Apply for Voices With Impact Film Production Grant Program

For the 2025 Voices With Impact Film Grant they are looking for theme Mental Health.

Funding Information

• Voices With Impact is a Mental Health focused Film Production Grant.
• They’re offering $7.5k Production Grants to make 5 minute films on the topic of Visibility/Invisibility – the seen and unseen of mental health.
• Selected filmmakers are supported through the filmmaking process and connected with mentors from the rich network of industry professionals.
• Films are distributed for years to come through the educational programming in partnership with postsecondary institutions across North America.

What are they looking for?

• Fresh, challenging narratives
• Beautifully memorable visuals
• Underrepresented voices
• Unresolved endings
• Enduring relevance

Eligibility Criteria

• For the 2025 Voices With Impact Film Grant they are looking for film proposals that explore Visibility/Invisibility: the seen and unseen of mental health.
• They are taking an open interpretation of this year’s theme. They are looking for proposals that are surprising, innovative, and personal. They have no specific definition of “visibility/invisibility” in mind: they truly want to see what it means to you.
• You are welcome to use visibility/invisibility to inspire your film’s aesthetic just as much as its story. All they ask is that these proposals to explore mental health.
• They’re looking for honest, intriguing, humanizing, authentic stories inspired by lived experience of mental health. They don’t need these stories to be heavy though, they love exploring the lightness of these topics too, and the joy that can be found! They welcome comedy, horror, animation, drama, experimental, documentary, romance, and westerns – hey even sci-fi and fantasy if the juror’s believe it’ll fit the budget.

Evaluation Criteria

• The Voices with Impact Jury will be evaluating proposals using the following criteria:
  • Unique artistic and creative approach to telling the story.
  • Accuracy of depictions of mental health issues, stemming from credible research sources and lived experiences.
  • Consideration of filmmaking techniques and skill level.
  • Identification/connection with the population within the subject matter and demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness around the topic.
  • Degree to which the film has the potential reduce existing stigma.
  • If the story could realistically be effective as a film that is five-minute or less.
  • Filmmaker’s demonstrated ability to complete this project with a high level of professionalism.

For more information, visit AWI.