Female Directors Grant

Program Type: Short Film Grant

Geographic Scope: United States (open to female filmmakers internationally)

Program Focus: Supporting and elevating the voices of female filmmakers committed to telling diverse and underrepresented stories through animation

Program Purpose

This grant aims to:

• Support emerging and established female directors
• Provide financial assistance, mentorship, and resources
• Enable filmmakers to bring unique narratives to life
• Reflect complexities and richness of global cultures, identities, and experiences

2025-2026 Theme: "Mythical Tales"

For the current cycle, the foundation is interested in projects that explore mythology from diverse cultures around the globe. The foundation encourages:

• Drawing from ancient folklore or contemporary stories
• Reimagining and reshaping traditional myths
• Integrating unique cultural perspectives
• Shedding new light on timeless stories that resonate across generations
• Bold, imaginative, and culturally rich storytelling
• Stories that honor the past while redefining how mythology shapes the present and future

Award Support Includes

• Financial funding for production
• Mentorship for 1 year
• Production support and guidance
• Access to experienced industry professionals

Recent Recipients

2025 Awardee: Ellen Su

• Project: "DAISING" (anime series proof-of-concept)
• Logline: A Chinese American girl is willing to face the wrath of Heaven, Hell and everything in between to save her magic dog, also known as the "Fortune Beast"
• Release: Fall 2025
• Background: Chinese American director and designer with 10 years in animation; previously worked in advertising and recruiting
• Set to release animated shorts Fall 2025; actively hiring for the project

2024 Awardee: Kaniz Fatema

• Project: "The Fisherman's Lullaby"
• Logline: As gods of the sea and earth yearn to reunite, a young monk girl must fight to save her island from existential danger
• Background: NYC-based story artist, educator, and 2023 Future Directors Program scholar; born in Dhaka, raised in DC
• Short film set to release in 2025 following festival circuit

Contact & Organization Info

Titmouse Foundation

• Status: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• EIN: 83–3461412
• Website: titmousefoundation.org

Application Process

Application Status: Applications are currently closed

Application Details:
Specific application materials and submission requirements not detailed in provided materials.

What to Include (based on recipient statements):
Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

The artistic vision and story concept

Why this story matters and what it contributes to the field

Background and experience as a filmmaker

Commitment to diverse and underrepresented storytelling

How the project aligns with the annual theme

Application URL: https://www.titmousefoundation.org/female-directors-grant