Born to Fly

Programs

Our programs support women* nonfiction filmmakers at various stages in their careers.

We support filmmakers from diverse backgrounds who are both committed to social change and to the art and craft of filmmaking. When we choose a project, it is because we believe the film needs to be made–and that the particular filmmaker is the one to make it. Our grantees have unique access to their subjects, a collaborative spirit, and the courage to take creative risks. When choosing a project, we look for:

  • Storytelling: Original story, tone, style, and structure
  • Diversity: In all its forms
  • Innovation: Filmmakers with unique voices and projects that take risks
  • Vision: A new perspective on an issue, special access into the story, and the ability to make the universal accessible and personal
  • Craft: Inextricable links between story and production value
  • Resonance: Timely, urgent, or compelling issues at stake

Completing and launching a documentary takes grit, nerve, and creativity; it also takes money, connections, and time. We offer women and gender nonconforming directors the tools to realize the full potential of their projects, both as works of art and as catalysts for change. Each of our programs represents a pivotal intervention in a woman’s filmmaking career; through them, we empower women storytellers to direct their own careers in the field.

*Chicken & Egg Pictures supports self-identifying women (cis or trans) and gender nonconforming individuals.

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(Egg)celerator Lab

We are not currently accepting applications for the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab. The application deadline for the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab was Monday, July 6, 2020 at 3:00 pm EDT.

All applicants will be notified of their application status by December 2020. Please sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

Overview

The (Egg)celerator Lab is focused on identifying and supporting nonfiction directors working on their first or second feature-length documentary. This program brings together ten projects, with a special focus on self-identifying women and gender nonconforming directors.

In this year-long program, these ten projects will receive:

  • $30,000–$40,000 in grant funding for the production of their feature-length film*;
  • Monthly mentorship with members of Chicken & Egg Pictures’ senior creative team;
  • Two to three creative retreats focused on career building and creative development*;
  • Industry meetings and funder connections; and
  • Peer support from the (Egg)celerator Lab cohort.

The Chicken & Egg Pictures (Egg)celerator Lab for first- and second-time directors is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the NDL Foundation, and through general operating support from our wonderful community of donors and grantmakers. 

*Factors like grant amount and number of retreats for the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab will be flexible to a range of options, due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

CURRENT COHORT

For a list of past cohorts, please see here.

Format

  • Funding & Mentorship: Chicken & Egg Pictures has an established model of providing strategic funding and mentorship in ways that maximize that support. The (Egg)celerator Lab ratchets up this successful model, helping filmmakers meet their goals faster and with more intensive support.
  • Retreats: During the 2021 program, grantees will be required to attend between two to three intensive retreats focused on mentorship. This mentorship is aimed at helping grantees to make strides as artists, storytellers, and movement builders; giving deep, direct insight on grantees’ individual projects to release the most successful film possible; and assisting grantees in their professional development as they pursue a career in the documentary film industry.* 
  • Industry Meetings and Funder Connections: Grantees will have the opportunity to build industry and funder connections.
  • Peer Support: Participants benefit from the knowledge and experiences of their peers as part of a vibrant community of shared ideas and mutual support.

*Factors like grant amount and number of retreats for the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab will be flexible to a range of options, due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes due to COVID-19

In consideration of the financial hardship many filmmakers worldwide are experiencing due to COVID-19, we are waiving the application fee for all applicants this year. We will refund the fee for any applications already submitted. 

We know that COVID-19 has affected the nonfiction community globally and that factors such as your project’s stage and timeline, distribution and marketing strategy, and funding status may need to change; there will be space in the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab application to address these issues and how your filmmaking team is responding. 

Though these uncertain times will require us to be flexible as an organization and to alter our program strategy, we know that this is not a time to lose our emerging storytellers and our dedication to supporting first- and second-time filmmakers through the (Egg)celerator Lab is unwavering. For the 2021 Lab, we plan to disburse between $30,000–$40,000 in grant funding for each project (previously $40,000) and hold two to three retreats (previously three retreats). 

