Open Call for Miller/Packan Film Fund

They believe in a more perfect world. The Miller/Packan Documentary Film Fund provides grants to feature-length non-fiction projects that address social issues and inspire others.

The planet is wonderfully diverse. They support film as an instrument for change, delivering greater knowledge, compassion and awareness. Listening and understanding brings everybody together.

Categories

• At the highest level, the Fund’s subject categories are Education, the Environment and Civics.

Focus Areas

• Premise: What your film is about and how you position it makes all the difference. A story may be interesting to you but, without a strong premise that engages the viewer, it is not enough.
• Research and Factual Data: For issue-oriented films, ample research and credible statistics are paramount. While a filmmaker may wish to present a point-of-view, some premises can be contentious and evoke multiple viewpoints. An effective film will give voice to other points of view.
• Universal Appeal: If you are filming an issue-oriented project, it should have a broad and universal appeal. Your storyline might be told through an individual or individuals. However, the story should not be primarily about them.
• Pathways: They are interested in problems, but more interested in solutions. Sadly, there are many examples of injustices or tragic stories in the world today. While they wish to raise awareness on these issues, they also wish to offer solutions or inspiring stories that can move you forward.
• Potential Impact: Whether it is an inspiring story, an exposé, a scientific analysis or some screwball idea, your film should have the potential to affect you in a compelling way the mission and the strength of your proposal.

Funding Information

• Each year, grants totaling $200,000 are awarded to between eight and twelve filmmakers. The fund operates an open call submission process, and awards are announced bi-annually. Each grant is one-time only and offered in amounts up to $25,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be the producer and/or director and at least 18 years of age.
• The film must be feature length of no less than 70 minutes.
• The film addresses a social issue of recognized significance.
• The film is commercially viable and capable of reaching a large audience.
• International projects must be a topic with global audience appeal, extending beyond the film’s location.
• The project must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or a Fiscal Sponsor.
• Non-English language films are eligible but must have English subtitles.
• Student films are ineligible
• Completed films are ineligible.

Selection Criteria

• The applications for funding will be reviewed and vetted by the staff of the Rogovy Film Fund. If you are selected for a grant, you will be required to list the Fund and its logo within the film credits.

For more information, visit The Rogovy Foundation.