Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: FilmWatch Grant

FilmWatch grants support curated screening programs at North America-based film festivals, film societies and other film-related organizations. Targeted programs include those that create culturally diverse viewing experiences, promote motion pictures as an art form, provide a platform for underrepresented artists, and cultivate new and dedicated audiences for theatrical film.

Through the Grants program, the Academy seeks to:

• Promote diversity
• Bridge the opportunity divide
• Attract and engage broad new audiences for theatrical motion pictures 
• Provide a platform for underrepresented artists, the full range of film genres, and a variety of viewpoints and approaches 
• Encourage filmmaking as a vocation
• Illuminate less visible aspects of filmmaking and the film industry through scholarly research, presentations and discussions

Please keep these principles in mind as you proceed through the application process, as we direct our support toward organizations and programs that are aligned with these principles. 

We consider programs that seek to:

• Nurture theatrical motion pictures in all categories and genres, including silent, ethnic (African/Latino/Asian/Native Peoples), LGBT, short, documentary, animated, and experimental films
• Provide underrepresented filmmakers greater access to audiences
• Engage and develop new and dedicated film audiences, especially those from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds 

FilmWatch grants do not fund:

• Programming centered on the screening of any particular new film
• Competitions or awards programs
• The screening of works produced specifically for television or nontheatrical media, or events or programs that focus on such works 
• Programs targeting children less than 12 years of age
• Parties, receptions, luncheons, tribute dinners or similar events; hospitality suites and services
• The development, production or completion of films
• Capital expenses
• Administrative, overhead or permanent staffing expenses
• More than 50 percent of a program’s cost (some exceptions for small programs)
• Individuals or for-profit companies or organizations
• Programs at any one institution for more than three consecutive years

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