Hey there, first-time female filmmakers, or even those with one in the can. Chicken & Egg Pictures will soon begin accepting applications for the 2017 Accelerator Lab for first and second-time filmmakers.

The Accelerator Lab is focused on “identifying and supporting women non-fiction directors; this program brings together ten projects helmed by first or second-time directors, with a special focus on underrepresented voices.”

Ten participants will be chosen. They’ll receive a two-part grant of up to $35,000 for the production of a film, which will be developed over the course of the 12-month program. Participants will also meet for mentorship, workshops with industry experts, and peer-to-peer support over the course of the year.

The application submission period opens on October 11 and the deadline is November 9. Head here to apply. More details and guidelines are listed below, courtesy of Chicken & Egg.

Format

• Funding & Mentorship: Chicken & Egg Pictures has an established model of providing strategic funding and mentorship in ways that maximize that support. The Accelerator Lab will ratchet up this successful model, helping filmmakers meet their goals faster and with more intensive support.
• Retreats: Mentorship will be focused in three intensive retreats held during the program that grantees will be required to attend. Mentorship will be aimed at helping grantees to make strides as artists, technicians, storytellers, and movement builders; giving deep, direct insight on grantees’ individual projects to release the most successful film possible; and providing grantees with the tools to parlay all of that growth and experience into a sustainable career.
• Industry Meetings: One of the retreats will coincide with public film festivals or markets where grantees will have the opportunity to build industry connections and receive precursory visibility, as participants in special forum sidebars.
• Peer Support: Participants will benefit from the knowledge and experiences of their peers as part of a vibrant community of shared ideas and mutual support.

Guidelines

• Project Type, Length, and Production Status: This current round is geared only toward nonfiction feature length films. Projects must be currently in development or up to mid-production, with no more than 40% of their footage shot by the date of application. Projects must be aiming toward feature length films. (See FAQ for details on length requirements.)
• Subject Matter: We’re passionate about films that address the global justice, human rights, and environmental issues of our time. While we prioritize films that focus on social issues, having a social issue in the film is not explicitly required.
• Not accepted: We do not support fiction films, student projects, or any projects not directed or co-directed by a woman. (Transgender/non gender-conforming individuals are accepted). Additionally, the Accelerator Lab does not accept short films, transmedia projects, or engagement/outreach campaigns.
• International Applications: International filmmakers are encouraged to apply. Please note that if you are offered a grant, you must arrange to be represented by a U.S. 501©(3) fiscal sponsor that supports international filmmakers.