SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Fellowship
A fellowship for filmmakers developing narrative or documentary projects that portray science, technology, or scientists accurately and compellingly for general audiences.
Overview
The SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Fellowship supports filmmakers developing narrative or documentary feature projects that portray science, technology, or the work of scientists accurately and engagingly for general audiences. Administered by SFFILM and supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the fellowship is part of a broader network of Sloan Science in Cinema programs operating at film festivals and organizations across the United States.
The Sloan Foundation's investment in science-themed filmmaking reflects a long-standing belief that accurate, compelling portrayals of science in popular media can strengthen public understanding of scientific work and attract young people to careers in science. The SFFILM version of the program connects the fellowship to the San Francisco International Film Festival and SFFILM's broader artist development ecosystem.
What the Fellowship Provides
Fellows receive funding and access to SFFILM's professional development infrastructure. The fellowship supports projects in the development stage, helping filmmakers refine their scripts or treatments, consult with scientific advisors, and build the production package needed to attract further financing.
A key component of the fellowship is access to scientific expertise. Sloan Science in Cinema programs typically connect filmmakers with scientists and researchers who can serve as technical advisors, ensuring that the film's portrayal of science is accurate while remaining accessible and dramatically compelling.
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to filmmakers developing narrative or documentary feature projects with science, technology, or scientists as a central subject. The science content requirement is substantive -- the subject of the film should involve genuine scientific or technological work, not simply use science as a backdrop or set dressing.
Both narrative and documentary formats are eligible. Projects can be at early development or more advanced development stages. SFFILM looks for projects that combine strong storytelling with rigorous scientific accuracy and that have the potential to reach broad audiences who are not already science specialists.
The Sloan Science in Cinema Network
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation funds similar Science in Cinema programs at several partner organizations, including the Sundance Institute, the Tribeca Film Institute, and other regional film organizations. Filmmakers developing science-themed projects should review the full Sloan network to identify all relevant fellowship programs, as some projects may be eligible for multiple Sloan partnerships. Each program operates independently with its own application cycle and selection criteria.
Who Should Apply
Narrative and documentary filmmakers developing feature projects where science, technology, or scientific researchers play a central role. Projects that dramatize genuine scientific questions, portray the working lives of scientists, or explore the social and ethical implications of scientific or technological development are the best fit. The fellowship rewards projects that take scientific accuracy seriously while telling stories that can captivate non-specialist audiences.
See Also
For science-themed documentary filmmakers building a production plan, the Production Schedule Calculator helps structure a realistic timeline from development through post. For an overview of how fellowship funding connects to broader financing strategies, see Documentary Financing: Building Your Stack.
