Commitment Grants & Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship

Applications open in July 2025

Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers in telling stories that support our mission to inspire audiences to create a better world. We seek non-fiction stories celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit. Applications for Mountainfilm's 2025 Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship will open in July 2025.

Please note that if you are an early career filmmaker we will select an Emerging Filmmaker from the pool of Commitment Grant applicants for our Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship (more information below).

Commitment Grants

The Commitment Grants are focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in the production or post-production stages. Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera. We welcome applicants from any country.

Funding for this program is provided by Mountainfilm’s Filmmaker Fund and Torri & Mark Savoff, who have generously more than doubled the grant funding. Additional contributions are provided by Jess Stevens and Stephen Pollard in honor of the life of Isabella de la Houssaye.

Awards and Prizes

Awards will range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Rules and Terms

1. Submissions will be open from July 1 to July 16, 2025, with notifications in early September.
2. You are REQUIRED to include a video sample or trailer of your current project, no longer than 10 minutes. We prefer password-protected Vimeo links instead of file uploads.
3. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
4. We consider projects in production or post-production only. Projects that are completed, have already been released, or have screened at festivals will not be considered. 
5. 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.
6. We do not fund completed projects or impact campaigns.
7. If you are the recipient of a Mountainfilm Commitment Grant, we expect the following: 
   1. Regular updates on progress, 2–3 times annually.
   2. The Mountainfilm logo or name recognition in film or project credits that corresponds with the level of support. 
   3. A discussion of premiere consideration with the Mountainfilm programming team, if the film is selected for inclusion at the festival.
   4. 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.
8. Applications close at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the last day of the application period.  

Filmfreeway Instructions

1. You must first be sure your film project has been entered into FilmFreeway (under My Projects). If not, select Add a Project.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Under Specifications: Project Type, please indicate if your film is a short or feature. The Mountainfilm Commitment Grants only fund documentaries, so please also check Documentary under Project Type to confirm that you understand this guideline and that your film is indeed a documentary.
5. Do not complete sections: Specifications (Scripts, Music, Photos).

Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship

Awards & Prizes

The fellowship provides one filmmaker with a yearlong mentorship, including edit and story consultation, networking opportunities and a cash award. In addition, the fellowship includes a trip to Telluride during the festival over Memorial Day weekend, covering travel, lodging and a Mountainfilm pass*. 

*Only applicable to the year following your award notification.

Rules & Terms

1. Submissions will be open from July 1 to July 16, 2025, with notifications in early September.
2. We accept applicants from any country, however, you must be currently residing in the United States.
3. You must include a director bio, headshot and cover letter.
4. 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.
5. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
6. We consider projects in production and post-production.
7. Applications close at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the last day of the application period.