MacArthur Foundation Documentary Film Guidelines Open Call, Deadline 9/7

[The Coordinator]

Click here for guidelines

The program seeks to fund documentary projects that address the significant social challenges of our time or explore important but under-reported topics.  Domestic and international topics are welcome, and preference will be given to projects that align with one of MacArthur’s grantmaking areas. Support will be provided primarily for production and post-production activities, and to experienced filmmakers based in the U.S. with track records of completing excellent feature-length films that have been broadcast nationally and internationally and received critical recognition.In selecting documentary films for support, the Foundation looks for projects that:

• Address important, contemporary social topics – international or domestic
• Follow an issue over time, providing in-depth reporting that goes beyond conventional news coverage
• Utilize compelling personal stories to engage viewers and create empathy
• Appeal to a broad audience because they are accessible, interesting, and balanced (i.e., they treat different points of view respectfully)
• Are factually correct and follow best practices in journalism
• Align with MacArthur’s programmatic interests in the U.S. and International Grantmaking areas
• Have a strong likelihood of broadcast in the U.S. and elsewhere, and thoughtful plans for broad dissemination in educational, community, or policy settings
• Are led by experienced U.S.-based filmmaking teams that have past success in bringing a documentary project to successful completion and reaching broad U.S. audiences