Chicago Filmmakers announces the 2021 call for applications for the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund (CDMPF), a grant designed to support Chicago-based filmmakers and digital media artists whose work encourages social change. The fund will award up to $100,000 in cash grants to support locally-made, web-based digital media projects.
The application window will be open from March 15 to April 23, 2021. Chicago and Cook County artists have the opportunity to receive up to $20,000 for digital media projects. Now in its tenth year, the CDMPF is a project of Chicago Filmmakers with funding provided by Voqal.
Effective digital media has the power to shape the way people view the world and each other, which is why the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund is looking to support independent digital media artists who want to use their video-based projects to inspire change in our society.
Past grantees of the CDMPF include Sam Bailey and Fatimah Asghar for web series Brown Girls, Kyra Jones and Juli Del Prete for web series The Right Swipe, Ricardo Gamboa for the web series Brujos, Thavary Krouch for short narrative Bitter Melons, Andre Perez for the documentary web series America in Transition, and Eugene Sun Park for short narrative The Orange Story, among others.
Those interested can find complete information (grant guidelines, an FAQ, and Helpful Tips) and an application at this link.
The Production Fund is open to Chicago-area media artists of any age, and projects in any phase of production will be considered. A key requirement of the grant is that the work be made available and accessible for free online viewing within one year of completion.
Local artists with varying levels of experience are welcome to apply, including both accomplished as well as emerging artists. All genres are eligible but the content must address current social justice issues and/or represent points of view of those historically marginalized by mainstream media because of their sexual orientation, race, class, religion, ability, immigration, or another minority status. Projects by women, transgender and gender non-conforming, and artists of color are especially encouraged.
Information Sessions
Chicago Filmmakers will be offering two information sessions during the grant application window. The first session will be held on Sunday, March 21 at 12:00 PM CST, and the second session will be held on Sunday, April 4 at 12:00 PM CST.
For more information about how to apply VISIT HERE.
