A new initiative supporting documentary filmmaking in the Washington, D.C. region
WETA and DC/DOX are partnering to launch a new fund supporting documentary storytelling connected to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
The initiative will combine direct production and post-production funding and distribution across WETA’s platforms along with year-round mentorship, professional development, and access to the national documentary community that gathers in Washington for DC/DOX.
The Fund will prioritize compelling documentary storytelling that reflects the breadth of voices, experiences, communities and perspectives connected to the Washington, D.C. region. WETA and DC/DOX aim to fund up to six films. Filmmakers submitting short projects may request up to $25k in funding and filmmakers submitting feature-length projects may request up to $100k in funding. The total amount available to be distributed to the first cohort will be $250,000.
Beyond the Grant
Selected filmmakers will become part of a cohort receiving support beyond the initial funding. Opportunities may include:
- An initial cohort convening and ongoing mentorship and rough-cut feedback
- Participation in the DC/DOX Forum, including panels, industry gatherings, and the 1:1 Meetings Program
- Curated meetings with filmmakers, funders, distributors, public media leaders, policymakers, and other potential partners
- Opportunities for works-in-progress and rough-cut screenings and other year-round engagement
- A potential public showcase during DC/DOX
Distribution Across WETA's Platforms
Funded projects will provide WETA with a non-exclusive streaming and broadcast window on WETA+, the PBS App and WETA’s local PBS and Metro channels with the duration and terms to be negotiated individually with filmmakers. The intention is to give WETA an opportunity to introduce these locally rooted stories to its audiences while allowing filmmakers to pursue broader distribution and streaming opportunities.
View WETA’s Technical Specs here.
Timeline
November 16, 2026: Applications open
January 31, 2027: Applications close
Winter 2026–27: Application period and first-round review
By April 30, 2027: Finalist review completed and funded projects selected and notified
June 10–13, 2027: Cohort participates in DC/DOX 2027
2027 and beyond: Year-round mentorship, project development, and WETA/DC/DOX engagement. Projects must be completed by January 31, 2029.
Please be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions. Questions? Contact us at filmfund@weta.org
Don't see the form? Click here to apply.