Born to Fly

Programs

IMPORTANT (EGG)CELERATOR LAB UPDATE

This year is an important year for Chicken & Egg Pictures as we take time to evaluate our current programs and dream big about our future. We are currently undergoing our third Strategic Planning process that will inform our program activities from 2023-2025. During this intensive process, our (Egg)celerator Lab selection process will be delayed so that we can make time to thoughtfully strategize for and implement programs that are responsive to the changing needs of filmmakers and our field. Our next call for applications will take place in Spring 2023 for the (Egg)celerator Lab program taking place in 2024. We look forward to deepening our support of filmmakers by increasing our grantmaking, continuing many of our existing programs, and introducing new ones. We will announce more news in the Fall about our path forward and future opportunities. Thank you for your patience.

Our programs support women and gender nonconforming documentary 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  storytellers to direct their own careers in the field.

Please sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on programs.

(Egg)celerator Lab

IMPORTANT (EGG)CELERATOR LAB UPDATE

This year is an important year for Chicken & Egg Pictures as we take time to evaluate our current programs and dream big about our future. We are currently undergoing our third Strategic Planning process that will inform our program activities from 2023-2025. During this intensive process, our (Egg)celerator Lab selection process will be delayed so that we can make time to thoughtfully strategize for and implement programs that are responsive to the changing needs of filmmakers and our field. Our next call for applications will take place in Spring 2023 for the (Egg)celerator Lab program taking place in 2024. We will announce more news in the Fall about our path forward and future opportunities. Thank you for your patience.

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 stories by self-identifying women and gender nonconforming directors.

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

  • $40,000 in grant funding for the production of their feature-length film
  • Monthly mentorship with Chicken & Egg Pictures’ senior creative team members
  • Three creative retreats focused on career building and creative development
  • Industry meetings and funder connections
  • 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 and Netflix, and through general operating support from our wonderful community of donors and grantmakers.

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 2022 program, grantees will be required to attend 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.

FAQ

Programs FAQs

WILL THE 2022 (EGG)CELERATOR LAB PROGRAM CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19?

Over the past year, we adapted the 2020 (Egg)celerator Lab to a  virtual program, with retreats and mentorship taking place online. The 2021 (Egg)celerator Lab has continued to take place virtually, and we are evaluating the possibility of an in-person retreat in  2021. Our hope for the 2022 (Egg)celerator Lab is to resume in-person gatherings, dependent on global safety conditions.

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 2016, 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 other applications as you move forward with your fundraising goals. In an effort to simplify the application process, you will only be asked to answer some of the questions of the Core Application for the first round. If your application moves forward, you will be notified and asked to submit responses for additional questions of the Core Application in mid-October 2021. 

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 (EGG)CELERATOR LAB GRANTS?

Grants for the (Egg)celerator Lab will be $40,000 for each chosen film.

The grants will be disbursed in installments throughout the program, beginning in March/April 2022, 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 48 minutes to be a feature-length film. We consider anything over 48 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 2022 program year.

Note: The program will take place from February to December 2022. If you are planning to have a rough cut by the end of 2021 or by the first quarter of 2022, 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?

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.

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 work samples must be in English or have accurate English subtitles on screen.

First-time directors: 

  1. Must submit a sample of the project with which they’re applying
  2. (Optional) Can submit a prior work sample

Second-time directors: 

  1. Must submit a sample of the project with which they’re applying
  2. Must submit a prior work sample from their first feature-length film, on which they served as director or co-director

Co-directing teams:

  1. Must submit a sample of the project with which they’re applying
  2. Must submit a prior work sample from the first- or second-time filmmaker, if your co-directing team consists of one first- or second-time filmmaker and one veteran filmmaker
  3. (Optional) May submit a prior work sample if all directors are first-time filmmakers 

Current Project Samples

Current project samples should run between 7–20 minutes and can consist of a trailer, 2–3 scene selects or excerpts, or a combination of a trailer and scene selects.

