FELLOWSHIP
Detroit Narrative Agency (DNA) is proud to launch the next cycle of its Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship for BIPOC media-based storytellers in Detroit for 2024. Over the course of 18 months, four filmmakers will be selected as fellows and receive mentorship, funding, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities to support the creation of a short film.
We are seeking emerging filmmakers to tell stories that center Detroit and the long-time / life-long BIPOC communities within the city. We encourage filmmakers to apply with projects that challenge the harmful dominant narratives that have been put on the city, and welcome stories that seek to create radical visions and tell new perspectives. DNA will consider both documentary and narrative projects of any genre and filmmaking medium, while prioritizing stories that are impact-driven, historical, personal, and/or experimental.
Selected fellows will receive $25,000 to go towards the creation of their short film, as well as a $15,000 stipend distributed incrementally throughout the fellowship to account for their time and participation. In addition, fellows will have the option to receive legal aid to support collective decision making, liability prevention, and the potential for broader distribution through the formation of a legal entity. The fellowship will go from April 2024 to November 2025.
Eligibility
We prioritize Black, Brown, Indigenous, people of color who are disabled, femme, gender nonconforming, immigrant, undocumented, poor and working class, queer, trans, women and/or longtime/lifelong people living in Detroit (including residents of Hamtramck and Highland Park).
Candidates must be 18 years and older. An applicant is ineligible if they are currently enrolled in a degree-granting film program at the time of application, or the duration of the DNA Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship year (April 2024 - November 2025). Participation in the DNA Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship is a significant time commitment, and we encourage all applicants to assess their ability to meet the full requirements of the program.
Selected fellows will be the writer/director of their projects.
Selection Timeline
The application process is closed for the 2024 Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship. Stay tuned for updates for selected fellows and future iterations of the Fellowship.
