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The application period opens on October 1, 2024 and closes on December 1, 2024.

The grant is open to "emerging" and early-career documentary filmmakers. Filmmakers must live and maintain a primary residence in New Mexico. Eligible filmmakers must be a key creative member of the production (either writer, director, or producer credit).

Yes. NMDIG is open to funding projects on any subject matter, however, preference will be given to subjects involving community issues and challenges in New Mexico.

Yes. Applicants in any phase of production (Research, Pre-Production, Principle Photography, or Post-Production) are welcome to apply as long as the project is fully completed and ready to be screened within 6 months from notice of acceptance.

The maximum grant per film project is $5,000. Funding will be based on actual project requirements. We plan to fund between 6 and 8 projects.

Funded films MUST be completed within six months of selection by the project selection jury. Within those six months, filmmakers are expected to participate in several in person events (orientation meeting, first rough-cut screening and critique, a second progress screening, as well as public screenings and interviews upon completion of the projects). Full participation and meeting of deadlines is required. Filmmakers who cannot meet these requirements are encouraged not to apply.

Applicants workings on a feature length documentary may still apply; however, filmmakers must be willing to fully participate in the program and produce an abbreviated cut of the film (5-26 minutes) that they are willing to screen and promote within a 6 month timeframe. Applicants working toward a feature length film must show in their application materials how the funding would make a significant contribution to the success of the overall film. 

The Application Guidelines where you will find in depth application criteria can be found here as well as on the Apply page of this website.