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. Mountainfilm seeks non-fiction stories, both shorts and features, celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit.

In an effort to give early-career filmmakers much-needed support, Mountainfilm launched the Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship in 2018. The fellowship provides one filmmaker each year with a mentorship, including edit and story consultation, networking opportunities and a $2,000 cash award. In addition to the yearlong support, the fellowship includes a trip to Telluride for the immediately following Mountainfilm festival, covering travel, lodging and a pass ($3,000 value). This initiative is another way for Mountainfilm to support the filmmakers whose work is foundational to the festival.

Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera.

The Fellowship is focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in production or post-production on their first or second documentary.

Awards & Prizes

In addition to the yearlong support, the fellowship includes a trip to Mountainfilm in Telluride during the festival weekend covering travel, lodging, a Mountainfilm pass, and $2,000. Only good for the subsequent year following your application (i.e. the recipient in 2023 attends in 2024.)

Rules & Terms

INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Submissions will be open from July 1–31, with notifications in September/October.

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 a feature. The Mountainfilm Fellowship 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.

You must include a director bio, headshot, director statement and a resume.

We consider projects in production and post-production.

We accept applicants from any country, however, you must be currently residing in the United States.