Durham, N.C. – August 17, 2021 – Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) announces call for entries for the 2021 SDF Production Grant for Southern filmmakers living and working in the American South. The call for production grant proposals is open effective immediately and will close October 15, 2021. Five filmmakers will be awarded $10,000 each, totaling $50,000. Applicants must reside in one of the following Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, and team leadership must reflect the communities whose stories are being told. Applications and submission guidelines can be found here.

Chris Everett, Southern Documentary Fund’s Program Manager says, “Funding is such a key component for documentary artists and we are excited to be able to offer $10,000 grants to five filmmakers who are directing their lenses at powerful Southern stories. We hope this funding will help these projects get to the next step in their creative journey.”

SDF is hosting two grant information sessions. Each session will give an overview of SDF’s Production Grant, eligibility requirements, and tips for writing a successful application. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the grant process. Information sessions will take place on Tuesday, September 14, 6pm EST and Saturday, October 2, 1pm EST. More information and registration details can be found here.

The 2021 SDF Production Grant is made possible thanks to the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. Macarthur Foundation, who granted SDF $250,000 in general operating support this year to support the organization’s programs and mission to deliver critical resources to Southern documentary makers.