Pillars Artist Fellowship

The Pillars Artist Fellowship was launched in 2021 by Pillars Fund in partnership with Riz Ahmed's Left Handed Films, with critical seed investments from Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios. This program is designed to support screenwriters and directors committed to working in and alongside Muslim communities, providing them with the mentorship, industry connections, and financial support to help advance their careers.

Focus Areas:

• Authentic storytelling from Muslim perspectives
• Character-driven work that diverges from harmful tropes
• Joyful, honest stories that uplift the viewpoints of people working in and alongside Muslim communities
• Bold, meaningful narratives that challenge stereotypes

Geographic Scope: U.S. and U.K. based applicants

Award Details:

• 10 fellows selected per cycle
• $40,000 unrestricted award per fellow
• One-on-one mentorship with industry leaders
• Professional development through expert-led workshops
• Exclusive industry connections
• Multi-day retreats in NYC, London, and LA (accommodations and airfare paid)

For Directors:

• Must have compiled a portfolio with at least two work samples
• Primary sample must be a short OR feature the applicant has directed
• Secondary sample must be a short or feature the applicant has directed OR a full-length pilot or feature the applicant has written
• At least two directorial work samples required

For Screenwriters:

• Must have compiled a portfolio with at least two work samples
• Both samples must be complete pilots or feature-length scripts
• Short scripts will not be accepted

General Requirements:

• Directors or screenwriters who work in and alongside Muslim communities
• Must live in the U.S. or U.K. (citizenship not required)
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be an emerging artist (mid-career storyteller meeting 1-3 of the following):
  • Has an agent or manager
  • Has directed a short or feature in the past 5 years
  • Has won a screenwriting award in the past 5 years
  • Has participated in another lab/fellowship in the past 2 years
  • Is a member of the DGA or WGA
  • Has staffed on a TV show or received a writing credit on a film
  • Has worked as an assistant in the entertainment industry for 2+ years
  • Has worked in another field in the entertainment industry for 2+ years
• Undocumented artists may apply (residency requirement only)
• Creative partners/duos may apply but must submit individual applications
• Writing/director hybrids should apply as directors
• No genre limitations

Contact Information:

• General inquiries: artistfellowship@pillarsfund.org
• Media inquiries: press@pillarsfund.org

Selection Criteria: Applications are reviewed based on:

• Divergence from harmful tropes
• Creative vision
• Technical skill

Application Process

Timeline:

• Application period: October 15 - November 17, 2025 (CLOSED)
• Selection committee begins reviewing: November 2025
• All applicants notified of status: Spring 2026
• Cohort selected: June 2026

Required Materials:

1. Short bio
2. Resume
3. Five-minute personal video essay
4. Two work samples (specific requirements vary by profession - see eligibility section)

Information Sessions:

• Session I (U.K. Audiences): October 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. BST / 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
• Session II (General Audiences): October 27, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. BST / 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

Late Submissions: Will not be accepted except for pre-approved disability accommodations

Accessibility: Applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations should email artistfellowship@pillarsfund.org to request adjusted deadlines

Fellowship Commitment (if selected):

• Three multi-day in-person retreats across 10-month period (September 2026, February 2027, June 2027)
• Artist showcase presentation during final retreat
• Virtual curriculum including limited Zoom webinars, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings with mentors
• All accommodations and airfare covered by fellowship