Guidelines & Criteria

Guidelines for the 2021 (Egg)celerator for first- and second-time directors:

  • Project Type, Length, and Production Status: This current open call is geared only toward nonfiction feature length films. Projects must be currently in early production (at least 10% of their footage shot) or up to mid-production (no more than 60% of their footage shot) by the date of application. Projects must be aiming toward feature length films. (See FAQ for details on length requirements.) Note: The program will take place from February to December 2021. If you are planning to have a rough cut by the end of 2020 or by the first quarter of 2021, your project is too advanced and not eligible to apply.
  • 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. Personal stories are eligible.
  • International Applications: International filmmakers are encouraged to apply.
  • Fiscal Sponsor: Please note that if you are accepted into the program, you must arrange to be represented by a US 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. This applies to both US-based and international filmmakers. You do not need to have a fiscal sponsor secured at the time of the application. See our FAQ below for a few examples of 501(c)(3) organizations that offer fiscal sponsorships to filmmakers.
  • Not accepted: Through the (Egg)celerator Lab, we do not support:
    • Fiction Films
    • Short Films
    • Student Projects
    • Transmedia Projects
    • Engagement/Outreach Campaigns
    • Projects which relate to influencing, directly or indirectly,  a political campaign for public office in the US and internationally
  • Please check our FAQ before contacting us with questions about the application process.

Deadlines

We are not currently accepting applications for the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab. The application deadline for the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab was Monday, July 6, 2020 at 3:00 pm EDT.

Please sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

FAQ

Programs FAQs

HOW WILL THE 2021 (EGG)CELERATOR LAB PROGRAM AND APPLICATION PROCESS CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19? 

For the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab program, we will disburse between $30,000–$40,000 in grant funding for each project (previously $40,000 in 2020), and hold two to three retreats (previously three)—both factors are contingent on our fundraising in this time of financial uncertainty. 

For the 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab application process, we know that factors such as your project’s stage and timeline, distribution and marketing strategy, and funding status may have changed, so there will be space in the application to address these hardships and how your filmmaking team is responding. 

In consideration of the financial hardship many filmmakers worldwide are experiencing due to COVID-19, we are waiving the application fee for all applicants this year. We will refund the fee for any applications already submitted.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply. Men filmmakers are encouraged to partner with a woman or gender nonconforming co-director.

Does Chicken & Egg Pictures support political films?

As a 501(c)(3), Chicken & Egg Pictures is not able to support films or projects relating to influencing, directly or indirectly, a political campaign for public office in the US or internationally, regardless of timing of release of the film.

If you are unsure about your film’s eligibility based on the above, you can email us at info@chickeneggpics.org with a description of your film project.

Does the (Egg)celerator Lab use the Documentary Core Application?

Since 2017, Chicken & Egg Pictures has opted into the Documentary Core Application. Our hope is that your responses to these questions will result in material that may be used for additional applications as you move forward with your fundraising. To learn more about the Documentary Core Application project, visit the IDA website.

What if we are co-directors and one of us is a first-time director, but the other has made more than two feature-length films?

Co-directing teams with one first- or second-time co-director and one more experienced co-director are allowed to apply, but priority will be given to first- and second-time filmmaking teams. Please note that the prior work sample of co-directing teams that consist of a first- or second-time director and a more experienced director must be representative of the first- or second-time director’s experience.

How much are your grants?

Grants for the (Egg)celerator Lab will be up to $30,000–$40,000 for each chosen film. The grant amount is contingent on our fundraising in this time of financial uncertainty due to COVID-19.

The grants will be disbursed in installments throughout the program, beginning in March/April 2021, with further installments tied to agreed-upon deliverables and deadlines.

How do you define first-time filmmakers? How do you define second-time filmmakers?

We define a first-time filmmaker as someone who has never completed a feature-length documentary film. An applicant still qualifies as a first-time filmmaker if they have made multiple shorts or a web series. We don’t consider anything less than 50 minutes to be a feature-length film. We consider anything over 50 minutes to be a feature-length film.

We define a second-time filmmaker as someone who has not completed more than one feature-length documentary film.

What production stages are eligible?

To be eligible for the (Egg)celerator Lab, applicants must be between early-production and mid-production, with no less than 10% and no more than 60% of their footage shot by the date of the application deadline. We’re only accepting projects between these stages because we want to ensure that we have the greatest opportunity possible to make an impact on the production of the project and on the development of the director’s career during the 2021 program year.

Note: The program will take place from February to December 2021. If you are planning to have a rough cut by the end of 2020 or by the first quarter of 2021, your project is too advanced and not eligible to apply.

How do you define feature-length?

