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Rising Filmmaker Program

Moving Picture Institute

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Rolling — applications accepted year-round
Tracked since
April 2026

From the program guidelines: “Applications accepted at any time”

Overview

MPI's Rising Filmmaker program supports filmmakers committed to producing marketable projects about human freedom. The program helps filmmakers hone skills in writing, directing, and production with the goal of finding industry success.

Support Provided:

  • Work closely with mentors
  • Participation in workshops and masterclasses
  • Opportunity to see work produced by MPI as MPI Original Films
  • Script and concept refinement

Geographic Scope: United States (NY-based organization)

Focus Areas: Films exploring human freedom themes

Track Record: MPI has supported the careers of over 100 producers, directors, editors, and screenwriters

Application Process: Applications may be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a cyclical basis three times per year. Only online applications accepted. Filmmakers interested in support are encouraged to first participate in MPI Screenwriting Workshops or Short Film Creative Development and Production Lab. Projects developed in workshops are given preference for production.

How to Apply

How to Apply

  1. Preparation (Recommended): First participate in one of the following:
    • MPI Screenwriting Workshops
    • MPI Short Film Creative Development and Production Lab
    • Projects developed in workshops receive preference for production
  2. Submission:
    • Submit applications online only
    • Applications accepted at any time
    • Reviewed on a cyclical basis three times per year
    • Do not mail or call
  3. Note: Due to high volume of submissions, only applicants who advance to the next round of consideration will be contacted

Past recipients of this program

Recent awards under this program (from Moving Picture Institute's IRS filings)

  • Smock Media Holdings

    Venice, CA · 2021

    $58K

2 grants in Moving Picture Institute's 2020–2021 filings reference “Rising Filmmaker Program” in their stated purpose. Amounts and places as reported by the funder.

What Moving Picture Institute actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2021 — the most recent filing with itemized grants

Moving Picture Institute reported $18K in grants for 2022 as a total without an itemized list; the grant details below are from 2021, its most recent itemized filing.

Grants in 2021
2
Total given
$300K
Median grant
$150K
Range
$58K–$242K
  • By dollars: New York 81%, California 19%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY; Venice, CA.

Example grants

  • Disruptive Pictures · New York, NY

    Exempt mission film production

    $242K

  • Smock Media Holdings LLC · Venice, CA

    To support mindful editor workshop for the rising filmmaker program

    $58K

IRS Form 990, 2021. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

  • Creative writing

Categories

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