2025 Docs in Action Film Fund
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Welcome to the Docs in Action Fund Application Form.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm ET on April 21 2025. All applications, including all required uploads, must be completed by then.
To start your application, click on the “More” button in the Docs in Action program box below. The next screen will ask you to register.
Once you start your application, select “Save & Close” at the bottom of any page and you can return to complete and submit it by logging in and clicking on “My Applications” on the next screen.
About DOCS IN ACTION
Working Films recognizes the power of stories to inform and inspire. We build partnerships between nonfiction media-makers, nonprofit organizations, educators, and advocates to advance social justice and environmental protection. We help filmmakers use social issue documentaries to raise public consciousness and create meaningful change and measurable impact.
Under this call-for-media, Working Films and our partners at Democracy 2076, Political Research Associates, and Southern Vision Alliance are looking for story-driven short films that will illuminate the growing dangers of fascism and authoritarianism, fostering a shared understanding of the challenges we face and how to push back.
We will accept short documentary films, under 30 minutes, that have already begun production. We will not accept films in the research and development phase. The request for funding for a work-in-progress (up to $30,000), can only be applied towards the production of completing the project. The submitted budget must reflect the project’s entire cost and the source of all revenue to-date including in-kind support.
Only one project can be submitted per applicant and the applicant must be the director or producer of the film. If selected, all projects must be fully completed no later than February 1st 2026. This will enable Working Films to begin scheduling screenings in the spring/summer of 2026.
Eligibility
This RFP is intended to solicit applications for grants made to individual artists and/or their non-profit or for profit production companies. Applicants must be living in the United States and planning an impact campaign to be carried out in the U.S. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of the RFP application deadline.
This RFP is open to filmmakers who have completed at least one non-student documentary film project as the director before the application is submitted and will serve as the director having total creative control of the project for which support is requested.
Working Films has an extensive list of local, regional, and national NGO partners, however, it is advisable for the applicant to seek their own subject matter expert(s) and/or partner(s) and provide at least two letters of support from them, and/or people who are featured in the film with their application.
This RFP will not support:
Applications from non-media organizations
Completed short films, installations, Virtual or Augmented Reality, games, or interactive work
Student work and/or proposals from currently enrolled students
Budget
The Application must include a comprehensive line item budget expressed in U.S. dollars. It should include all expenses and any revenue raised to date. Revenues can include grants, donations, and in-kind contributions.
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed by Working Films staff and a panel of media and subject matter experts including members from Democracy 2076, Political Research Associates, and Southern Vision Alliance. Incomplete applications will be rejected automatically. The criteria for review are weighted equally in these four areas:
- Comprehensive presentation of the topic area
- Artistic excellence
- Audience engagement ability
- Accountability to participants and featured communities
A preview of the application can be viewed here.
For more information visit: workingfilms.org/2025-call-for-media-to-block-build-and-reimagine/. If you have questions, please contact us at info@workingfilms.org.
We look forward to your submission!