We consider feature-length films to be projects over 50 minutes, including those that may be aiming for a PBS hour (56:40), or a classic feature-length (over 72 minutes). Combined web series or any shorts that could be counted as a feature when added together do not qualify as feature-length for this Open Call.

What if I have previously made a feature-length fiction film, but this is my first feature-length nonfiction film?

If you’ve made one or more feature-length fiction film(s) but no feature-length nonfiction film(s), you are eligible to apply as a first-time filmmaker (see our definition for first- and second-time filmmakers).

If I applied in the past but my project was not selected, can I reapply?

If the director is a first- or second-time filmmaker, and if the project has still not shot more than 60% of its footage, past applicants may apply again. We urge you to consider how your project has evolved since your last submission, and to clearly state how that progress is evident in both your proposal and current work sample.

Note: The program will take place from February to December 2021. If you are planning to have a rough cut by the end of 2020 or by the first quarter of 2021 your project is too advanced and not eligible to apply.

Can I apply with more than one project?

Please only apply with the one project that you feel is the best fit for Chicken & Egg Pictures. Read our guidelines and look at the films we have supported to get an idea of our interests. If you really cannot choose between two projects, you can email us at info@chickeneggpics.org with a short description of both films and ask for our advice (this advice will not impact your application). Always include your project title name(s) in the subject line of your email.

If I’ve received a grant from Chicken & Egg Pictures in the past, can I reapply?

Those who are first- or second-time filmmakers, and who are still in early or mid-production and haven’t shot more than 60% of their footage, may apply for this funding round. If you have completed a project that received a grant from Chicken & Egg Pictures but still qualify as a first- or second-time filmmaker and are beginning a new film, you are welcome to apply.

How many applications receive funding?

The (Egg)celerator Lab will fund ten applications: a combination of first-time and second-time filmmakers.

Does my proposal have to be written in English?

Yes.

I have not shot anything yet for my proposed project. I have a great idea, a character, and access. How can I apply?

Projects in the early production stage are eligible. At least 10% of shot material is required. No matter what stage of the project, filmmakers are required to submit at least seven minutes of edited footage to apply. Second-time filmmakers must submit a previous work sample. 

What work samples do you require for the application?

All applicants must submit:

  1. A sample of the project with which they’re applying;
  2. A prior work sample is obligatory for second-time filmmakers and optional for first-time filmmakers. Second-time filmmakers must submit a sample from their first feature-length film.

See below for details about these different kinds of work samples.

Current Project Samples should run between 7-20 minutes and can consist of a trailer, 2 or 3 scene selects or excerpts, or a combination of a trailer and scene selects.

  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Since we’ll be looking at your ability to construct a story, we encourage first-time filmmakers to ensure that their work samples include constructed scene selects/excerpts.

Prior Work Samples (no length limit) of a film that the applicant either previously directed or in which they played a prominent role, if applicable for first-time filmmakers and mandatory for second-time filmmakers. The purpose of a prior work sample is to give us a sense of the director’s visual style, storytelling ability, ambition, and ability to follow through. Prior work sample must be documentary, hybrid of fiction and nonfiction, or other forms of nonfiction. The sample can be a feature-length film or in short format, including web series, animation, or experimental. Fiction work, music videos, commercial work, and PSAs are not accepted as prior work sample. We understand the creative value of this work but, because of its nature, it does not allow us to see your author’s voice and vision as a documentary filmmaker. First-time filmmakers may submit previously directed work that is not a feature-length film but this must still be documentary, hybrid, or other form of nonfiction, such as web series, animation, or experimental. If none of this is available, you may submit a work sample from a separate project in which you held a prominent creative role in the production, such as producer, A.D., cinematographer, or editor. Please be sure to describe your role in the creation of the completed work submitted. Note that samples of work directed by you are strongly preferred over samples of work where you held a prominent role but did not participate as director or co-director.

  • Second-time filmmakers must submit a prior work sample of a completed film on which they served as director or co-director.
  • Co-directing teams that consist of a first-time/second-time filmmaker and a veteran filmmaker must submit a prior work sample from the first-time/second-time filmmaker.

All work samples must be in English or have accurate English subtitles onscreen.

