Emerging Filmmakers Fund

Supporting the next generation of filmmakers.

With support from our Director’s Circle, 3 emerging filmmakers will be awarded $5000.00 toward the production of an original short film to premiere at our annual festival in 2024.

Applications are now closed.

We are committed to supporting artists and creatives from marginalised communities and will especially welcome submissions from:

  • First Nations people

  • Black and people of colour

  • Culturally and linguistically diverse communities

  • Disabled people and/or people with chronic illnesses

  • LGBTIQA+ people

  • First time filmmakers with lived experience 

  • School-aged filmmakers

  • Filmmakers over 50 years olds

Past festival program themes have included: Gender & Sexuality, Environment, Politics, First Nations Stories, Identity & Belonging, Global Movement of People.

Key dates:  

  • 22 May 2023: Applications close.

  • 31 July 2023: Grants are awarded to recipients by Director’s Circle.

  • 1 August 2023 - 31 January 2024: Short film production period with support from HRAFF.

  • April/May 2024: Special premiere film screening at the 2024 Human Rights Arts & Film Festival.

Offer:

Each grant recipient will receive $AU 5,000.00 to produce a short film which will be screened at a special premiere event during the 2024 Human Rights Arts & Film Festival. 

Additionally, HRAFF is committed to accessible screen content for diverse audiences. Our team will work closely with successful recipients to ensure their films are accessible.

How it works: 

  1. Submit an application and meet the key selection criteria (only first time filmmakers are eligible to apply). The application form involves a short film pitch and a few questions about who you are and how you identify.

  2. Successful applicants will be shortlisted by HRAFF.

  3. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a pitch video addressing their filmmaking elements. This can be a face to camera piece and can include a treatment of concept imagery or videos edited throughout. 

  4. The Director’s Circle will deliberate on the pitch videos and select 3 applicants to receive $5000.00 toward their original short film.

  5. Recipients will be supported throughout the production period by our development coordinator.

Download a document with all the application questions.

Key selection criteria

  1. You must be a first-time filmmaker who has never produced a film for public viewing or distribution before.

  2. Upload supporting documents in the application. Watch this How to Pitch video for some guidance.

  3. Have an ABN to receive the funds if you are successful.

  4. Living in Australia. You do not have to be an Australian citizen.

Additional Information:

Please feel free to share anything and everything about your project. The more you share with us, the more excited we can get as we learn about your idea! We’re inspired by creativity and we love to see everything that goes into your creative process (scripts, images, concept boards, work plan, sound recordings)

For more information about the Emerging Filmmakers Fund or the application process please email info@hraff.org.au