The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award 2026
Opportunity type: Award
For: Filmmakers
Deadline: 30/01/2026
Rewards: Up to £120k, pitching at Sheffield Doc/Fest, Travel to the UK
Location Eligibility: Worldwide
About this opportunity
The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award is seeking emerging filmmakers from around the world with a compelling pitch for a director-led feature-length documentary (50+ minutes). Organised by The Whickers, the award supports bold, original documentary voices telling stories that could only be told by the filmmaker proposing them.
Selected finalists will pitch their projects at Sheffield Doc/Fest, with the winning project receiving one of the most substantial documentary grants globally.
Rewards
- £120,000 main production award
- £25,000 development award for the runner-up
- Opportunity to pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2026
- Travel and accommodation to the UK for shortlisted filmmakers
- International industry exposure and recognition
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an emerging filmmaker making their first 50+ minute documentary as director or co-director
- Apply with a project in late development or early production
- Submit up to 6 minutes of original taster footage
- Have an executive producer attached at the time of application
- Ensure the project is accessible to English-speaking audiences
- Have (or be willing to set up) a production company or fiscal sponsor
- Be available to travel to the UK in June 2026 for pitching
- Have a total project budget of £500,000 or less (exceptions for animation)
- Open to filmmakers from any country. No age limit (18+).
Entry Fee
Free
How to Apply
Apply using the link: The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award
All questions regarding this award should be sent to info@whickerawards.com
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