  • Since we will 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.
  • In our first round application review, reviewers are required to watch up to the first 10 minutes of the project sample. In this early round, 10 minutes will be sufficient to get a sense of the project, the importance of the subject matter, and the talent of the filmmaker to move into the following round. In subsequent rounds, work samples will be viewed in full. You are able to submit a sample that is longer than 20 minutes in order to avoid re-editing; however, in the first round, reviewers will only view up to the first 10 minutes. 

Prior Work Samples 

Prior work samples have no length limit and are mandatory for second-time filmmakers and optional for first-time filmmakers. These samples should be of a film that the applicant either directed or played a prominent role in the production of.

  • The purpose of a prior work sample is to give us a sense of the director’s visual style, storytelling ability, ambition, and follow through. 
  • Your prior work sample must be documentary, fiction-nonfiction hybrid, or other forms of nonfiction. The sample can be a short or feature-length film, including web series, animation, or experimental. Fiction work, music videos, commercial work, and PSAs are not accepted as prior work samples. We understand the creative value of this work but, because of its nature, it does not allow us to see the author’s voice and vision as a documentary filmmaker. 

First-time filmmakers: You 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. If you are not the director, please specify 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.

Tips & Tricks

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 2021.
  • We prefer that you submit using a link and password, but if you are absolutely unable to submit online, you may email egglab_opencall@chickeneggpics.org, with “DVD submission request” and your project title in the subject line to request permission.

Important 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

2021

2020

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 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 $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

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Project: Hatched

The Project: Hatched 2023 open call is now closed and we are no longer accepting applications. The application deadline was Tuesday, January 17 at 12 PM (noon) ET. The next open call will be in late 2023. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of when the application is scheduled to reopen.

ABOUT PROJECT: HATCHED 

Project: Hatched provides grants to support filmmakers from around the world who have premiered or have a confirmed world premiere of a short, medium, or feature-length documentary film taking place between April 2022 and March 2023. Filmmakers must have plans to strategize, build, and launch an impact campaign. The grant funds can be applied towards expenses related to project completion and impact strategy.

Through Project: Hatched 2023, 10 directing teams will:

  • Receive a $30,000 USD grant. A minimum of $15,000 USD must be allocated towards an impact campaign. Up to $15,000 USD may be used for film completion, including expenses already incurred;
  • Join our AlumNest community of supported filmmakers for further peer support and deeper connections in the documentary film industry. 

Please note that Project: Hatched has been modified from the previous mentorship and cohort model to grant-only support. The eligibility criteria have also expanded to accept applications from around the world. 

Project: Hatched is supported in part by the New York Community Trust.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the Project: Hatched 2023 Open Call, your project must:

  • FOR COMPLETED FILMS: have had its world premiere in or after April 2022
  • FOR FILMS IN POST-PRODUCTION: have a confirmed world premiere that will take place by March 2023
  • be directed or co-directed by a self-identified woman or non-binary filmmaker;
  • focus on a range of social justice themes and issues taking place anywhere in the world; films can explore these issues through a variety of artistic approaches (i.e. personal story, experimental, animated, essayistic, etc);
  • be a short (up to 30 minutes), medium-length (30-48 minutes) or feature-length (48 minutes or more) documentary/nonfiction film;
  • have a director or directing team committed to launching and implementing an impact campaign for the project. 

You are NOT eligible if your project: 

  • had its world premiere before April 2022 (for completed films)
  • does not have a confirmed world premiere taking place by March 2023 (for films in post-production). Please note that without a festival premiere or confirmed premiere, your application will be marked ineligible and removed from our review process. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to notify you that your application has been disqualified;
  • is not directed or co-directed by a self-identified woman or non-binary filmmaker;
  • is directed by a filmmaker based in any of the OFAC Comprehensively Sanctioned Countries. These include: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and the following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. Chicken & Egg Pictures cannot utilize the Project: Hatched grant to support or engage in activities with any person, or in any country/territory that is the subject of sanctions administered by the U.S. Government, except as permitted under U.S. law [this criterion was added December 19, 2022];
  • is not focused on a social justice theme;
  • is not planning to launch an impact campaign;
  • is already supported by Chicken & Egg Pictures;
  • is a student film being produced in a graduate or undergraduate program;
  • is a series;
  • is a VR or interactive project;
  • is a fiction film 

For further details, please review the full list of FAQs at the end of this page. In the event of questions regarding our open call that are not addressed in the FAQs, you can reach out to us at ph_opencall@chickeneggpics.org.