Here are a few important technical notes to keep in mind when submitting your work samples:

  • All work samples must be accessible via a downloadable URL (Vimeo, YouTube, or private hosting site). You must provide us with a link and password to review the sample.
  • Please test your links and passwords and make sure they play all the way through the samples. Please also make sure your links will stay live and be accessible through December 2020.
  • We prefer that you submit using a link and password, but if you are absolutely unable to submit online, you may email info@chickeneggpics.org, with “DVD submission request” and your project title in the subject line to request permission.

Some notes on trailers, character strands, scene selects, and raw footage:

  • Trailers: Trailers can often be slick, fast, and energetic, and may not give us an accurate sense of your film’s tone, character development, or story structure. If you’re submitting a trailer, we encourage you to also attach a couple of additional scenes to give us more of a chance to experience your style and get a feel for your characters, access, relationship to the material, and narrative arc.
  • Character strands: If you’ve been following a character over time and want to show their evolution or development, you might want to string together scenes that show the character’s progression. A character strand doesn’t require formal transitions or the scenes to be interwoven with others, but it should demonstrate a character’s story arc, what makes them unique, and your depth of access to them. Please do this only if the character is your lead and a major part of the story.
  • Selected Scenes/Excerpts: If you are a bit further along, you can send us a selection of edited scenes or an excerpt of an early assembly of the film. These can be edited together consecutively to tell us a part of your story (with transitions), or they can be intercut with black in between (no transitions), to show us the range of your story. Scene selects or excerpts should provide us with a feel for how your story will play out in real time; they should also offer a sense of your tone, pacing, and cinematic language.

What makes a good logline?

A logline is a concise, story-driven description that explains the heart of your project in one or two sentences. Because nearly every film festival, producer, distributor, or other industry professional will want to see one, you should spend time developing a strong logline for your project. A good logline introduces your central character, their world, their goals, and the forces standing in their way. It should be in concert with your title and tagline, and offer a bit of double meaning and mystery that compels the reader to want more.

A few examples from projects funded by Chicken & Egg Pictures:

  • Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry: Can an artist change China? Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry follows two tumultuous years in the life of Ai Weiwei, when he became a superstar, a dissident of the art world, in the headlines, a first-time father, and an online god to tens of thousands of Chinese netizens, all while trying to stay out of prison.
  • Black Out: A literal and metaphorical journey towards enlightenment, Black Out shows how children reconcile their daily lives in Guinea, one of the world’s poorest countries, with their desire to learn.

What makes a good synopsis?

A strong synopsis, like a strong logline, will focus on the heart of the story that drives your project. It will be longer than a logline, but still keep it concise — we recommend sticking to 1 to 2 pages. Your synopsis should give your story a beginning, middle, and end, mentioning key moments where your character or characters encounter particular challenges. It should also mention briefly the broader implications of the personal struggles at stake.

If I am selected for the (Egg)celerator Lab, would Chicken & Egg Pictures request a credit on my film?

The standard credit we’ll request of grantees in the (Egg)celerator Lab will be “In Association with Chicken & Egg Pictures.”

Do you provide feedback on applications to which you do not award grants?

We are a small staff with limited capacity, and cannot provide one-on-one feedback to all applicants. We do provide some feedback for those whose projects are shortlisted. Chicken & Egg Pictures believes wholeheartedly in the importance of feedback, and are constantly searching for ways to offer more support to all our applicants.

PAST COHORTS

2019

  • Milisuthando
    Milisuthando Bongela
    More info >
    <p>Milisuthando Bongela</p>

    Milisuthando

  • An Act of Worship
    Nausheen Dadabhoy
    More info >
    <p>Nausheen Dadabhoy</p>

    An Act of Worship

  • #Mickey
    Betzabé García
    More info >
    <p>Betzabé García </p>

    #Mickey

  • Between Fire and Water
    Viviana Gómez Echeverry
    More info >
    <p>Viviana Gómez Echeverry</p>

    Between Fire and Water

  • We Are Inside
    Farah Kassem
    More info >
    <p>Farah Kassem </p>

    We Are Inside

  • Untitled PRC Project
    Jessica Kingdon
    More info >
    <p>Jessica Kingdon</p>

    Untitled PRC Project

  • Mama Bears
    Daresha Kyi
    More info >
    <p>Daresha Kyi</p>

    Mama Bears

  • Silent Beauty
    Jasmin López
    More info >
    <p>Jasmin López</p>

    Silent Beauty

  • Pray Away
    Kristine Stolakis
    More info >
    <p>Kristine Stolakis</p>

    Pray Away

  • Cutting Through Rocks
    Sara Khaki and Mohammad Reza Eyni
    More info >
    <p>Sara Khaki and Mohammad Reza Eyni</p>

