THE DOC EDGE REI FOUNDATION FILM FUND HAS CLOSED. NO FUTURE ROUNDS ARE PLANNED.

Making documentaries for the younger generation.

Doc Edge and Rei Foundation seek to support the making of short documentaries for youth aged 11 to 17 years.

Documentaries must be 40 minutes or less in length. Animation is acceptable.

Documentary/narrative hybrids will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What we are looking for?
• Cinematic high-quality films to compete on the world’s stage
• Creative, artful, compelling and innovative storytelling techniques
• Strong story narrative at the core of the film
• A unique perspective or approach; use of humour a plus contemporary relevance
• Feasibility of the project with respect to its budget, financing, schedule and scope
• Demonstrated ability of the creative team to have implemented previous projects
• Emphasis on the story not the lesson or agenda of the filmmaker

The filmmakers must demonstrate credible access to and rapport with the proposed subject(s) of the story, originality of form, approach or content, and the potential of the project to generate public discourse and social engagement.

We are interested in films that have the ability to inspire social change as well as to tell authentic impactful stories particularly around gender, diversity, poverty, environment, equality, human rights and with reference to the world during Covid-19.

Doc Edge will select projects with the potential to be Oscar-worthy in line with its Oscars-qualifying status. These films will be curated and branded as Doc Edge Originals that will have their world premiere at Doc Edge Festival 2021 or 2022.

About Us
Rei Foundation Limited (RFL) aims to contribute to a world in which every person can live with dignity and have their diversity celebrated.

Doc Edge (DE) celebrates and promotes documentary in New Zealand since 2004 through a series of events and activities including the Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival, Doc Edge Schools, Doc Edge Forum, Doc Edge Pitch, Doc Edge Clinic, Rough Cuts and Doc Edge Exhibition.

Awards & Prizes

Up to $NZD 80,000 NZD (approx. $USD 50,000) is available to support the production of up to four short documentaries over the next year.

Depending on the merits or the needs of the projects, some could receive less or more than $NZD 20,000 ($USD 13,000). The funds will be distributed as progress payments based on milestones stipulated by Doc Edge.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
• Open to New Zealand and international filmmakers
• Must have at least one directing/producing credit
• Must provide a sample of the filmmaker’s work
• The project must be submitted by a director and/or producer
• Applicants must own the copyright of their film
• A written proposal of the project up to 3 pages which must clearly outline:
o Working Title
o Logline
o Synopsis (1 page)
o Creative vision
o Reason to make the film
o Bio of director/producer
o Budget
o Subject clearances
o Target audiences

In consideration of Film Fund
• All films must have a full chain of title
• The completed films will be premiered at Doc Edge International Film Festival 2021
• Doc Edge will be responsible for the worldwide marketing and distribution of the films
• Rei Foundation will be granted a license to use the film for the purposes of its advocacy and education programmes
• Doc Edge Originals branding will be utilised in the film
• Doc Edge and Rei Foundation will have the credit as Executive Producers of the completed films and their logos will be featured

Deadline
Applications are open until 4pm Monday 31 August 2020 (New Zealand time). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selected projects will be advised by 15 September 2020.

Timeline
Selected filmmakers are expected to provide written progress reports throughout the production. If the film is intended for a premiere at Doc Edge 2021, a rough-cut for feedback and consideration needs to be available by 15 March 2021. Following feedback, filmmakers will work on their final-cut with delivery expected by 30 April 2021.