GRANTING AND ELIGIBILITY FAQs
1) What kinds of films are available for granting?
We do not accept short film submissions for either the Granting or Acquisitions Programs. Short films are considered to be 69 minutes or less. We also do not accept unsolicited documentary submissions for the Granting and the Acquisitions Program. Occasionally, we will request to see a specific documentary film for special Initiative programs.
2) If the duration of a group of short films adds up to a feature-length film, does that constitute an acceptable submission to the Granting Program?
A collection of shorts films will only be considered for feature film grants if: (i) the films are thematically tied, (ii) they are produced through the same production company, (iii) the total running time is between 70 and 120 minutes, and (iv) the films were intended to be screened together from the screenplays inception.
3) Do you support feature length docu-drama films?
We do not give grants to documentary films. If the film is primarily composed of documentary material, then it is not eligible for grants. If the film is primarily composed of fictional elements — including reenactment — then it is eligible for grants.
4) How often do you accept grants? When is the next grant cycle?
We currently have calls for entries twice a year, in the Winter and Summer. The next grant cycle is Winter 2009. We will begin accepting applications starting November 1, 2008, and the deadline for submission is January 23, 2009. For the Summer 2009 cycle, we will begin accepting applications starting May 1, 2009, and the deadline for submission on July 24, 2009.
5) In order to be eligible for granting, what stage of production does my film need to be in?
Producers can apply to the Granting Program any time after they have a finished screenplay and a substantial amount (more than 1/3) of their funding in place.
6) I am in the production stage of filmmaking. Am I still required to send in a script as part of my grant application? If my film only needs money for a blow up, do I need to send in a script?
Productions that have only dailies, rushes or a rough cut must submit complete copies of the translated script as part of their grant application. Productions at the final-cut stage do not need to submit screenplays as part of their application.
7) Do you have a grant program for script development?
No. We do not currently support script development through grants. The Hubert Bals fund in the Netherlands does support script development http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/
8) Do you provide grants to film students who need funds for their education and training?
No. We do not provide any monies for education and/or training.
9) How many copies of rushes/dailies should I submit as part of my application?
Submit two (2) copies only of between 10 and 30 minutes of your rushes/dailies for Initiative consideration.
10) I do not have the money to send my application. Will you reimburse me for postal expenses?
Costs of submission will be borne by the production submitting to us. Unfortunately if you do not have enough money for postage, it is not the correct time to submit for our grant.
11) What is the best way to send in my application (by e-mail attachment, fax or mail)?
Complete submissions, including all script copies and additional materials, should be sent to us by international courier in one package with one tracking number. Packages can also sent by mail but there is a significant chance of damage or loss in transit.
12) Will you return my application materials after the granting process has been completed?
No.
13) If my film is set in the United States, but is made by and cast with citizens of a developing country, is my film eligible for a grant?
No. We only support stories that take place within developing world countries.
14) May I send a finished script (or any other application materials) in a language other than English?
All non-audiovisual submission materials must be in English. Audiovisual material (VHS/DVD) can be in another language, but if a translation is available please include it.
15) Can I send a VHS or DVD in PAL format? What other formats do you accept?
For audioviosual submissions, we accept VHS and DVDs in NTSC, PAL, SECAM and MESECAM.
16) Do you have a preferred format for presenting the production budget?
We accept budgets in any format. Please supply us with your most current and detailed budget. If it does not contain enough information for our purposes, we will contact you.
17) Can I apply for both a Grant and the Pre-Sale Option for U.S. Distribution, or do I have to choose just one?
Yes, you may apply for both. Please note that details of the Pre-Sale Option are only disclosed when and if an offer is extended.
18) Do applications need to arrive in your office by the deadline?
No, this is a postmark deadline. Applications and materials may arrive after the deadline, as long as the package is postmarked on or before the stated deadline.
19) The requirements state that I must provide biographies of key production personnel. Who does this include?
At minimum, you must provide biographies for the Director, Writer and Producer. If available, you may also include biographies for any other additional key production personnel.
20) Do you accept grant-applications from Iran and/or for films produced in Iran?
Unfortunately, due to current U.S. sanctions against Iran, The Global Film Initiative is prohibited from awarding grants to filmmakers residing in Iran and/or for films that will be produced in Iran. For information regarding these sanctions, please visit the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) website: www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/index.shtml.
