SILK STREAM DIGITAL SHORT FILM SERIES OPEN CALL

The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is launching SILK STREAM, a new digital short film series. This initiative is a contemporary, digital-first reimagining of CAAM's groundbreaking SILK SCREEN anthology, specifically designed to engage a cross-generational audience, with a strong focus on digital-native viewers.

In partnership with Flash Cuts, SILK STREAM will leverage public media digital platforms, including affiliated YouTube channels, to establish a new connection point for Asian American storytelling within public media and the digital landscape. This project aims to serve as a proof of concept for future streaming content opportunities, and discover and amplify the most exciting emerging voices in short-form cinema.

SILK STREAM seeks narrative and documentary shorts that not only explore the depth of the Asian American experience but also possess a distinct visual flair and the undeniable energy of contemporary pop culture.

ABOUT CAAM
Since 1980, CAAM (Center for Asian American Media) has been dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. As a nonprofit organization, CAAM funds, produces, distributes, and exhibits works in film, television, and digital media. For more information about CAAM, please visit www.CAAMedia.org.

Awards & Prizes

CAAM will finance the acquisition of five to ten selected short films with a license fee of $2,500 per project. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

We are interested in films with a dynamic aesthetic that embodies visually striking storytelling with a modern sensibility in cinematography, editing, and overall presentation; a unique voice that carries a memorable eccentricity that sets the project apart; and finally, contemporary energy or films that feel alive, engaging, and reflective of the current pace and excitement of digital media.

CAAM and Flash Cuts will work closely with filmmakers through all stages of acquisition, video packaging, distribution, and audience engagement. Films will debut on a designated CAAM-owned or affiliated public media digital distribution channel in Summer 2026.

Rules & Terms

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING.

To be eligible, applicants must be open to the following non-negotiable terms:

- Completion of a submission release form and standards grid. Please download and fill out the submission release form and standards grid from the link below as a part of your application: https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1UfJKFZz7wEsWJopo5tXSXLPIkvY1yW4B

- An exclusive licensing agreement for one year, followed by a non-exclusive license for an additional two years, on a designated CAAM, PBS, PBS member stations channel.

- Films will debut as a part of a digital series and curation of short films on a designated CAAM-owned or affiliated public media digital distribution channel consistent with CAAM’s public media and digital accessibility goals.

- Collaboration with Flash Cuts and CAAM’s Media Fund and Marketing & Communications team for digital distribution standards & practices compliance and complementary vertical video and promotional content.

PROJECTS THAT ARE ELIGIBLE:

- Film submissions must carry a unique, fresh perspective and clear, strong stylistic visual voice about the Asian American experience.

- Film submissions must be no more than 15 minutes in length inclusive of credits.

- Applicants must hold artistic, budgetary and editorial control, and must own the copyright of the proposed project.

- Applicants must be 18 years of age, be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

- Films must not have had exclusive digital or streaming distribution (festivals are the only exception).

- The submitted project must be completed and ready for acquisition.

- Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant.

PROJECTS NOT ELIGIBLE:

- Feature documentaries, feature-length narratives, or series.

- Projects intended solely for theatrical release.

- Industrial or promotional projects.

- Projects or production entities that are foreign-based, owned, or controlled.

- Projects that are not about the Asian American experience.

For questions, please email mediafund@caamedia.org