This grant supports creative documentary films by Arab directors working in the Arab region or in the diaspora. It is open to feature-length documentary projects in development, production, and post-production, as well as short and medium-length documentaries in production and post-production.
The programme is designed for documentary filmmakers developing artistically driven work and can support projects at different stages of the filmmaking process.
Eligible applicants include:
- Arab directors living in the Arab region
- Arab directors living in the diaspora
- Arab directors applying with Arab or non-Arab producers
- Non-Arab producers, only where the director is Arab
It is strongly recommended that projects applying for production or post-production support already have a producer attached.
The grant can support:
- Research and development
- Production expenses
- Post-production costs
- Materials
- Space or equipment rental
- Artistic and technical labour
- Travel expenses directly linked to the project’s implementation or research
A director and producer fee is allowed, but together it must not exceed 30% of the total grant amount.
The programme does not support completed projects retroactively. If a project has already started, only expenses taking place after the grant agreement is signed can be covered.
Important eligibility limits also apply. Applicants are not eligible if they currently hold an open grant under this programme structure in a way that conflicts with the rules, or if they fall within restricted categories such as current board members, staff, jurors, their business partners, or family members.
Applicants who received grants in two consecutive years must wait two years before applying again. Producers may apply with up to two projects per category per cycle, provided those projects are not attached to the same director. If a project has already received two grants for the same film, it cannot apply again for post-production support.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system only. Incomplete applications are not considered, and all required supporting materials must be included at submission. These materials are important for assessing the artistic approach and overall feasibility of the project.