    Cutting Through Rocks

2018

  • A Cops and Robbers Story
    Ilinca Calugareanu
    More info >
    <p>Ilinca Calugareanu</p>

    A Cops and Robbers Story

  • People’s Hospital
    Siyi Chen
    More info >
    <p>Siyi Chen</p>

    People’s Hospital

  • Enemies of the State
    Sonia Kennebeck
    More info >
    <p>Sonia Kennebeck</p>

    Enemies of the State

  • Accept the Call
    Eunice Lau
    More info >
    <p>Eunice Lau</p>

    Accept the Call

  • Number 387
    Madeleine Leroyer
    More info >
    <p>Madeleine Leroyer</p>

    Number 387

  • Electric Malady
    Marie Lidén
    More info >
    <p>Marie Lidén</p>

    Electric Malady

  • Through The Night
    Loira Limbal
    More info >
    <p>Loira Limbal</p>

    Through The Night

  • Always in Season
    Jacqueline Olive
    More info >
    <p>Jacqueline Olive</p>

    Always in Season

  • Reentry (working title)
    Jennifer Redfearn
    More info >
    <p>Jennifer Redfearn</p>

    Reentry (working title)

  • Writing With Fire
    Rintu Thomas, Sushmit Ghosh
    More info >
    <p>Rintu Thomas, Sushmit Ghosh</p>

    Writing With Fire

2017

  • Bangla Surf Girls
    Elizabeth D. Costa
    More info >
    <p>Elizabeth D. Costa</p>

    Bangla Surf Girls

  • The Guardian of Memory
    Marcela Arteaga
    More info >
    <p>Marcela Arteaga</p>

    The Guardian of Memory

  • Kids Can Spit
    Chelsi Bullard
    More info >
    <p>Chelsi Bullard</p>

    Kids Can Spit

  • Lights Camera Uganda
    Cathryne Czubek, Hugo Perez
    More info >
    <p>Cathryne Czubek, Hugo Perez</p>

    Lights Camera Uganda

  • One Child Nation
    Nanfu Wang, Jialing Zhang
    More info >
    <p>Nanfu Wang, Jialing Zhang</p>

    One Child Nation

  • People I Know
    Zofia Pregowska
    More info >
    <p>Zofia Pregowska</p>

    People I Know

  • Rajada Dalka/Nation’s Hope
    Hana Mire
    More info >
    <p>Hana Mire</p>

    Rajada Dalka/Nation’s Hope

  • The Rashomon Effect
    Lyric R. Cabral
    More info >
    <p>Lyric R. Cabral</p>

    The Rashomon Effect

  • The Surrender of Waymond Hall
    Jane Greenberg
    More info >
    <p>Jane Greenberg</p>

    The Surrender of Waymond Hall

  • Unaccompanied Children
    Alexandra Codina
    More info >
    <p>Alexandra Codina</p>

    Unaccompanied Children

2016

  • 32 Pills: My Sister’s Suicide
    Hope Litoff
    More info >
    <p>Hope Litoff</p>

    32 Pills: My Sister’s Suicide

  • Kingdom of Us
    Lucy Cohen
    More info >
    <p>Lucy Cohen</p>

    Kingdom of Us

  • MUHI – Generally Temporary
    Rina Castelnuovo, Tamir Elterman
    More info >
    <p>Rina Castelnuovo, Tamir Elterman</p>

    MUHI – Generally Temporary

  • Of Love & Law
    Hikaru Toda
    More info >
    <p>Hikaru Toda</p>

    Of Love & Law

  • The Age of Water
    Isabel Alcántara
    More info >
    <p>Isabel Alcántara</p>

    The Age of Water

  • The Feeling of Being Watched
    Assia Boundaoui
    More info >
    <p>Assia Boundaoui</p>

    The Feeling of Being Watched

  • Tre Maison Dasan
    Denali Tiller
    More info >
    <p>Denali Tiller </p>

    Tre Maison Dasan

  • Whose Streets?
    Sabaah Folayan
    More info >
    <p>Sabaah Folayan</p>

    Whose Streets?