GRANT AMOUNT

 

The Project: Hatched 2023 program will include a grant of $30,000 USD for each project. At least $15,000 USD must be used for the film’s impact campaign. The remaining $15,000 USD can be used to pay post-production expenses, including expenses already incurred (for completed films) as well as your or your team’s time compensation during the completion stage.

 

TIMELINE 

  • November 15: Project: Hatched 2023 application opens
  • January 17, 2023 at 12 PM ET:  Project: Hatched 2023 application deadline
  • January–May 2023: Chicken & Egg Pictures processes and reviews applications
  • June 2023: Final notifications

APPLICATION

  • The application period for Project: Hatched occurs on an annual basis. The Project: Hatched 2023 application deadline was Tuesday, January 17 at 12 PM (noon) ET.
  • The next open call will be in late 2023. You can review the application questions from the prior cycle by downloading a Word Doc of the application here. Please note: the format and content of the application may be subject to change in the future.

FAQ

Project: Hatched 2022 FAQs

The deadline to apply for the Project: Hatched 2023 grant is approaching and I haven’t heard back from the festival I submitted my film to. Can I send a roughcut and let you know when I hear back from the festival?

Unfortunately, we are only able to consider films who will have a confirmed premiere by Tuesday, January 17, 2023. We have seen that films premiering by March 2023 will likely have received their premiere confirmation by the time Project: Hatched 2023 Open Call closes, on Tuesday,  January 17. We understand delays may happen– if your film receives a festival premiere confirmation within two weeks after the deadline, please contact us to discuss the possibility of considering your application. 

Please note that without a festival premiere or confirmed premiere, your application will be marked ineligible and removed from our review process. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to notify you that your application has been disqualified.

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How many projects do you select?

Ten (10) projects will be selected to receive a Project: Hatched 2023 grant.

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Who is eligible to apply to Project: Hatched 2023?

Project: Hatched 2023 supports US and international women and non-binary directors who are exploring a range of social justice themes and issues taking place globally through their film and impact campaign. Co-directing teams where one director is a woman or non-binary filmmaker are eligible. In this case, please note that the primary contact of the application should be the woman or non-binary director.

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Do shorts, medium-length and feature-length documentaries receive the same grant amount through Project: Hatched?

Yes. All selected projects will receive a $30,000 USD grant, with at least $15,000 USD to be allocated for an impact campaign. Although shorts usually have smaller budgets than feature-length films, the cost of strategizing, building, and launching an impact campaign can be similar.

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How does Chicken & Egg Pictures define what constitutes a film with social justice themes?

We’re passionate about films that address the global injustices, human rights, and environmental issues of our time. Films can explore these issues through a variety of artistic approaches (i.e. personal story, experimental, animated, essayistic, etc). For examples of films we have funded, you can see past grantees from 2020-2022 by scrolling to the end of Project: Hatched webpage.

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Does Chicken & Egg Pictures support political films?

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

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

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Does my application have to be written in English?

Yes.

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I applied to previous versions of Project: Hatched. Can I apply again?

Yes! You are welcome to apply again if your film meets all the criteria listed in the eligibility section above.

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I received support from Chicken & Egg Pictures in the past. Am I eligible for Project: Hatched 2023?

Previously-supported AlumNest filmmakers are eligible for Project: Hatched 2023 if they are applying with a project that has not been supported by Chicken & Egg Pictures.

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I’m the impact producer of the project, can I apply?

To be eligible, the project must be directed or co-directed by a woman or non-binary filmmaker. Additional team members who are key to a successful impact campaign, such as producers and impact producers, may collaborate with the director to submit their application. Please note that the primary contact of the application should be the director(s).

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Why must my film have had its world premiere in or after April 2022, or have a confirmed world premiere taking place before March 2023?

