Minnesota Film Production Grant

The Minnesota Film Production Grant is a biennial initiative offered by the Jerome Foundation to support early career film directors based in Minnesota. With awards of up to $30,000, this program backs the production of short or long-form films in experimental, narrative, animation, documentary, or hybrid forms. The grant emphasizes funding filmmakers who exhibit creative risk, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose and vision. Jerome Foundation is particularly interested in applicants who engage deeply with their subject matter, collaborate meaningfully with communities, and challenge conventional storytelling methods. The Foundation encourages projects that are original, imaginative, and contribute to building community through film. It supports directors who explore complex cultural narratives, employ experimental techniques, or redefine genres. The production grant is designed to support all stages of production, but at least 50% of the funds must go directly to production activities. Eligible uses include casting, crew hiring, location costs, filming, post-production, and partial distribution-related expenses. However, projects that are exclusively in pre-production or post-production, or that are already completed, are not eligible. Applicants must be residents of Minnesota for at least one year and plan to reside in the state for a minimum of 183 days during the grant period, which runs from November 2025 to April 2027. They must also demonstrate 2–10 years of experience directing original films, with at least two completed projects and one that has been publicly screened outside of academic settings. Those who have previously received major industry awards or have more than two completed feature-length directing credits are not eligible. Co-directing teams may apply provided both members meet all individual eligibility criteria. Applications open on January 6, 2025, and must be submitted via Submittable by April 3, 2025, before 4 p.m. Central Time. The submission process includes a mandatory eligibility quiz, detailed narrative responses to application questions, a production budget, a CV, and two work samples. A script or visual outline is required for narrative projects. Informational webinars and workshops will be held throughout the application period, with a live Q&A session on March 18, 2025. Final eligibility reviews with staff must be scheduled by March 28, 2025. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of diverse film professionals who evaluate proposals based on three criteria: creative risk and vision, creative engagement and impact, and feasibility. Award notifications will be issued no later than October 20, 2025, with public announcements following in Fall 2025. Grant funds will be distributed between November 13, 2025, and April 2027. The program is expected to recur biennially, with the next anticipated cycle opening in January 2027.

Reviewers prioritize creative risk, originality, feasibility, and authentic engagement. Ensure work samples meet eligibility and artistic control criteria.