Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers in telling stories that support our mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. We seek non-fiction stories, both shorts and features, celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit.

The Commitment Grant is focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in production or post-production stages only.

The Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship was launched in 2018 in an effort to give early-career filmmakers additional support. The fellowship provides one filmmaker each year with a mentorship, including edit and story consultation, networking opportunities, and attendance to Mountainfilm festival.

If you are an early-career filmmaker, please indicate that you would like to be considered for our Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship as well. You are considered "emerging" if you are working on your first or second feature film, or your first short film.

PLEASE NOTE: There is only ONE APPLICATION for both grant funds. One winner will be chosen from the pool of Commitment Grant applicants.

Awards & Prizes

Commitment Grants: Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Emerging Filmmaker Fellow: A cash award, a trip to Telluride for the immediately following Mountainfilm festival, covering travel, lodging and a festival pass.

These initiatives are another way for Mountainfilm to support the filmmakers whose work is foundational to the festival.

Rules & Terms

INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Submissions will be open from August 14–September 5 ONLY, with notifications in October.

You must have a Mountainfilm connection/ affiliation to apply for the Commitment Grant and thus the Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship.

You must first be sure your film project has been entered into FilmFreeway (under "My Projects"). If not, select "Add a Project."

Please fill out all information that is applicable. If a question does not apply, or you don't yet have the asset, ie. poster or website, enter N/A.

Under "Credits," only include those that apply or are currently confirmed. If not applicable, ie. Writer or Key Cast, feel free to delete that section by clicking the "x" on the upper right hand side of each credit.

Under "Specifications: Project Type," please indicate if your film is a Short or Feature. The Mountainfilm Commitment Grant only funds documentaries, so please also check Documentary under "Project Type" to confirm that you understand this guideline and that your film is indeed a documentary.

DO NOT complete sections: Specifications (Scripts, Music, Photos).

You MUST also include a video sample or trailer of your current project (no longer than 10 minutes). We prefer password-protected Vimeo links for our jury as opposed to uploads.

Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

We consider projects in production and post-production ONLY.

If you have previously received Commitment Grant funding for this project, please do not re-apply. If you have already applied for funding with this project in the past and were not granted, you may re-apply only if there have been substantial changes.

We do not fund completed projects or impact campaigns.

If you are the recipient of a Mountainfilm Commitment Grant, we expect the following:
– Regular updates on progress, 2-3 times annually.
– The Mountainfilm logo or name recognition in film or project credits that corresponds with the level of support.
– A discussion of premiere consideration with the Mountainfilm programming team.
– Depending on the level of support and length of film, we may require premiere status (Colorado or U.S.) and request the right to screen on Mountainfilm on Tour.