An annual award of up to AU$25,000 for a short film in development. Open only to filmmakers whose work has been shortlisted by FilmFore.
The Encounters Fund is FilmFore's annual commission grant for filmmakers who have already demonstrated their creative quality through the shortlisting process. It exists because we believe the most important investment in short film isn't in distribution — it's in the next work.
Shortlisted filmmakers are invited to submit a development application for their next project. Applications are reviewed by the FilmFore curatorial panel and an independent advisory board. One project per cycle receives the full award.
In return, FilmFore receives a co-presentation credit and a non-exclusive online screening window for the completed film. The filmmaker retains full creative control and all other rights.
You'll be notified by email when the Encounters Fund cycle opens. The application window is 6 weeks.
Provide your project details, logline, synopsis, director statement, format, and a detailed budget with timeline.
Applications are read by the FilmFore curation panel and advisory board. All applicants receive a written decision.
The selected filmmaker receives the full award amount and signs a co-presentation and online rights agreement.
Checking your eligibility…
The FilmFore Fund is open to all filmmakers — no shortlist required. Enter your one-sentence pitch for US$25 and compete for the quarterly prize pool.