New Voices Filmmaker Grant
An ongoing initiative in partnership with Netflix to support emerging directors with $25,000 in funding to create new work that celebrates LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives – in addition to mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities! Applications for the 2026 cycle of the New Voices Filmmaker Grant will open on January 8th, 2026 and close on February 12th, 2026
NewFest’s New Voices Filmmaker Grant, supported by Netflix, supports emerging directors telling LGBTQ+ stories by providing funding to make new work, assisting in getting their work more widely shared, and propelling their careers forward through mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities.
The Grant seeks to support underrepresented voices in the film industry, and provides a $25,000 unrestricted grant to 4 emerging directors.
In addition to the $25,000 grant and industry mentorship, fellows will also participate in events and have their work showcased at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the largest queer film festivals in the world. Fellows will also have the opportunity to travel as guests of NewFest to other North American film festivals.
Submissions are accepted from emerging directors who make documentary/nonfiction, narrative, and/or animated film/episodic projects that highlight LGBTQ+ stories.
Eligibility Criteria
At the time of application, eligible filmmakers:
-Are at least 18 years of age.
– Currently live in the US, have resided in the US continuously for at least the past two years, and plan to reside in the US for the full duration of the grant period (through June 2027).
-Have previously directed at least one (1) short film or episodic project inclusive of LGBTQ+ content that was completed within the past 3 years (since January 2023).
-Have not previously directed a completed feature-length film (over 60 mins), even if self-funded or without distribution.
-Must not have formal representation for directorial work (i.e. are not currently signed with an agent and/or manager).
-Must not have entered a distribution deal for any of their directorial work in which they both received monetary compensation and granted exclusive North American distribution rights to a third-party distributor.
Application Guidelines
All applications must be received via the Airtable application form and include:
–Resume/CV
-Links to 1-3 completed work samples (totalling no more than 25 minutes).
-The first work sample must be a short film or episodic project that (1) includes LGBTQ+ content and (2) was completed within the past 3 years (completed in January 2023 or later).
-Any additional work samples must have been completed within the past five years (completed no earlier than January 2021).
–Artist Statement (max 600 words): Tell us about yourself and your directorial vision. Please provide a statement that includes your (1) background and connection to the LGBTQ+ community, (2) reflections on your previous experience(s) directing and/or working on additional film/media projects, and (3) your artistic approach to LGBTQ+ storytelling.
–Statement of Intent (max 400 words): What are your goals as a filmmaker, and what would you plan to do with the grant funds should you be selected as a recipient? Please describe what specific project(s) that include LGBTQ+ content you would pursue with grant support and what you hope to accomplish within the grant period (July 2026-June 2027).
2025 Grantees
Learn more about them!
The 2025 recipients of the New Voices Filmmaker Grant are MG Evangelista, Shuli Huang, Farah Jabir, and Kevin Xian Ming Yu.
2024 Grantees
Learn more about them!
The 2024 recipients of the New Voices Filmmaker Grant are Apa Agbayani, Angalis Field, Clementine Narcisse, and cai thomas.
2023 Grantees
Learn more about them!
The 2023 recipients of the New Voices Filmmaker Grant are Terrance Daye, Drew de Pinto, Emily May Jampel, and LaQuan Lewis.
2022 Grantees
Learn more about them!
The four recipients of the 2022 New Voices Filmmaker Grant were Blanche Akonchong, Livia Huang, Rodney Llaverías, and Nyala Moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
I am a first-time director without a short form work sample to submit. Can I apply for the grant to make my first film?
No, this grant does not support first-time filmmakers. You must provide at least one fully completed short film work sample in your application.
My previous films haven’t included LGBTQ+ content, can I still apply?
Eligible filmmakers must have directed and completed at least one (1) short film or episodic work that includes LGBTQ+ content at the time of application. That work sample must also have been completed within the past 3 years (in January 2023 or later).
I’m in the process of making a feature; am I still eligible to apply?
