South Arts Film Grant
Grants from South Arts supporting filmmakers in the nine-state southern US region with production funding for narrative and documentary projects rooted in the South.
Overview
South Arts is a regional arts organization serving nine southern US states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The organization's film grant program supports filmmakers working in these states with production funding for narrative and documentary projects that reflect southern stories, perspectives, and communities.
The grant program recognizes that the American South has a distinctive cinematic identity and that filmmakers working in the region often lack access to the funding infrastructure concentrated in Los Angeles and New York. South Arts fills this gap by providing direct production support to southern filmmakers and by strengthening the regional film ecosystem through networking events, workshops, and professional development programs.
The southern US has seen significant growth in production activity, driven by state tax incentives in Georgia, Louisiana, and other states. South Arts supports filmmakers who live and work in the region and whose projects draw on southern culture, history, and experience.
What It Covers
- Production grants of up to $25,000 for narrative and documentary features and shorts
- Professional development through South Arts workshops and networking events
- Regional community -- grantees connect with other filmmakers working in the South
- Festival support -- guidance on positioning completed films for festival consideration
Eligibility
Applicants must reside in one of the nine South Arts member states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. Projects must be narrative or documentary films. Both emerging and established filmmakers are eligible. Films at various stages of production are considered depending on the grant cycle.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the South Arts website. Submissions typically include a project proposal, budget, work sample, and filmmaker bio. Deadlines vary by grant cycle. There is no application fee.
Who Should Apply
Filmmakers based in the South Arts region whose projects reflect southern stories or who are producing work in the southern US. The program is particularly valuable for filmmakers outside major production centers who need financial support and community connection.
See Also
For regional filmmaking strategies, see Regional Filmmaking Guide. To plan your production budget, use the Production Budget Calculator.
