The Ford Foundation has launched the JustFilms call to support documentary projects from around the world. The program funds feature-length documentaries of at least 50 minutes that focus on social justice and are under the creative control of the filmmakers. Applications are accepted for development, production, and post-production of direct content.
The call is international, allowing filmmakers from all countries to apply. Projects should convey narratives that inspire, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to transforming conditions of inequality and injustice. Short films, series, episodes, or emerging formats such as AR/VR or podcasts are not accepted.
The application deadline is December 30, 2025. Results will be announced approximately four months after the deadline, around April 2026, and funds will be disbursed between June and August 2026. No fixed production dates are set, as projects progress according to each recipient's production schedule.
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JustFilms – Ford Foundation
The DIP 2026 call is aimed at artists and filmmakers interested in audiovisual exploration and intimacy, with a focus on experimental and documentary cinema. The program combines online activities with an in-person residency in Misiones, Argentina, providing a creative laboratory and artistic development space. International applications are accepted, encouraging diverse expressive experiences and creative processes.
The program will run from March 25 to November 25, 2026, including the in-person residency from October 8 to 16, 2026. Applications are open until January 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Argentine time. The call is not focused on completed projects but rather on the development and support of creative processes, without format restrictions.
This initiative is designed for artists seeking to experiment, reflect, and strengthen their practice in a collaborative laboratory environment, fostering innovation and international exchange.
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DIP
The American Film Market (AFM) 2025 will take place from November 11 to 16 in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most important independent film markets globally, where distribution, financing, and promotion deals worth billions of dollars are made.
The event gathers producers, distributors, buyers, and industry professionals to present projects, network, and participate in specialized conferences and panels. Key activities include the Pitch Conference, where filmmakers can present projects through a two-minute video, and support programs for film sales companies.
The call is open to film professionals interested in showcasing, financing, or selling cinematic projects. It provides an opportunity to expand networks, gain international visibility, and understand trends in the independent film market. Participation enables strategic connections with key global industry players and access to practical insights on film production, distribution, and marketing.
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American Film Market
VdR–Pitching is an international platform within the Visions du Réel festival that supports feature-length documentary projects in advanced development. Its aim is to connect filmmakers with industry professionals to facilitate funding, co-production, and distribution. The call is open to projects over 60 minutes, with a creative approach and international potential. Both debut and experienced filmmakers can participate, provided the projects are original and not yet in production.
Selected projects participate in pitch sessions in front of experts and receive mandatory pitch training. Documentation is required in English, including synopsis, treatment, visual references, preliminary budget, and team CVs. Narrative innovation and the potential for international reach are highly valued.
Projects may also be eligible for development awards, including the Eurimages Co‑Production Development Award, which encourages international co-productions. The call includes submission deadlines and presentation sessions, with travel and accommodation costs covered by participants, although partial support may be available. VdR–Pitching offers a unique opportunity to gain professional visibility and support for creative documentaries in development.
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VdR–Pitching
The VdR–Work in Progress call from the Visions du Réel festival targets feature-length documentaries in the advanced stages of post-production. Projects must have at least 10 minutes of edited material and will have the chance to be presented to industry professionals such as distributors, sales agents, TV channels, and festivals.
Projects from all over the world are eligible, as long as they are feature-length documentaries nearing completion. Selection is based on artistic quality, international potential, financial viability, and the experience of the team. Attendance of both the director and producer at the event is mandatory if selected.
The main goal is to facilitate professional connections, access to finishing funds, and support the film’s distribution and festival strategy. Applications are submitted online in English, with English subtitles required for audiovisual material in other languages, and a small participation fee applies. Selected projects receive accreditation, pitch training, and participation in presentations and one-on-one meetings with industry professionals.
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VdR–Work in Progress