  • Mr. Toilet: The World's #2 Man
    Lily Zepeda
    More info >
    <p>Lily Zepeda</p>

    Mr. Toilet: The World's #2 Man

  • A Guangzhou Love Story
    Kathy Huang
    More info >
    <p>Kathy Huang</p>

    A Guangzhou Love Story

Chicken & Egg Award

The Chicken & Egg Award responds to the reality that only a few women nonfiction directors in the US and abroad are able to work full-time as independent storytellers. Despite progress by talented women filmmakers across the globe, there are still numerous roadblocks that stand in the way of those filmmakers truly breaking through in the documentary industry. These roadblocks are often tied to gender, race, class, disability, and geography, among other factors.

This program recognizes and elevates five to six women and gender nonconforming directors at advanced stages of their careers with unique voices who are poised to reach new heights and become strong filmmaker-advocates for urgent issues. The award consists of a $40,000-$50,000 unrestricted grant and a year-long mentorship tailored to each filmmaker’s individual goals. We support these artists in breaking through to the next level of their careers and as they become influential leaders for the issues they are exploring on-screen.

Through this Award, Chicken & Egg Pictures is making a bold investment in women artists, and an equally bold statement about representation and gender equity. We view this as inextricably connected to elevating the critical social justice, environmental, and human rights issues of the day, ensuring that a greater diversity of voices are participating in the storytelling that drives change.

Recipients of the Chicken & Egg Award are chosen through a confidential nomination process. Unsolicited applications are not accepted. Scroll down to view current and past cohorts of the Chicken & Egg Award.

The Chicken & Egg Award is generously supported through general operating support from our wonderful community of donors and grantmakers.

CURRENT COHORT

For a list of past cohorts, please see here.

Format

In addition to financial support, the Chicken & Egg Award grantees will participate in a year-long mentorship program that will focus on strengthening their professional infrastructure, increasing their public and industry visibility, and fulfilling their specific personal and creative goals.

This intimate, in-depth mentorship program will address each grantee’s needs and aspirations using a tailored, multi-layered approach. Grantees will:

  • Work with Chicken & Egg Pictures to define their goals for their year;
  • Brainstorm the best strategy to move them forward in their Award year;
  • Develop specific goals and tactics to accomplish those aspirations, which they will execute during the program year with our support;
  • Have access to a strategic planning coach and an industry support network to build out those tactics and achieve those goals;
  • Participate in group retreats where they will have the opportunity to make connections with veteran filmmakers, industry decision-makers, and fellow Chicken & Egg Awardees; and
  • Contribute to an ecosystem of filmmakers supporting one another by mentoring one filmmaker from the roster of active Chicken & Egg Pictures grantees.

PAST COHORTS

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Project: Hatched

Overview

Project: Hatched, announced in January 2020 as Chicken & Egg Pictures’ new completion fund, was originally designed to support nonfiction directors as they prepare for the world premiere of a feature-length documentary film and develop a strategic impact and audience engagement campaign. 

Since the inaugural cohort and due to COVID-19, Chicken & Egg Pictures has reshaped the program to better fit filmmakers’ needs in the current documentary film landscape. In order to serve a new cohort of filmmakers who are innovating and retooling their campaigns to fit the current documentary landscape, the reimagined Project: Hatched program will support filmmakers whose film premieres have been affected by festival changes. 

The new Project: Hatched program includes: 

  • A $10,000 cash grant for filmmakers who have been affected by festival cancellations to use to implement their impact and engagement strategies; 
  • Scheduled peer-to-peer mentorship calls with visiting experts at least 3 times during the course of the program;
  • Career goal setting and mentorship with members of Chicken & Egg Pictures’ senior creative team;
  • The opportunity to join the AlumNest Network for peer support and deeper connections within the film world.

Project: Hatched aims to engage with and grow alongside the Chicken & Egg Pictures community, increasing our support of women and gender non-conforming filmmakers at strategic points of their documentary career—empowering women and gender non-conforming filmmakers in the industry, raising their visibility, and reinforcing them as agents for social change.

We will continue to adapt Project: Hatched to be more inclusive and to better serve the filmmaking community during these unprecedented times. We are currently reviewing our program structure and application process and will be announcing our new program details and eligibility guidelines in late August.

Project: Hatched 2020 Peer Cohort

The filmmaking teams behind these Project: Hatched supported films will join a new cohort for peer-to-peer mentorship as they work on their impact and audience engagement strategies and offer support to each other: Belly of the Beast, Coded Bias, Landfall, Once Upon a Time in Venezuela, Picture A Scientist, and The Dilemma of Desire.

