Submissions

Andrew Berends Film Fellowship

Andrew Berends was a courageous and talented filmmaker who sought out stories in places which the mainstream media ignored. He shone a light on communities, people, and children facing unimaginable hardships. He traveled, shot, edited, and promoted his work with intense fervor and dedication. The Andrew Berends Film Fellowship was born out of the desire of Andy’s family, friends, and colleagues to keep his memory alive and active in the world of documentary where he himself thrived.

The mission of this fellowship is to support emerging filmmakers from all walks of life that embody Andy’s spirit and determination, with a focus on sharing unheard stories. We hope that the Fellowship experience will help Fellows make a shift in their careers to the next level of success and artistic fulfillment.

The Andrew Berends Film Fellowship will include:

  • A one-time, grant of $5,000 towards filmmaking expenses (this is not a co-production grant);
  • Connection with a Fellowship Mentor for guidance in finishing the project;
  • A ScreeningRoom Pro account to connect with other artists and screen your film;
  • Film Festival passes, including the Vail Film Festival, the Camden International Film Festival, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and more to be announced;
  • Networking opportunities as they arise;
  • Other benefits to include publications, industry events, editing and other software.

Submissions are closed for Andrew Berends Film Fellowship.

Information

Submission Guidelines

  • The Fellowship accepts applicants, 18 years or older, from all backgrounds and locations.
  • Applicants must be currently working on a feature documentary project in the spirit of Andrew Berends’ work. We recommend screening at least 2 of Andy’s films, available here, before applying. Note that while many of Andy’s films take place in conflict zones, the Fellowship is not limited to films about war; all stories are welcome to be submitted.
  • Applicants must have either:
    • Completed at least one feature documentary project previously OR;
    • Completed at least one published documentary photography project OR;
    • Worked as the lead editor, producer or cinematographer on a feature documentary project OR;
    • Completed a trailer or sample of the current project.

Video Guidelines

For the first round of applications, we ask that you upload a video of 10 minutes or less. (Finalists will be asked to submit additional materials upon selection.) If your video is not in English, please include subtitles.

Your video should be one of the following:

  • If you have completed a work sample for the project you are applying to the Fellowship with, please upload that work sample.
  • If you have not completed a work sample for the project you are applying to the Fellowship with, please upload an excerpt from a previous documentary (feature or short) you have directed.
  • If this is your directorial debut and you have worked as the producer, DP, or editor on another film, you may upload a sample of that. Please make sure that your role is clearly indicated within the video.
  • If you are a photographer and do not have a video sample of your current project yet, you may upload a video slideshow of a previously published documentary photography project.

Deadlines

Pricing

BFF Round 1 Deadline $0.00