Commitment Grants & Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship

Photo by Melissa Plantz

Mountainfilm is committed to supporting documentary filmmakers in telling stories that support our mission to inspire audiences to create a better world. We seek nonfiction stories celebrating adventure, activism, social justice, culture, environment and indomitable spirit. Applications for Mountainfilm's 2026 Commitment Grant and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship are open from July 1-16, 2026. 

Please note that if you are an early career filmmaker we will select an Emerging Filmmaker from the pool of Commitment Grant applicants for our Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship (more information below).

Commitment Grant & Emerging Filmmaker Fellow Application

Commitment Grants

The Commitment Grants are focused on supporting documentary filmmakers in the production or post-production stages. Mountainfilm promotes and encourages diversity behind the camera. We welcome applicants from any country.

Funding for this program is provided by Mountainfilm’s Filmmaker Fund, the Borsecnik/Weil Family, the Larry Hopkins Fund, TranSending7 and Jess Stevens and Stephen Pollard in honor of the life of Isabella de la Houssaye.

Awards and Prizes

Awards will range from $3,000 to $6,000.

Rules and Terms

1. Submissions will be open from July 1 to July 16, with notifications in early September. 
2. You are REQUIRED to include a video sample or trailer of your current project, no longer than 10 minutes. We prefer password-protected Vimeo links instead of file uploads.
3. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
4. Your screener link must remain active and functional throughout the entire selection process. If a link expires or breaks, the submission will be disqualified. Links cannot be changed or updated after submission.
5. We consider projects in post-production only. Projects that are completed, have already been released, or have screened at festivals will not be considered. 
6. If you have previously received Commitment Grant funding for this project, please do not re-apply. If you have already applied for funding with this project in the past and were not granted, you may re-apply only if there have been substantial changes.
7. We do not fund completed projects or impact campaigns.
8. If you are the recipient of a Mountainfilm Commitment Grant, we expect the following: 
   1. Regular updates on progress, 2–3 times annually.
   2. The Mountainfilm logo or name recognition in film or project credits that corresponds with the level of support. 
   3. A discussion of premiere consideration with the Mountainfilm programming team, if the film is selected for inclusion at the festival.
   4. Depending on the level of support and length of film, we may require premiere status (Colorado or U.S.) and request the right to screen on Mountainfilm on Tour.
9. Applications close at 11:59 PM MDT on the last day of the application period.  
10. Notifications will go out in late August or early September. 
11. If you have questions, reach out to .

Designated Grants

Mountainfilm has restricted grant funding available for projects that meet the following criteria:

• A project featuring an LGBTQ+ protagonist or a story centered on overcoming personal challenges, societal stigmas or community obstacles, with a meaningful connection to the outdoors and/or nature-based pursuits. Made possible with generous support from TranSending7.
• Projects exploring immigration or migration-related topics, or by immigrant or first-generation immigrant filmmakers. Made possible with generous support from the Borsecnik/Weil Family.

Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship

Awards & Prizes

The fellowship provides one filmmaker with a yearlong mentorship, including edit and story consultation, networking opportunities and a cash award. In addition, the fellowship includes a trip to Telluride during the festival over Memorial Day weekend, covering travel, lodging and a Mountainfilm pass*. 

*Only applicable to the year following your award notification.

Rules & Terms

1. Submissions will be open from July 1 to July 16, 2026, with notifications in early September.
2. We accept applicants from any country, however, you must be currently residing in the United States.
3. You must include a director bio, headshot and cover letter.
4. You must also include a video sample or trailer of your current project (no longer than 10 minutes). We prefer password-protected Vimeo links for our jury as opposed to uploads.
5. Your screener link must remain active and functional throughout the entire selection process. If a link expires or breaks, the submission will be disqualified. Links cannot be changed or updated after submission.
6. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
7. We consider projects in post-production only.
8. Applications close at 11:59 PM MDT on the last day of the application period.
9. Notifications will go out in late August or early September. 
10. If you have questions, reach out to .