Sidewalk currently has three opportunities to support filmmakers monetarily. Grantees must be Alabama residents. All grants will close on June 30th. The grant recipients will be announced at the annual Sidewalk Film Festival awards ceremony. In addition, the recipients will receive a VIP pass to the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, at which they will be recognized.
See the details for each specific grant below.
If you have a technical question or problem with your application email our Director of Education and Outreach Jessica Chriesman, at [email protected] with your question.
David Brower Grant for Alabama Filmmakers
The David Brower Grant for Alabama Filmmakers is a grant to support student, emerging, or established filmmakers currently residing in Alabama, who have a project in development. This grant, given in the spirit of mentoring and collaboration, in the amount of $1,500, is open to Alabama artists of all ages, ethnicities, genders and experience levels, to aid in a filmmaking endeavor, in any genre, at any stage of production. Weight will be given to passion and need, as well as aspirations for personal growth in the industry and the intent of the project. The recipient also receives a one-year Director’s membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $2,000 value). Every eligible applicant who completes an application will receive a one-year Sidewalk Filmmaker/Industry membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $100 value). Applications are accepted until June 30, 2026.
Qualifications for interested filmmakers include:
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older
• Artists must be in development, pre-production, production, or post-production on a motion picture project
• Artists must be a resident of Alabama
Submitted projects can include feature-length films, short films, serialized/episodic work, web series, virtual or augmented reality, or other immersive/interactive work. All genres/types — including fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid — will be accepted. Previous winners must wait two years before applying again.
FAQ
What types of projects will be considered for the David Brower Grant?
Submitted projects may include:
- Feature-length films
- Short films
- Serialized/episodic work
- Web series
- Virtual or augmented reality, or other immersive/interactive work
We accept all genres/types, including fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid.
Projects can be at any stage of production:
- Research/Development
- Pre-Production
- Production
- Post-production
How do I know if it’s the right time to submit my project for this Grant?
Ultimately, that’s your decision. However, we welcome filmmakers at all levels of experience, and
projects at all stages of development.
When will I hear back from about the status of my submission?
You will receive a confirmation notification once the application is submitted. The winner will be notified in late July/early August.
Can I submit multiple film projects?
Each applicant may submit one application per grant cycle.
What if I’ve won this grant before?
Previous winners must wait two years before applying again.
Does my application have to be in English?
Yes. While we will consider projects in any language, the application itself must be written in English.
Black Lens Filmmaker Grant
The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant invites filmmakers of all levels with the mission of amplifying Black voices through the art of storytelling.
The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant recipient will receive a $1,000 cash prize, as well as a one-year Director’s membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $2,000 value). Every eligible applicant who completes an application will receive a one-year Sidewalk Filmmaker/Industry membership to the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema (a $100 value). Applications are accepted until June 30, 2026.
Qualifications for interested filmmakers include:
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older
• Artists must identify as Black
• Artists must be in development, pre-production, production, or post-production on a motion picture project
• Artists must be a resident of Alabama
Submitted projects can include feature-length films, short films, serialized/episodic work, web series, virtual or augmented reality, or other immersive/interactive work. All genres/types — including fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid — will be accepted. Previous winners must wait two years before applying again.
Sidewalk Graduate Study in Film Scholarship
Our non-profit indie cinema recognizes the significant obstacles facing emerging film professionals across disciplines. To support the pursuit of a higher education and career in film, we launched the Sidewalk Graduate Study in Film Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to offer financial support to one selected candidate from Alabama enrolled in an accredited graduate degree in film anywhere in the world. Applications are accepted until June 30, 2026.
This year, we are grateful to donors who have enabled us to offer a $1,000 scholarship.