Firelight Media’s mission is to support the creation, distribution, and impact of documentary media by and about communities of color in all our vibrance and complexity. By providing filmmakers mentorship, funding, and creative development, we seek to advance the art of nonfiction storytelling to realize a more just and beautiful world.

We prioritize stories that authentically represent the experiences and perspectives of the individuals and communities we serve. Our commitment to equity and inclusion extends to a broad range of racial and cultural identities and other aspects of identity that inform them, such as gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic and immigration status, geographic location, and disability.

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Our Programs

The following programs offer periodic open calls for applications via Submittable. For a complete list of Firelight Media’s programs, visit firelightmedia.tv.

Documentary Lab

The Documentary Lab is Firelight Media’s longest-running artist program. This 18-month fellowship is designed to nurture underrepresented nonfiction storytellers working on their first or second feature film. The Documentary Lab provides holistic support for fellows’ projects and careers through professional development retreats, customized mentorship, and a $25K project grant. Throughout the Lab, filmmakers build a network within the documentary ecosystem, connecting with the fellows and alumni, as well as forging industry relationships across the field. The application for the Documentary Lab is currently closed.

William Greaves Research & Development Fund

The William Greaves Research & Development Fund resources talented, mid-career nonfiction storytellers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States, as well as filmmakers from Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia – with a particular interest in those who identify as being Indigenous and/or of African descent. The application for the William Greaves R&D Fund is currently closed.

PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund

The PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund resources documentary productions by mid-career filmmakers from underrepresented communities in the United States that are intended for distribution on PBS through finishing funds or co-production funding. The application for the PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund is currently closed.