanding the storytelling pipeline. First awarded in 2023. Made possible through the support of Prince Charitable Trusts.

Contact: pitch@dceff.org