The goal of the Project: Hatched 2023 grant is to support films that have an active impact campaign, or are about to launch one, and are ready to apply the grant funds towards this strategy. If your film premieres after March 2023, you will be able to apply for our next Project: Hatched Open Call, taking place in late 2023.

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Does the world premiere have to be at specific film festivals?

No, any festival premiere is accepted but it must be a curated film festival and open to the public.

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Does the world premiere have to be in the US?

We welcome films with international premieres. As long as the film has premiered or will premiere by March 2023, there are no restrictions for the festival’s geographic location. Confirmation that the festival took place and that your film screening is listed in the festival’s programming is required.

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My film did not have a festival premiere and has instead been shown as part of community and public screenings. Is the film eligible?

No, community and public screenings are not eligible.

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I completed and premiered my film but I am still paying post-production expenses. Can I use the completion portion of the grant to pay expenses already incurred?

Yes. $15,000 USD of the grant must be used for your film’s impact campaign. The other $15,000 USD can be used to pay post-production expenses already incurred, including you or your team’s time compensation during the completion stage.

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Can I apply more than $15,000 USD to my impact campaign?

Yes. You can use the full $30,000 USD for your impact campaign if you have covered all your completion expenses.

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I have more questions. How can I get in touch?

For questions regarding our open call that are not addressed in the FAQ, please reach out to us at ph_opencall@chickeneggpics.org.

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2022

  • A Woman on the Outside
    Lisa Riordan Seville & Zara Katz
    More info >
    <p>Lisa Riordan Seville &#038; Zara Katz</p>

    A Woman on the Outside

  • Any Given Day
    Margaret Byrne
    More info >
    <p>Margaret Byrne</p>

    Any Given Day

  • BEBA
    Rebeca Huntt
    More info >
    <p>Rebeca Huntt</p>

    BEBA

  • Crossings
    Deann Borshay Liem
    More info >
    <p>Deann Borshay Liem</p>

    Crossings

  • Mama Has a Mustache
    Sally Rubin
    More info >
    <p>Sally Rubin</p>

    Mama Has a Mustache

  • Takeover
    Emma Francis-Snyder
    More info >
    <p>Emma Francis-Snyder</p>

    Takeover

2021

  • Dope is Death
    Mia Donovan
    More info >
    <p>Mia Donovan </p>

    Dope is Death

  • Down a Dark Stairwell
    Ursula Liang
    More info >
    <p>Ursula Liang </p>

    Down a Dark Stairwell

  • Fruits of Labor
    Emily Cohen Ibañez
    More info >
    <p>Emily Cohen Ibañez</p>

    Fruits of Labor

  • Since I Been Down
    Gilda Sheppard
    More info >
    <p>Gilda Sheppard</p>

    Since I Been Down

  • Unapologetic
    Ashley O’Shay
    More info >
    <p>Ashley O&#8217;Shay</p>

    Unapologetic

  • Daughter of a Lost Bird
    Brooke Pepion Swaney
    More info >
    <p>Brooke Pepion Swaney</p>

    Daughter of a Lost Bird

  • And So I Stayed
    Natalie Pattillo & Daniel A. Nelson
    More info >
    <p>Natalie Pattillo &#038; Daniel A. Nelson</p>

    And So I Stayed

  • Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust
    Ann Kaneko
    More info >
    <p>Ann Kaneko</p>

    Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust

  • I’m Free Now, You Are Free
    Ash Goh Hua
    More info >
    <p>Ash Goh Hua</p>

    I’m Free Now, You Are Free

  • On The Divide
    Maya Cueva & Leah Galant
    More info >
    <p>Maya Cueva &#038; Leah Galant</p>

    On The Divide

  • Change The Name
    Cai Thomas
    More info >
    <p>Cai Thomas </p>

    Change The Name

  • Storm Lake
    Beth Levison & Jerry Risius
    More info >
    <p>Beth Levison &#038; Jerry Risius</p>

    Storm Lake

2020

Research & Development Grant

The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least two feature-length documentaries and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film. Each year, The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant will offer up to thirty (30) filmmaking teams a $10,000 USD grant for research or a $20,000 USD grant for development.

