ArtesMiami Documentary Film Fund

ArtesMiami Documentary Film Fund is sponsored by ArtesMiami. This fund offers support for innovative and captivating projects in documentary film. Eligibility is limited to filmmakers of Cuban descent or non-Cuban individuals with projects about the Cuban diaspora.

Miami Film Festival and ArtesMiami Launch New “Miami Film Fund,” Awarding $15,000 to Filmmakers with Local Ties – Miami Film Festival GEMS Oct 29-Nov 5, 2026 Miami Film Festival Apr 1-11, 2027 Cuban Cinema Series Free Monthly Films Miami Film Festival Society Become a Member CineClub Hollywood Hot Tickets How to Attend Ticketing Discount Passes Festival FAQs Code of Conduct Press Industry Travel & Dining Venues Miami Film Festival Society Membership Upcoming Screenings Become a Sponsor The Producers Circle Donate Volunteer The Louies Miami Film Fund The Producers Circle All News Miami Film Festival and ArtesMiami Launch New “Miami Film Fund,” Awarding $15,000 to Filmmakers with Local Ties Miami Film Festival and ArtesMiami Launch New “Miami Film Fund,” Awarding $15,000 to Filmmakers with Local Ties Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival , in partnership with ArtesMiami , is proud to announce the launch of the Miami Film Fund , a new initiative that will award a total of $15,000 in grants to filmmakers with ties to Miami and its Cuban-American community.

Sponsored by ArtesMiami, the fund will distribute grants through the Coral Gables Community Foundation during its inaugural year to celebrate and elevate cinematic storytelling connected to the Miami community.

“Miami Film Festival is thrilled to provide this new funding source for filmmakers, which further supports our mission of championing filmmakers at every stage of their careers,” said James Woolley, the festival’s Executive Director. “By supporting creators, we ensure that Miami remains a world-class hub for storytelling and filmmaking. ” Aida Levitan, Ph.

D. , President and Founder of ArtesMiami, said, “Our board created the Miami Film Fund and partnered with the Miami Film Festival as our contribution to the development of Miami as an international film center. We want the entire community to own it and to help us grow the fund to at least $1 million in the next five years.

” Created to strengthen Miami’s growing film industry, the Miami Film Fund is designed to fuel projects in the stage of post-production, while spotlighting stories that reflect the city’s rich cultural fabric and global reach.

In its first year, three grants of $5,000 each will be awarded across the following categories: Cuban-American Filmmaker ($5,000): Open to filmmakers from anywhere in the world creating films about Cuban-Americans (especially those in Miami), or Miami-based Cuban-American filmmakers working on any subject. Miami Filmmaker ($5,000): Awarded to local creators working on any topic.

Miami-Filmed Production ($5,000): Awarded to non-Miami filmmakers who filmed more than 50% of their production in Miami. Grant recipients will be selected by a panel of industry professionals and community leaders, with an emphasis on artistic merit, cultural impact and meaningful ties to Miami. Applications open March 11, 2026 , coinciding with the Miami Film Festival’s 2026 program reveal event.

The deadline to apply is April 19, 2026, at 11:59 p. m. Winners will be announced in May 2026 and will have their films showcased as official selections at either the 2027 or 2028 Miami Film Festival.

Filmmakers whose films are in post-production can apply at www. miamifilmfestival. com/miami-film-fund.

com . Support the Miami Film Fund: The Fund is open to any donor who wants to give back to the filmmaking community. Funds donated go directly to Miami filmmakers, with a call for entries made annually.

Please make your donation here . About Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival Celebrating cinema in two annual events, Miami Film Festival (43rd annual edition April 9-19, 2026) and Miami Film Festival GEMS (November 2026), Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival is considered the preeminent film festival for showcasing Ibero-American cinema in the U.S., and a major launch pad for all international and documentary cinema.

The annual Festival welcomes more than 45,000 audience members and more than 400 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals. It is the only major festival housed within a college or university. In the last five years, the Festival has screened films from more than 60 countries, including 300 World, International, North American, U.S. and East Coast Premieres.

The Festival also offers unparalleled educational opportunities to film students and the community at large. For more information, visit miamifilmfestival. com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).

About ArtesMiami Founded in 2015, ArtesMiami is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Miami artists and cultural organizations through strategic partnerships, grants, and community engagement.

The organization provides grants, counsel and marketing support to artists, filmmakers, cultural institutions, and creative initiatives that reflect the diverse voices and heritage of the Miami community, with a special focus on Hispanic culture.

Through collaborations with leading arts organizations, philanthropic partners, and civic leaders, ArtesMiami works to elevate Miami as a vibrant, international center for culture and creativity. For more information, visit www. artesmiami.

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