Project: Hatched 2020 Cohort

Docs by the Dozen

Overview

Docs by the Dozen recognizes the power of documentary shorts and series in their ability to reach millions and address important social issues, all while playing an important role in raising a filmmaker’s artistic and professional profile.

The program is designed to engage with our AlumNest, build meaningful partnerships with like minded organizations and companies, and generate artistic and innovative short films and series that can increase a filmmaker’s financial stability. The program provides talented filmmakers with the opportunity to expand their portfolios, reach broader audiences, and respond to critical social justice issues in a timely way.

Through this program, Chicken & Egg Pictures commissions short films and oversees their production, in close collaboration with the supported filmmakers and production partners. Filmmakers are selected through a request for proposal (RFP) process open to our AlumNest filmmakers. Our internal team reviews proposals and recommends shortlisted applicants to our production partner who selects the final projects to commission.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted at this time.

2020

  • The Scientists Versus Dartmouth
    Sharon Shattuck
    More info >
    <p>Sharon Shattuck</p>

    The Scientists Versus Dartmouth

  • Overexposed
    Holly Morris
    More info >
    <p>Holly Morris </p>

    Overexposed

  • Until She is Free
    Maria Finitzo
    More info >
    <p>Maria Finitzo </p>

    Until She is Free

Partnership with LUNA®

In 2020, Chicken & Egg Pictures partnered with LUNA® to commission three short films on the theme “Someday Is Now” in response to raised national consciousness around women’s rights. The films explore a variety of perspectives on women’s civil rights issues and female self empowerment. In 1999, LUNA® was introduced as the very first nutrition bar for women with the mission to create momentum, champion women, and spark change. In 2001, LUNAFEST® was founded as the world’s first all-women traveling film festival celebrating the work of filmmakers through nationwide screenings, in addition to making an impact at the local level by fundraising for women’s causes.

The short films produced through this partnership are screening as part of a slate of seven films in the LUNAFEST® 2021 Season.

2019

  • 400 years in four
    Angela Tucker & Kristi Jacobson
    More info >
    <p>Angela Tucker &#038; Kristi Jacobson </p>

    400 years in four

  • Sanctuary
    Brett Story
    More info >
    <p>Brett Story </p>

    Sanctuary

  • One Shot, One Kill
    Nancy Schwartzman
    More info >
    <p>Nancy Schwartzman </p>

    One Shot, One Kill

Partnership with Mother Jones

Chicken & Egg Pictures partnered with Mother Jones to commission a three-part short series focused on gun culture in response to the onslaught of mass shootings in the US. Mother Jones is America’s longest-established investigative news organization with a reputation for high quality independent reporting. With a monthly digital audience of 6 to 10 million, the broad reach of Mother Jones extends into communities of politically engaged individuals across generations.

The short films were published on Mother Jones between August–October 2020. The production of the series was also generously supported by The Gruber Family Foundation and Ken Pelletier.

AlumNest

Chicken & Egg Pictures has supported 300+ talented, diverse women nonfiction directors from all around the world, and that number continues to grow each year. The AlumNest program is Chicken & Egg Pictures’ way of holding a space for current and former Nest grantees, from first-time filmmakers to industry veterans, to communicate and connect, so we can foster a strong, vibrant community. 

Through the years, filmmakers who have participated in our programs have often articulated that the community of filmmakers they have built during their program year has been one of the most important and meaningful aspects of their time with us. The AlumNest extends this sense of community far beyond a single program year, providing both online and in-person spaces for filmmakers to connect with and learn from one another; develop relationships with other industry professionals; and take advantage of our funding, mentorship, and consultation opportunities intentionally designed for them. 

AlumNest members have: 

  • Access to a robust online community for sharing advice, opportunities, articles related to nonfiction art and industry, and for and discussing timely topics; 
  • The chance to attend meaningful in-person community-building events and filmmaker gatherings; 
  • The opportunity to apply to our most recent programs Project: Hatched and Docs By the Dozen; and 
  • Additional access to new offerings for alumni.

ABOUT OUR GRANTEES

For a list of Chicken & Egg Pictures-supported grantees sorted by director or recipient name, see here.

JOIN THE ALUMNEST

If you are a Chicken & Egg Pictures grantee, request access to the private group here. 

 

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