The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant is Chicken & Egg Pictures’ newest initiative born during our 2023-2025 Strategic Planning process. This new initiative supports directors with a track record while they ideate, think, plan, and write their next feature-length film. Unfortunately, it is well known that many filmmakers invest their personal resources into their first and second films, and continue to face challenges with funding when entering into the research & development stages of new projects. It is very hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material and yet it can be impossible to produce material without external funding. Responding to this particular challenge, The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant provides financial support to experienced directors during a filmmaking stage that has too often gone unpaid and unsupported. 

Through The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant, up to 30 filmmaking  teams will:

  • Receive a $10,000 USD grant for research or a $20,000 USD grant for development
  • Join our AlumNest community of supported filmmakers for further peer support, mentorship opportunities and deeper connections in the documentary film industry.

The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant is generously supported by Netflix.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • Trust: This grant initiative is driven by our trust in filmmakers with an established track record. We look forward to working with them on new projects at a stage that is especially hard to fundraise for. We trust that applicants will make the best determination about which stage to apply to based on the information presented below.
  • Simplicity: We aim to keep The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant application as simple and straightforward as possible so that filmmakers are not burdened by the process. Some important things to note about the application:
    • The applications for the Research Grant vs. the Development Grant are not the same. Most of the questions are shared across both applications, but some questions are specific to each application.
    • Most questions are based on the Nonfiction Core Application 2.0. Some questions from the Core App have been simplified for inclusion in the Research Grant Application, in recognition of the very early stage of the project idea.
    • The application also includes some supplemental questions to help us gather the necessary information in this pilot year.
  • Deep listening: This new grant initiative was born through deeply listening to a wide range of stakeholders including filmmakers and field representatives who were interviewed during our 2023-2025 Strategic Planning process. We heard the need for being fully trusted with funding early on. We heard the need for more funding and less mentorship for experienced filmmakers and we also heard the need to be financially supported for time and space to think, research, and develop new ideas. In its pilot year, we are excited to continue practicing deep listening, and learning and adapting this new initiative as needed.

ELIGIBILITY


In this pilot year, Chicken & Egg Pictures is accepting applications from filmmakers globally. 

To be eligible for The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant, 

  • your project must be directed or co-directed by a self-identified woman or non-binary filmmaker;
  • the eligible director (see above) must have directed at least two (2) completed feature-length documentary films (48 minutes or more). Note that short, series, new media works, branded content, or other cultural expressions are not eligible; 
  • you must have the intention to develop and direct a feature-length (48 minutes or more) documentary/nonfiction film;
  • you do not need a fiscal sponsor in order to apply for the Research & Development Grant. However, if you are awarded, you must have a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), in order to receive the funds. 
  • Note for AlumNest filmmakers: 
    • Chicken & Egg Pictures-supported filmmakers are eligible if they are working on new projects and meet all other eligibility criteria. 
    • AlumNest filmmakers can seek research & development support for new projects which have not received prior research & development support from C&E through other grants/programs. (e.g. Chicken & Egg Award, Critical Issues Fund, etc).
  • you may only submit one application. You may not apply for more than one project, and the application must be for either the Research Grant OR Development Grant, not both categories.

You are NOT eligible if:

  • you haven’t directed at least two (2) completed feature-length nonfiction films (48 minutes or more);
  • your project for which you are applying for is a short or medium-length film;
  • your project has already received support by Chicken & Egg Pictures;
  • your project is a student film being produced in a graduate or undergraduate program;
  • your project is a series;
  • your project is a VR or interactive project; 
  • your project is a fiction film.

For further details, please review the full list of FAQs at the end of this page. In the event of questions regarding our open call that are not addressed in the FAQs, you can reach out to us at research-development@chickeneggpics.org. 

GRANT AMOUNT


Each year, up to 30 filmmaking teams at advanced stages of their careers with feature-length projects in early stages of research & development will be awarded a total of $450,000 in grants. The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant will offer grants of $10,000 for projects in the research stage or grants of $20,000 for projects in the development stage. 

Each grant will be disbursed in full at the beginning of the grant cycle (July 2023).

