FILM GRANT PROGRAM
ISF is proud to sponsor the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim filmmakers to change the narrative and tell their own stories.
Film has an undoubtedly powerful influence on society's perceptions and beliefs about the subjects portrayed.
ISF initiated our film grant program in 2014 to create a stronger narrative of Muslim stories and support Muslim filmmakers. The program has continued to grow and since its founding has awarded $625,000 to promising filmmakers. ISF is now working with a pipeline of over 111 filmmakers.
The grant specifically aims to support emerging Muslim filmmakers, who are creating artistic, engaging, and positive stories about their community. The grant is split into two categories: narrative and documentary. In addition to funding, grant recipients will also receive mentorship and networking opportunities from industry professionals to help further the advancement of their script and film.
Film Grant Categories
Narrative Film Grant
The ISF Narrative Film Grant supports short and feature-length narrative films that are in the production or post-production stages. Projects should demonstrate strong storytelling, compelling characters, and a clear creative vision. This grant is not intended for development or artist support, and proposals must include a detailed production or post-production plan and budget.
ISF will award grants up to $20,000.
Documentary Film Grant
The ISF Documentary Film Grant is open to short and feature-length documentary projects currently in production or post-production. Priority will be given to films that exhibit journalistic integrity, originality, and the potential to inform and engage diverse audiences. This grant does not fund development or artist support. Applications must include a clear outline of production or post-production needs.
ISF will award grants up to $20,000.
Impact Campaign Grant
The ISF Impact Grant is designed to support the impact campaign of a completed short or feature-length documentary or narrative film. The goal is to expand the reach and deepen the societal effect of the finished work through strategic outreach, community engagement, and advocacy efforts. Applications must include access to the final completed film and a comprehensive impact campaign proposal outlining goals, target audiences, partnerships, and metrics for success.
ISF will award grants up to $5,000.
Distribution Grant
The ISF Distribution Grant supports the distribution and marketing of completed short or feature-length documentary or narrative films. The purpose of this grant is to help filmmakers bring their work to broader audiences through festival submissions, digital platforms, community screenings, or traditional theatrical release. Applicants must submit the final completed film along with a robust marketing and distribution strategy.
ISF will award grants up to $5,000.
Social Justice Short Film Grant
The ISF Social Justice Grant will support a short narrative or documentary film that addresses urgent issues of inequality, oppression, or systemic injustice. Eligible projects should aim to raise awareness, provoke empathy, and inspire dialogue and action around social justice stories. Films can be in development, production or post-production stages and demonstrate a strong commitment to authentic storytelling and community impact.
ISF will award grants up to $10,000.
ELIGIBILITY
All filmmakers are eligible for consideration. We review and consider the submission of all candidates regardless of experience, career status, or individual achievements.
- Project may be a narrative feature length, short film, animation, or documentary. Web series are not accepted.
- Filmmaker must film at least 50% of the project in the U.S.
- Films must tell story of American muslim character and themes
- Projects must be in post production or distribution (except for the social justice category)
- Projects must be consistent with ISF's mission of art changing public policy and public opinion.
- Applicants must own the copyright of the proposed project.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.
"In the representation of Muslims today in pop culture and the media we are either depicted as invisible or were monsters and there's a whole generation of American Muslim artists that's trying to do something about that by creating culture and a representation that better reflects us and all of our nuances and complexities and dimensions."
-Former ISF Film Grant Recipient
ISF FILM GRANT APPLICATION
Please contact Film@IslamicScholarshipFund.org with any questions about the grant or application process.
Application - (Click to expand)
ARTISTIC STATEMENT (MAX 350 WORDS)
Describe who you are, why you are interested in filmmaking, what project or experience has made a significant impact on your vision as a filmmaker, and what do you hope to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
PROJECT SYNOPSIS (MAX 350 WORDS)
What is your film's story, i.e. what happens (not a scene-by-scene description), and what larger themes will be communicated? Who are the key characters and how will they articulate the film's main themes? How does your film end and what do you want audiences to take away?
VIDEO PITCH
Applicant will submit a 3-4 minute video pitching their project. This video should take us on a visual journey of your film. Make sure to discuss the characters, story, obstacles, goals and resolution. Also discuss why you deserve the grant and how it is in line with ISF's mission and goals.
PROPOSAL
The applicant will submit a two-page proposal to accompany their pitch video. This proposal should include a quick synopsis of the project, the proposed top sheet of the budget, shooting location and days, as well as distribution strategy. Please also explain in the narrative what the proposed ISF Funds will be used for.
WORK SAMPLE
The applicant must include one short 2-4 min work sample, such as a excerpt from a film or screenplay, etc. You may take an excerpt from a previous project or current project. If you do not have a sample we encourage you to film one. Please include a link to the work. DVDs and non-online samples will not be accepted.
SCRIPT
Applicant must submit their full feature length script or short film. Full scripts are required. For documentaries treatment/outline.
SOCIAL JUSTICE THEMES (MAX 350 WORDS)
Explain how your film engages with social justice. What specific social justice theme(s) does it explore, and how does the story aim to inspire awareness, dialogue, or change? (Only for ISF Social Justice Short Film Grant)
Remote Interviews (Click to expand)
The top applicants will be contacted for remote interviews.
WHAT THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR?
- Strength of script (Is the story compelling and unique?)
- Strength of work samples (Can applicant execute the proposed project?)
- Strength and confidence in video pitch (Does the applicant create a visual story and is passionate about the project and its goal?)
- Strength of production plan (Is the grant right for the applicant? Is the production plan well thought out and realistic?)
- Original subject matter and a unique vision creating a positive light for Muslims.
"For filmmakers, one of the things that is so important to us is knowing that someone is interested in our stories, knowing that someone can benefit and learn from our stories because I believe as a film director that there is no such thing as pure entertainment there is always a learning aspect. In today's mainstream entertainment we have to change that."
-Former ISF Film Grant Recipient