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EDUCATION FAQs
1) How does an organization get to participate with the Educational Program?
The Education Program is made available in conjunction with the Global Lens film series, through partner institutions. Institutions apply to The Global Film Initiative for consideration each year.
2) How are the partner institutions selected?
We select cultural institutions with demonstrated excellence in community outreach, who are willing and able to implement the Education Program in a comprehensive way. These institutions are able to offer the Global Lens series to the general public, as well.
3) What is being provided in the Educational Program materials?
The following resources are available for download on our website:
- Lesson Plans — performance–based assessment tools developed on the Project-based Learning (PBL) model, designed to encourage reading, writing, presentation and collaboration skills through warm–up and post-screening activities.
- Discussion Guides — comprehensive background resources about each film, including information about the geography, history and cultural setting, the filmmaker’s statement and biography, and a guide to filmmaking techniques. Post-screening discussion questions are theme–based, designed to encourage deeper understanding of the characters, stories and cultural setting of the film.
- Presenter’s Guides — film highlights and talking points to support presenter introductions.
- Fact Sheets for each film, similar to the Presenter’s Guides but with more information about the filmmaker, where the film has been screened and awards received
- Curriculum Maps to support the Project Arts and Social Studies Programs of the New York City Department of Education. These curriculum maps suggest post–screening activities that are aligned with NYCDOE Standards, Key Ideas and Benchmarks.
- Subtitle Lists that correspond to the subtitles shown on the screen. Subtitle Lists can be valuable for post–screening activities that focus on the details of particular scenes or character development.
4) What cultures or regions does the Initiative cover?
Africa, Asia (excluding Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan), Latin America, The Caribbean, the Middle East, Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
5) What is the current calendar for the film series and collateral Educational Program?
January 1st — December 31st is the calendar year for the Global Lens film series. Films for students are presented in conjunction with the Global Lens film series venues and dates. Check the Global Lens Calendar for dates and locations of upcoming Global Lens films for students.
Films from prior years are available through First Run Features/Icarus Films .
6) Where do students see the films?
In a theater setting in conjunction with Global Lens partner institutions. Films for students may be presented in large–format auditorium settings, with approval from participating institutions
7) Which films are included in this year's educational program?
The films in this year's educational program are:
2008 Educational Program
The Bet Collector. Philippines, 2006. Jeffrey Jeturian, 98 minutes
The Fish Fall In Love. Iran, 2006. Ali Raffi, 96 minutes
The Kite. Lebanon, 2003. Randa Chahal Sabbag, 80 minutes
Let the Wind Blow. India, 2004. Partho Sen-Gupta, 93 minutes
2007 Educational Program
Enough!. Algeria/France, 2006. Djamila Sahraoui, 94 minutes
Kilometre Zero. Iraqi Kurdistan/France, 2005. Hineer Saleem, 96 minutes
Of Love and Eggs. Indonesia, 2004. Garin Nugroho, 90 minutes
2006 Educational Program
Border Café. Iran, 2005. Kambozia Partovi, 105 minutes
Max and Mona. South Africa, 2004. Teddy Mattera, 98 minutes
Stolen Life. China, 2005. Li Shaohong, 90 minutes
2005 Educational Program
Daughter of Keltoum. Algeria, 2001, Mehdi Charef, 101 minutes.
Hollow City. Angola, 2004, Maria João Ganga, 88 minutes.
Rachida. Algeria, 2002, Yamina Bachir-Chouikh, 100 minutes.
Uniform. China, 2003, Diao Yinan, 92 minutes.
2003-2004 Educational Program
Angel on the Right. Tajikistan, 2002, Djamshed Usmonov, 88 minutes.
Margarette's Feast. Brazil, 2002, Renato Falcão, 80 minutes.
Ticket to Jerusalem. Palestine, 2002, Rashid Masharawi, 85 minutes.
Women's Prison. Iran, 2002, Manijeh Hekmat, 108 minutes.
8) Where can I find out more information about the educational program?
Check the Education Program page of our website.
9) Where can I get copies of the Initaitive's EDU guides?
To download a PDF file of a Global Lens study guide click here.
10) What is Bluescreen?
Bluescreen is a new web-based media program that allows users to preview educational films online. The program is designed to work in conjunction with educational film screenings, and features new technology: video-clips, online trivia, and blog-based articles. Students, teachers and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of global media, arts and culture are invited to use Bluescreen.
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