With support from the Humana Foundation, Film Independent will produce five short films that authentically celebrate the vital roles and contributions of seniors to society and raise awareness around the different issues that affect them today.

Film Independent will select five outstanding teams from the United States, each comprised of one director and one producer, and work with them in partnership throughout the development, production and distribution process of creating a high quality short film that centers on seniors and aging.

These shorts will have a $100,000 all-in budget and be completed by the end of 2027. Film Independent will provide additional support via publicity campaigns, marketing and distribution strategy and consultation, and virtual and in-person screenings through 2028.

This fellowship marks a first for Film Independent; rather than serving solely as a supporter of independent filmmakers, Film Independent is stepping into the role of both funder and producer. As a result, Film Independent will be the sole and exclusive owner of all copyright and any other rights to the short films.

This initiative seeks unique stories akin to Josh Margolin’s Thelma, Sean Wang’s Nai Nai & Wai Po and Stephen P. Neary’s Living With a Visionary, that push the boundaries of narrative storytelling and cinematic language, and entertain audiences while highlighting the multifaceted experiences and nuanced perspectives of seniors.
 

Timeline

Applications open on September 25, 2026, and close on October 26. The extended deadline for Film Independent Members is November 2, 2026. Fellows will be selected by late December 2026 and the program will commence in January 2027.

Selected filmmakers will participate in virtual development sessions from January through March. The teams will be invited to the Film Independent Spirit Awards on March 6, 2027 and will also participate in in-person working sessions during this time.

Production will take place during June-July 2027, with post-production taking place August-September in Los Angeles. For more information on application deadlines, please visit our applications page or email [email protected].
 

Who Can Apply?

Qualified applicants will be director-producer teams with compelling past work and current projects. Directors must have directed at least two short films or one feature film. Producers must have produced at least two short films or one feature film.

The team may choose to work with a writer who is not the director, but the director and producer team will be the primary point of contact with Film Independent regarding development and production of the short film.
 

How to Apply

Director-Producer teams must apply with a short film script or treatment (fiction, nonfiction or hybrid format) that spotlights seniors and stories with themes of aging, and two directing samples.

Applicants will be required to submit an online application with essay questions about the team, their vision and their project. The application includes but is not limited to:

Personal Information

• Director bio (500-word limit)
• Producer bio (500-word limit)
• IMDb link(s)
• Resume (two-page limit)
• Cover letters (500-word limit) written individually by director and producer, describing background, previous experience, and what makes you uniquely suited to participate in the program
• Essay questions (500-word limit) written individually by director and producer, describing personal connection and interest in telling stories about seniors and aging

 
Project Information

• Logline
• Synopsis (500-word limit)
• Script (15-page limit) or Treatment (5-page limit)
• Key personnel (if applicable), listing names and bios for additional creative or partner attachments to your project including writer, cinematographer, editor, composer, cast
• Projected budget for a $100,000 short film
• Lookbook
• Directing/producing samples
• Submission and Release Agreement

 
Work Samples

• Provide links and passwords to previous work; explain why you chose to direct/produce the project(s) and what you learned through the process

FAQ

• Where can I find the application? A link is available on our applications page.
• Can I apply if I am outside the United States? No, applicants must be physically present in the United States.
• I am in the United States on a work visa. Can I apply? Participation is contingent upon your unrestricted right to work lawfully in the United States throughout the duration of the program.
• How long is the program? The program runs from January through December 2027, with expectation for meaningful engagement around distribution and release of the short films in 2028-29.
• What kind of time commitment is required? The program starts virtually in January 2027. The in-person commitment takes place around the Spirit Awards in March 2027, and during the post-production phase which will take place in LA in August/September 2027. The rest of the program takes place virtually, aside from any other scheduled in-person meetings.
• How new should submitted work samples be? Samples can be from work completed with the last ten years (i.e. after January 1, 2016).
• What is the budget for these short films? Each short will have an all-in budget of $100,000. No additional fundraising is required.
• Who owns the completed shorts? Film Independent owns the rights to the shorts and all elements thereof. More details are provided in the Production Services Agreement that each applicant will complete.
• Can I make edits to my submission ahead of the deadline? Yes, prior to the deadline contact [email protected] to make edits to your application.

Application Dates/Fee

Applications open: September 25, 2026
Non-Member Deadline: October 26
Member Deadline: November 2

The application fee is $65 for non-Members, $45 for Members and FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members. Applicants will be notified no later than December 2026.
 

The Fine Print

Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.

Contact [email protected] with any additional questions.

To learn more about Film Independent Fellows and their projects, visit our Talent Guide.