Narrative Short Film Grant - Saul Zaentz Awards

Narrative Short Film Grant - Saul Zaentz Awards

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Berkeley Film Foundation
Amount: US $25,000
Last Updated: July 17, 2025

Summary

The Berkeley Film Foundation is proud to announce the Narrative Short Film Grant, providing vital funding for local filmmakers. This prestigious grant supports projects that creatively explore themes of social and environmental justice. With a focus on originality and technical skill, the foundation aims to uplift innovative narratives. This year, a special Saul Zaentz Award of $25,000 will be given to select films, furthering the foundation's commitment to impactful storytelling in the film community.

Overview

BFF is excited to host its second annual Narrative Short Grant Program, which provides specific funding to narrative short films made by local filmmakers. We see a growing need for funding of short fiction film projects in the region and we are happy to offer this support moving forward. Berkeley FILM Foundation will provide grants in pre-production, production, post-production and distribution for narrative short film projects. The Berkeley FILM Foundation is interested in short films that use creative, thoughtful and innovative methods to tell a story with a strong theme of social or environmental justice. The review committee will be judging films based on originality, imagination, and technical skill. This has historically been the Berkeley FILM Foundation’s highest award given each year and is our most prestigious. This is the first year we are introducing a second Saul Zaentz Award for $25,000. These films are chosen during final deliberation of the review committee and these films will embody the mission and purpose of the organization and its commitment to social justice. The grants are named after world-renowned film producer, Saul Zaentz, who produced award winning films such as “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”, “The English Patient” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and was an original founder of the Berkeley FILM Foundation.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Director, co-director, Producer or co-Producer of the films. Organizations may not apply.Be at least 18 years of age.