DocSociety
/OVERVIEW: DocSociety, formerly the Britdoc Foundation, runs grant programs for documentary filmmaking in the U.K. and elsewhere.
IP TAKE: According to Doc Society’s Theory of Change, documentary films “have a unique ability to engage and connect people, transform communities and improve societies.” This organization’s grants focus on “funding new kinds of storytelling which can forge deep emotional connections with audiences, even with those who feel alienated by the current political climate.” DocSociety runs a handful of grant programs to support the production of exceptional documentaries by early- to mid-career grantmakers. Current priorities include “the climate emergency and the crisis in democracy” but opportunities change frequently here, so sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the webpage. DocSociety accepts applications for all of its programs and provides information about guidelines and due dates on each program page. See the organization’s film directory to see if your work may be a good match for DocSociety.
PROFILE: Founded in 2005, DocSociety (formerly called Britdoc) is a U.K.-based global nonprofit that is “committed to enabling great documentary films and connecting them to audiences globally.” Its stated mission involves “bring[ing] people together to unleash the transformational power of independent documentary film. Based in London and New York, this organization has funding opportunities for documentary filmmakers, with some programs limited to filmmakers working in the U.K., and others open to films produced anywhere in the world. The society also runs programs for impact and field building for the documentary film industry.
Grants for Film
DocSociety organizes is grant opportunities around the types, lengths and topics of film projects supported by each program.
The BFI DocSociety Fund makes grants to support “independent non-fiction film and immersive projects by UK filmmakers, prioritising expansive, director-led storytelling.”
The Features Fund supports feature-length “documentary or immersive nonfiction” projects focusing “on access and inclusivity to make sure that untold stories from across the English regions and Nations of the UK.” Submissions are evaluated on “the talent involved, their progression, their relationship to the story they are telling as well as the creative ambition of the feature documentary project itself.” Grants provide up to £150,000 per project. Application guidelines and due dates are linked to the program page.
The Shorts Fund “uses National Lottery funds to support all forms of short form non-fiction, including personal stories, hybrid work, artist films, essays, observational and social issue projects.” As many as 15 grants a year are awarded to films ranging in length from five to 40 minutes. The program is particularly interested in “new, cinematic and boundary-pushing ideas and encourage applications for projects that take creative leaps and filmmaking that takes risks on talent, form and content.” Grants are awarded in amounts of up to £25,000 and application guidelines and due dates are linked to the program page.
The RAD Fund supports research and development for nonfiction films prioritizing “ambitious, independent feature documentary films and immersive projects intended for theatrical release, from both emerging talent and more established directors.” Grants are awarded in amounts of “£5,000 to first or second time feature length documentary directors or director/producer teams with a single feature documentary film in early development; or up to £10,000 to producers with more than one feature documentary film in early development.” Guidelines and due dates are linked to the program page.
The European Democracy Journalism Fund is a new program and has yet to outline is specific goals and priorities. Check back with the program page for information about grantmaking guidelines.
The Climate Story Fund seeks to “support compelling storytelling and impact strategies from around that world that can help audiences envision the just transition, and activate them to make these visions a reality.” Grants focus on documentary stories about how communities, governments and leaders are navigating climate change challenges and “pathways for a more safe and just future for all.” Grants are awarded in amounts of up to $150,000 application guidelines and FAQs are linked to the program page in multiple languages. r.
Important Grant Details:
DocSociety’s film grants are awarded in amounts of up to £150,000, or as specified by individual programs.
This funder organizes its grant opportunities around content, stage of development and/or content.
Grants target early- and mid-career filmmakers.
Some grant program are restricted to U.K.-based filmmakers and projects, while others serve a broader geographic scope.
Guidelines and due dates vary by program but are linked to each program page.
Submit general inquiries to DocSociety via email at hello@docsociety.org.
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