Note: The selection committee reserves the right to consider an application for another stage than the one applied to. In that case, the applicant will be contacted by the Chicken & Egg Pictures team and informed of the selection committee’s recommendation to be considered for the Research grant (if applied to Development grant) or for the Development grant (if applied to the Research grant) based on the content of the application.


EVALUATION CRITERIA

 

  • The project idea and planned activities are feasible in terms of scope and timeline, and the grant will have an impact on advancing the project.
  • The director has access and connection to the story and articulates it clearly in the proposal.
  • The director has a body of prior work that exhibits artistry and compelling storytelling.
  • In alignment with our vision of an equitable and just world shaped by the power of documentary films, priority will be given to films that address equity and social justice, defined broadly by issues ranging from the global to the personal, and exploring a variety of artistic approaches (e.g. personal story, experimental, animated, essayistic, etc).

DECIDING TO APPLY

 

It’s important to recognize that the differences between research & development stages are often nuanced and the activities listed in each stage may overlap. It can be challenging to clearly answer where the research stage might end and where the development stage might begin. For the purpose of this grant application, we want to propose the following definitions and core activities associated with each stage to help each applicant determine which grant to apply to.

Research

The research stage is a period of sowing and ideation.

Core activities associated with research stage: 

  • Identifying literature, art, and cultural materials –  (Secondary Sources)
  • Gaining familiarity with other (film) projects
  • Identifying primary sources and collaborators
  • Locating visual assets and archives
  • Identifying and following potential or multiple story lines
  • Finding a “story container” that can hold the film
  • Building foundational relationships with the community and collaborators at the center of the story

Development

The development stage is a nuanced period of exploration and discovery.

Core activities associated with development stage: 

  • Gaining and securing access to core characters and collaborators, and start shooting
  • Developing the story
  • Plot the film’s multiple and intersecting timelines
  • Fine tuning the development budget and creating a fundraising strategy
  • Creating fundraising materials (pitch deck, trailer, teaser, etc.)
  • Testing pitch materials for resonance at pitch venues, with potential funders 
  • Engaging possible partners

The Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Research & Development Grant was created to be used in a flexible and holistic way by each filmmaking team. In addition to expenses related to the core activities listed above, additional reasonable expenses are considered to be funds used to cover the filmmaking team’s fees and salaries, as well as caregiving costs to enable filmmakers who are caregivers to take the time they need to see these activities through. While the type of expenses are flexible, grantees will be required to submit a narrative report to help us evaluate the scope and impact of the grant (more information in the Reporting & Deliverable section below). 

The applications for the Research Grant vs. Development Grant are not the same. Most of the questions are shared across both applications, but some questions are specific to each.

Most questions are based on the Nonfiction Core Application 2.0, with a few supplemental questions. Please note, the Development Grant Application asks an additional set of questions to collect more detailed information about the project.

 

Asked in both applications
Additional questions for each application
Non-fiction Core Application 2.0:

  • Logline
  • Topic summary
  • Connection and Access
  • Creative Control
  • Key Creative Personnel
  • Funding received
  • Estimated Film budget
  • Grant Impact
  • Prior work samples

Supplemental:

  • List of Completed vs. Planned Activities
  • Resume with Filmography
  • Reflection on Prior R&D Experience
  • Additional support needed beyond funding
 Research Grant Application

  • Visual style

Development Grant Application

  • Story or Concept Summary
  • Artistic Approach
  • Project Stage and Timeline
  • Fundraising Strategy
  • Development Budget Breakdown
  • Current sample (optional)

REPORTING & DELIVERABLES

 

Our hope is that during the grant period running from July 2023 until January 2024, each grantee has had the resources to make significant progress and/or take their project to the next stage, enabling them to seek and secure additional funding for their project. In January 2024, by the end of the grant period, Chicken & Egg Pictures will schedule a 6-month check-in with grantees regarding the status of their projects.

