Reach Film Fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do I know if I’m a good candidate for the Reach Film Fellowship

A: RFF’s mission is to assist emerging filmmaker as they transition into the professional film industry. In selecting our fellows, we are looking for filmmakers who demonstrate talent, potential, and an inclination towards making films of social relevance, but who are also in need of support and mentorship to advance to the next stage of their careers. The majority of our applicants have completed a film program with a film or video production focus, during which they studied the art of film and produced a body of student work. However, applicants who have experience in film and/or video production, and who submit sample work demonstrating their ability to direct films, will be considered regardless of the nature of their educational background. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Cinereach staff well in advance of the application deadline to discuss eligibility and receive advice on whether or not they may be a good fit for the program.

Q: What qualifies as a film that is “artful” and “socially relevant”?

A: When evaluating an applicant for our Fellowship program, we look first and foremost for compelling storytelling, an artistic approach to the filmmaking craft, a unique voice and vision. Underlying those qualities, we look at the subject matter/topic the filmmaker has selected for his or her RFF project and whether it has “social relevance.” Is it timely? Does it have the potential to challenge common perceptions and spark dialogue? We advise looking at past recipients of Cinereach Grants and The Reach Film Fellowship, for an idea of the range of films that we consider to be artful and socially relevant.

Q: Who selects the fellows?

A: The Cinereach staff carries out the internal review process to select the fellows (sometimes inviting external judges to offer input).

Q: Is there a preferred length for an RFF applicant film?

A: We recommend that proposed projects be no longer than 10 or 12 minutes and no shorter than 4 minutes. It is rare that we make an exception but may support a longer or shorter project in the rare case that the film’s subject matter or approach calls for variation on length.

Q: Am I am over qualified to be a Reach Film Fellow?

A: The best Reach Film Fellowship candidates are “early-career” filmmakers. Because we offer not simply a grant, but seven months of intensive support and mentorship, we select candidates who show a great deal of potential, but also a desire to learn from others with more experience. Additionally, if you have ever directed and exhibited a feature-length film, the selection committee is unlikely to consider you an ideal candidate.

Q: If I currently live outside of the New York City area, or outside of the United States, will you accept my application?

A: Yes, we do accept applications from filmmakers outside of New York, as long as the applicant is willing and able to relocate to the New York City area for the duration of the fellowship and secure housing. The Reach Film Fellowship cannot provide a housing stipend, and grant funds from RFF cannot be allocated to cover housing or living costs.

Q: Do I need to have a fiscal sponsor in place in order to apply for The Reach Film Fellowship?

A: No, you do not need a fiscal sponsor in place for The Reach Film Fellowship. If you already happen to have a fiscal sponsor for your project that is great, but we do not give any special consideration to applicants who secure a fiscal sponsor in advance of applying.