JustFilms | Leaders of Today

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About this opportunity

Through its open call, JustFilms supports artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively intersect with the social justice issues that are central to the Ford Foundation’s mission. All projects submitted for JustFilms grants will be assessed on the basis of alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, intersectional representation, innovation in storytelling, and production viability & independence, as well as social and cultural impact. At this time, we do not accept proposals from organizations, docuseries, shorts, or for impact campaigns.

While we welcome submissions from any region of the world, we have a particular focus on the areas where the foundation has regional offices.

Who can apply

The project must be a feature-length documentary (50+ minutes) with full creative control retained by the filmmaker(s). Eligible stages include development, production, or post-production. The program does not support student films, narrative or short films, commissioned work without rights ownership, episodic series, AR/VR, podcasts, films already premiered/broadcast, or impact/outreach campaigns.
Evaluation Criteria:
Projects are assessed based on the following weighted criteria:
Thematic Alignment (30%) – Connection to gender, race, disability justice, and analysis of political, economic, or cultural power.
Intersectional Representation (25%) – Diverse perspectives, geographic relevance, and support for underrepresented voices.
Innovation in Storytelling (25%) – Creative narrative approach that challenges dominant perspectives and advances justice.
Production Viability (20%) – Independence, feasibility, and demonstrated capacity to complete the project.

About this opportunity

While we welcome submissions from any region of the world, we have a particular focus on the areas where the foundation has regional offices.

Who can apply

The project must be a feature-length documentary (50+ minutes) with full creative control retained by the filmmaker(s). Eligible stages include development, production, or post-production. The program does not support student films, narrative or short films, commissioned work without rights ownership, episodic series, AR/VR, podcasts, films already premiered/broadcast, or impact/outreach campaigns.
Evaluation Criteria:
Projects are assessed based on the following weighted criteria:
Thematic Alignment (30%) – Connection to gender, race, disability justice, and analysis of political, economic, or cultural power.
Intersectional Representation (25%) – Diverse perspectives, geographic relevance, and support for underrepresented voices.
Innovation in Storytelling (25%) – Creative narrative approach that challenges dominant perspectives and advances justice.
Production Viability (20%) – Independence, feasibility, and demonstrated capacity to complete the project.