  • Grantees who receive a Research Grant will be required to deliver 
    • a narrative report indicating how the funds were spent and what impact they had on the project and the filmmaker’s career. Grantees will be asked to report back on the status of the Planned Activities that were articulated in their application. No expense receipts will be required.
    • a completed Nonfiction Core Application (v.2) 
  • Grantees who receive a Development Grant will be required to deliver 
    • a narrative report indicating how the funds were spent and what impact they had on the project and the filmmaker’s career. Grantees will be asked to report back on the status of the Planned Activities that were articulated in their application. No expense receipts will be required.
    • an updated Nonfiction Core Application (v.2) 
    • a teaser and/or trailer 

CHICKEN & EGG PICTURES CREDIT


Granted filmmakers are required to credit Chicken & Egg Pictures in their final film. The credit requested by Chicken & Egg Pictures will be in line with the Documentary Producers Alliance (DPA) Crediting Guidelines, to be determined with each granted filmmaker based on the project’s budget at the time of the grant agreement. 

TIMELINE

 

  • March 17, 2023: Chicken & Egg Pictures opens applications for The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant
  • April 24, 2023 at 12 PM (Noon) ET: The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant Application Deadline
  • May-June 2023: Chicken & Egg Pictures processes and reviews applications
  • End of June 2023: All applicants are notified of their application status
  • July 2023: Chicken & Egg Pictures welcomes new grantees and disburses grants

 

APPLICATION

 

  • PREVIEW the application questions by downloading a Word Doc of the application: Research Grant Application, Development Grant Application. 
  • START your application by confirming your eligibility with our pre-application form. You will receive an email with your account login information.
  • CONTINUE your application here.
  • The DEADLINE to submit an application is Monday, April 24, 2023 at 12 PM (Noon) ET.
  • To request an accommodation or assistance in applying, please email research-development@chickeneggpics.org. 
  • We ask that requests for accommodation be made as soon as possible, and no later than Monday, April 17, 2023, to allow adequate time for staff to support the applicant before the deadline.

FAQs

 

R&D

I have more questions. How can I get in touch?

For questions regarding our open call that are not addressed in the FAQ, please reach out to us at research-development@chickeneggpics.org. 

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If I receive support for Research, can I then apply to Development for additional support in the future?

Not in this pilot year.

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I’m the producer of the project, can I apply?

To be eligible, the project must be directed or co-directed by a woman or non-binary filmmaker. Additional team members who are key to the successful development of a project, such as producers, may collaborate with the director to submit their application. Please note that the primary contact of the application should be the director(s).

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I received support from Chicken & Egg Pictures in the past. Am I eligible for The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant?

Previously-supported AlumNest filmmakers are eligible for The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant if they are applying with a project that has not already been supported by Chicken & Egg Pictures. AlumNest filmmakers can seek research & development support for new projects which have not received prior research & development support from C&E through other grants/programs. (E.g. Chicken & Egg Award, Critical Issues Fund, etc).

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Does my application have to be written in English? Do my project materials (written/visual) have to be in English?

Yes. We ask that all submitted materials are in English so that our reviewers are able to review the application in full. If some parts of the application are not in English, it may mean that a reviewer cannot understand it and therefore is unable to factor it into their evaluation of the overall application.

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Does Chicken & Egg Pictures support political films?

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

If you are unsure about your film’s eligibility, you can email us at research-development@chickeneggpics.org with a description of your film project.

 

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Why are you separating the research & development stage?

The line between the research & development stage is a very thin one, often open to interpretation. It can be challenging to clearly answer where the research stage might end and where the development stage might begin. For the purpose of this grant application we want to propose the following definitions and core activities associated with each stage to help each applicant determine which grant to apply to.

 

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Can I apply with a short or medium length documentary?

No. This grant is for those who intend to direct a feature-length documentary (48 minutes or more).

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Who is eligible to apply to The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant?

The 2023 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant supports US and international women and non-binary directors who are in the Research & Development stage of a new project. 

Co-directing teams where one director is a woman or non-binary filmmaker are eligible. In this case, please note that the primary contact of the application should be the woman or non-binary director.

 

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How many projects do you select?

Up to thirty (30) projects will be selected to receive a grant. Granted projects will receive a $10,000 USD Research grant or a $20,000 USD Development grant.

 

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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. 

 

FILMMAKER NAME

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