The Fayetteville Film Fest
Micheaux Award

​

​

The Micheaux Award will distribute up to $4,000 per year. Awards will be distributed to 3 to 5 film projects per year with no single application receiving more than $1,500.

​

• Open to film projects in all stages of development and scope.

• Open to film projects made by BIPOC individuals living or working in Arkansas and to any BIPOC filmmakers who were born in or are otherwise connected to the state. That includes citizens of Native Nations whose ancestral lands and whose Nations were formerly located within or were forcibly removed through the borders of what is now Arkansas.

• Open to all topics and genres, though we especially encourage projects that address issues of social and racial justice

• Submitter must be at least 18 years of age.

​

The 2023 Cycle will open for applications November 15, 2022 and close December 31, 2022. Recipients of awards for the 2023 Cycle will be announced March 1, 2023.​

FAQ:

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR THE MICHEAUX AWARD?

$0. It's completely free to apply.

​

IS THERE A DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING?

The 2023 Cycle will open for applications November 15, 2022 and close December 31, 2022 at 11:59PM.

​

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING?

Funding is open to any BIPOC filmmaker living and working in Arkansas, or with a historical connection to the state. That includes citizens of Native Nations whose ancestral lands and whose Nations were formerly located within the borders of what is now Arkansas, and also to citizens of Native Nations whose ancestors were forced to emigrate through Arkansas as a result of federal Indian Removal policies. This includes Caddo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Delaware, Kickapoo, Osage, Peoria, Quapaw, Shawnee, and Tunica Tribes and Nations. Applications are also open to any BIPOC filmmaker who was born in or is otherwise connected to the state. 

​

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO APPLY?

​First, take some time to compose a pitch for your project (see guidelines below) and record yourself explaining the details in 5 minutes or less. Upload that to any streaming platform, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. You can make it a private link if you like, but please do not use a password. Then, once applications are live, hit the APPLY NOW button above and fill out the application form. You’ll be asked for a link to your application video on the form. You can also include any supplementary materials if you like, but that is not required. That’s it. We’ll make decisions regarding finalists by mid-August 2021. Finalists will be invited to an interview before winners are announced September 1, 2021.

​

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY APPLICATION VIDEO?

​1. Your name.

2. A description of your project.

3. Its current stage of development.

4. Your goals for the project.

5. Your goals for your own artistic career as a Black, Indigenous or filmmaker of color.

6. How you will use the award to further both.

​

CAN I USE VISUAL AIDS OR PROPS OR WEAR A COSTUME IN MY APPLICATION VIDEO?

No props, no theatrics, no costumes, no fancy camera work. Your video should be simple and straightforward, just you and a camera. No need for 8K hi-res video. Your phone or even your grandparents' handicam will work just fine. This is your opportunity to tell us directly your vision for the project and the award. You must be able to convey your idea with nothing but your persuasive prose.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CAN I INCLUDE WITH MY APPLICATION?

​That’s entirely up to you. A script, a mood board, outline, production plan, directing reel, whatever you feel will support your application. But you are not required to upload anything. Awards will be given out primarily on the strength of the application video.

​

WHAT CAN I USE THE MONEY FOR?

You can use the award for any stage of development and any genre of film. From the inception of the idea, the script-writing phase, pre-production, production, finishing funds, even distribution and exhibition. You just have to make a strong case for how the award will help you move the project forward in a significant way.

​

CAN I APPLY MORE THAN ONCE FOR THE SAME PROJECT?

Yes! If you apply with a project and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to re-submit the same project in future cycles. And if you win an award in an early stage of development, you can also re-apply for another award to support a later stage of the same project.

SO, WAIT, IF I WIN A MICHEAUX AWARD FOR A PROJECT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT, CAN I RE-APPLY FOR MORE MONEY LATER ON FOR THE SAME PROJECT?

​Yes!

​

WHAT KIND OF REPORTING DO YOU REQUIRE?

​We will require a brief one-page report on the progress of your project within 6 months of winning an award. That should include a description of how you spent the money. This will be especially important if you plan to re-apply for an award later on.

​

I HAVE A FILM IDEA BUT IT DOESN’T DEAL WITH TOPICS OF SOCIAL OR RACIAL JUSTICE, SHOULD I STILL APPLY?


Yes! While we encourage projects that address issues of social or racial justice, we in no way limit what we will fund in terms of subject matter, genre or tone. All we care about is your passion and your vision.

​

HOW WILL THE APPLICATIONS BE JUDGED?

Projects will be judged on the originality and creativity of the idea as well as the likelihood that the applicant can execute their vision should they win an award. Some filmmaking or production experience is a plus. As is a well-defined plan for how you will use the award to move your project forward, and how the award will support your larger goals as an artist. Most important are a creative vision, a unique voice and a compelling story.

​

CAN I APPLY WITH A PARTNER?

Yes, you may apply with a partner. All official applicants for each project must agree to the rules and speak to the elements of the application outlined above. You should plan together in advance how you will use your time.

​

Rules and Terms:

By entering your project for consideration for the Micheaux Award, you agree to the terms listed below:

​

I am a current resident of Arkansas or I have a historical connection to the state as outlined above.

I am submitting original concepts (“project”) with the intent of exposure and submission to a panel of judges provided by the Fayetteville Film Fest. I understand that only original and unique expressions of a story/concept may be protected under intellectual property (IP) law. I acknowledge that I have requested permission to disclose and submit to FFF, and its jury certain details that may or may not be protected under such laws, and that it is my own responsibility to seek protection prior to exposure of my project if that is a concern.

​

In the event my project is chosen as the winner of a Micheaux Award, I agree to submit a brief report on how I used the funds and the status of the project within six months of receiving the award.

I understand and agree that the FFF retains the right to use my application video and any films completed as a result of the award for promotional purposes. The FFF also retains the right to screen my work at our annual festival, but is under no obligation to do so. 

I also understand and agree that the FFF retains the right to publicize and promote any success I gain through the option, sale, development, acquisition or any deal either formal or informal as a result of my participation in the program.

​

​