1. What is the purpose of the JustFilms Open Call?

• The JustFilms Open Call is a funding opportunity for documentary filmmakers who are passionate about addressing critical social issues through formally innovative filmmaking. We support projects that align with the Ford Foundation’s focus on social justice, innovation, and intersectional perspectives.

2. Who can apply for the JustFilms Open Call?

• JustFilms accepts submissions for feature documentary films only (running time 50 minutes or more) from filmmakers globally, focusing on regions where the Ford Foundation has offices. 

• Applicants can be production companies (US or International), sole proprietors/single-member LLCs, or organizations/projects with fiscal sponsorship.
• The open call does not support student films, short films, commissioned films where the filmmaker is not the rights holder to the project, episodic series, new media (AR, VR), podcasts, films that have already premiered or broadcast, or impact campaigns.  
• While the JustFilms Open Call is open to eligible project applications from filmmakers at any career stage, successful applicants are typically able to show a deep connection to the independent documentary film ecosystem and have received relevant support for their past or current work.

3. What stage of production does my film have to be in? 

• JustFilms grants funds for direct content development, production, or post-production. 
• The open call does not support student films, short films, commissioned films where the filmmaker is not the rights holder to the project, episodic series, new media (AR, VR), podcasts, films that have already premiered or broadcast, or impact campaigns.    

4. What is the submission timeline for the open call?

• Inquiries for film production grants are accepted during the designated six week open call period.

• Projects selected to advance will be notified approximately four months after the close of the open call period and invited to submit a full grant application. 
• We estimate grant disbursements to be made approximately six to eight months after the close of the open call period.
• Regretfully, we cannot meet individually with filmmakers about their submissions, provide project feedback, or report on the status of your application. 

5. How many projects are supported through the JustFilms Open Call each year?

• The JustFilms Open Call is highly competitive. Typically, JustFilms receives between 1,500 and 2,000 funding inquiries annually. We received 973 submissions through our open call in the most recent round. 
• We support 25-30 new feature documentary film projects annually. Each cycle of the open call (2 per year: Fall and Spring) will fund approximately 12-15 new feature documentary films. 

6. What criteria does JustFilms use to evaluate projects?

• We support projects that align with the Ford Foundation’s focus on social justice, innovation, and diverse perspectives. All projects submitted for JustFilms grants will be judged on the basis of social and cultural impact, artistic excellence, alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, and creativity and innovation in form. 

We use a rubric to assess submissions based on the following criteria:

• Foundation’s Thematic Alignment (30%): We assess whether the project aligns with the JustFilms strategy and evaluate how well the project addresses gender, race, and disability justice themes. Does the project offer an analysis of political, economic, or cultural power? Also, we consider whether the project aligns with other foundation-wide strategies and priorities.
• Intersectional Representation (25%): We assess the project’s ability to provide an intersectional analysis and represent diverse perspectives. Consider the geographic focus, relationship with community/subjects involved in the film, audience engagement, and support for underrepresented filmmakers.
• Innovation in Storytelling (25%): Evaluate the project’s innovative approach to content creation for advancing justice. Assess its ability to creatively reshape narratives and challenge conventional perspectives.
• Production Viability and Independence (20%): Assess the project’s independence in production and its feasibility. Are the filmmakers skilled and resourced enough to produce the proposed project?

7. Can non-US organizations apply for funding?

• Yes, non-U.S. organizations can apply, but they must provide documentation regarding the entity’s legal status and be compliant with local regulations.

8. What type of support is offered to grantees?

• Support includes grants for different stages of film development, production, and post-production. 
• Our grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000. 
• Grantees may be eligible for continued support beyond the initial grant. During the grant monitoring period, we review projects for continued support based on progress and alignment with our priorities. 

9. Who selects which films receive funding? 

• Submissions are reviewed and recommended by the JustFilms team in consultation with documentary film professionals and other foundation staff.

10. Does the Ford Foundation fund advocacy or lobbying efforts through JustFilms?

• No. As a private U.S.-based foundation, the Ford Foundation is prohibited from funding activities that attempt to influence legislation. However, we support advocacy that does not constitute lobbying under U.S. tax law. Grantees should seek legal counsel to ensure their activities comply with these guidelines. 
• We recommend reviewing the useful “Lights, Camera, Change: A Filmmaker’s Guide to Private Foundation Funding for Social Impact” guide created by Alliance for Justice. 

11. What resources are available if my project does not qualify for the open call?

• We encourage filmmakers to explore other documentary funding programs such as those offered by the International Documentary Association, Sundance Documentary Program, and IDFA Bertha Fund.

12. Is there an open call for organizational funding?

• No. JustFilms reviews proposals from organizations by invitation only.

13. I don’t have a production company or single member LLC for my film project. Can I still apply?  

• You will need a verifiable entity to receive and manage the funds. This can be a fiscal sponsor for the project.     

14. If my question has not been addressed here, who can I speak to at JustFilms?

• You can write to [email protected]. Please do not contact the foundation or foundation staff directly about the status of your submission.