The Harold Matzner Impact Award is an annual finishing grant presented by the Palm Springs International Film Society (PSIFS) to support emerging U.S.-based filmmakers and producers in completing an existing film project that explores a significant social issue. The award provides financial support at a critical stage of post-production while helping amplify stories that have the potential to foster dialogue and increase awareness.

Awards & Prizes

The recipient will receive:

○ Cash award of $25,000
○ Recognition at the Harold Matzner Impact Award Ceremony on October 19, 2026.
○ Recognition during the Palm Springs International Film Awards, January 7, 2027.
○ Priority programming consideration for the completed film to either Palm Springs International Film Festival or Palm Springs International ShortFest.
○ Round-trip domestic economy airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the Harold Matzner Impact Award Ceremony on October 19, 2026.

Rules & Terms

Attendance at the Harold Matzner Impact Award Ceremony is a condition of accepting the award.

APPLICANTS MUST:
○ Be a U.S.-based director or producer.
○ Be applying as the director or producer of the submitted project.
○ Have no more than two feature film directing credits (for directors) or two feature film producing credits (for producers).
○ Have completed principal photography.
○ Submit a substantially completed project currently in post-production.
○ Demonstrate that the project explores a significant social issue or the experiences of underserved or underrepresented communities.
○ Be able to complete the project within approximately 12 months.
○ Be available to attend the Harold Matzner Impact Award Ceremony if selected.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
○ Eligible projects may be narrative, documentary, or animated short or feature films that are substantially complete and currently in post-production.
○ Projects should explore significant social issues such as: civil and human rights, health and mental health, education, environmental sustainability, criminal justice, immigration, economic inequality, disability and accessibility, gender equity, LGBTQ+ communities, indigenous communities, housing and food insecurity, other issues of significant public concern.

ELIGIBLE USE OF FUNDS - Funds may support:
○ Color correction
○ Sound design and sound mix
○ Original score
○ Deliverables
○ Accessibility materials
○ Marketing and publicity
○ Festival submission fees
○ Festival travel
○ Impact campaign development
○ Community screenings
○ Audience engagement initiatives
○ Distribution preparation

FUNDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR:
○ Development
○ Scriptwriting
○ Principal photography
○ Equipment purchases
○ General operating expenses unrelated to the project

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
○ Completed application
○ Work-in-progress screener
○ Director statement
○ Social impact statement
○ Budget
○ Funding request
○ Resume or filmography
○ Production stills

MATERIALS NEEDED - Add the following supporting documents to the “Files & Attachments” section of your FilmFreeway project page:

○ Please upload a PDF that includes links to the following: WORK IN PROGRESS SCREENER (Required. Include password, if necessary) | PRODUCTION STILLS (Required, up to 10) | ADDITIONAL CREATIVE MATERIALS (Optional - in example - Look book, pitch deck, teaser)

○ Budget (PDF - Top Sheet of Budget for film)

○ Funding Request (PDF) - Top Sheet illustrating how funding grant will be used - up to $25K

○ 2-3 minute intro video URL