If your feature project will not be completed as of the application deadline (February 19, 2026), you would remain eligible. Applicants currently working on a feature-length film beyond the development stage and/or have already received significant support for a feature project may not be eligible for the grant. To inquire, please reach out to newvoices@newfest.org to share information on your project and its status/tentative timeline so we can best advise on your eligibility.
Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens who are U.S. residents are welcome to apply.
This grant supports U.S.-based filmmakers, and is available to all qualifying residents of the United States (including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Eligible applicants must have resided in the U.S. continuously for at least the past two years and will reside in the U.S. for the duration of the grant period (July 2026 to June 2027).
If selected, grant recipients must provide a completed form W-9 for tax purposes to receive funds, including providing their Social Security Number or US tax ID number.
I applied for the grant in a previous cycle and was not selected. Can I reapply in this year’s cycle?
We encourage applicants to reapply if they have at least one new work sample to include in their application this year. Please submit new, updated written materials (i.e. Artist’s Statement and Statement of Intent) in your 2026 application.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback on any previously submitted applications.
I previously signed with an agent/manager, but I’ve ended that relationship and I don’t currently have representation; can I apply?
Yes, if you do not actively have representation at the time of application, you would be eligible to apply.
Can a co-directing duo or team apply?
We welcome co-directing teams to apply so long as the applying filmmakers have a history and general practice of creating work collaboratively, and all work samples provided should be of works that the team have co-directed together. Co-directing teams should submit one joint application, with a jointly written Artist’s Statement, and any projects described in the Statement of Intent should be projects the team intends to co-direct. If awarded to a co-directing team, please keep in mind that co-directors will share the $25,000 grant funds.
Application Guidelines
I have a specific new project I want to get funded by the grant. Is there any way to upload a pitch deck or budget for that project?
We request that applicants include specific details on project(s) they’re currently working on or plan to work on during the grant period in their Statement of Intent. Applicants are not permitted to provide pitch decks or other supplemental materials.
Please keep in mind that this grant is awarded in support of a filmmaker, and not a specific project. As such the evaluation committee will consider each applicant’s previous work (i.e. work samples) very closely alongside the Artist Statement and Statement of Intent.
If awarded, funding is unrestricted, and can be used for any project(s)/purpose(s) relevant to the filmmaker’s goals.
Can one of my work samples be a work-in-progress?
We strongly encourage applicants to only submit links to completed short films and episodic pieces as work samples. However, you may provide a link to a work-in-progress so long as the work is a final cut/picture locked version with minimal need to fix color, sound, and/or VFX. If submitting unfinished work, we recommend the applicant note the status of the project in their Statement of Intent.
Can I submit a directing reel or trailer as one of my work samples?
No, only full and complete creative pieces (i.e. short films and episodic pieces) will be evaluated as work samples. Please do not include directing reels, trailers, or teasers in your application.
Can I submit a music video as a work sample?
Yes, however, you may include no more than one music video as a work sample, and at least one work sample must be a short film or episodic piece.
What types of media are not accepted as work samples?
Tiktok videos, Instagram reels, “talk show”-style clips, trailers, teasers, sizzle reels, and demo reels are not acceptable as work samples. If you are considering including a work sample that is not a short film or episode of a series in your application, please email newvoices@newfest.org to discuss your work sample so we may advise.
My work samples exceed 25 minutes total. What should I do?
In the case that work sample(s) exceed 25 minutes total, we cannot guarantee the evaluation committee will view or consider your work beyond 25 minutes. Therefore we encourage applicants to submit their strongest work sample as Project 1, as they will be watched in the order that the work samples are listed in the application.
When can I expect a status update on my application?
All applicants will be notified by July 2026 of their status.
The New Voices Filmmaker Grant is presented by
“By empowering the next generation of filmmakers, NewFest and Netflix will work to amplify queer films and support authentic stories that showcase the talent of emerging storytellers”
– David Hatkoff, NewFest Executive Director