AXS Film Fund - Film Grants for People of Color

AXS Film Fund - Film Grants for People of Color is sponsored by AXS Film Fund. Specifically focuses on nonfiction and documentary filmmaking by people of color. Encourages projects that are led by individuals who identify as living with a disability, particularly those from traditionally underserved communities.

AXS Film Fund – Breaking Barriers for unheard voices Accessibility Friendly Website We have been made aware of fraudulent emails and messages from individuals falsely claiming to represent AXS Film Fund and using our name and logo. Please verify the sender's email address before responding or sharing any information.

If you have any questions or are unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact us directly at [email protected] Committed to empowering creators of color living with disabilities Breaking Barriers for unheard voices Committed to empowering creators of color living with disabilities Nothing about us without us.

Committed to empowering creators of color living with disabilities AXS Film Fund was founded to support documentary filmmakers and non-fiction new media creators living with disabilities from a range of backgrounds, particularly those from historically underserved communities.

The events of 2020 highlighted the need for change as society faced an increase in violence, particularly against communities of color, a divided nation, and a global pandemic. It became clear that elevating diverse voices in media was more important than ever.

AXS Film Fund strives to empower and support independent documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds living with disabilities in their endeavors to tell stories, make films, and create content. We firmly believe in the value of accessibility and representation for all individuals.

Filmmakers from underrepresented communities have worked tirelessly to break through barriers and bring new perspectives to the industry. However, individuals living with disabilities often remain invisible in media and film, especially those from communities with less representation. Too often, they have limited control over the creation of projects or the development of tools, which silences an important perspective.

President and Program Founder President and Program Founder Jason is a director, producer, writer, and disability rights activist best known for the Emmy Award winning documentary, When I Walk, the first film in a documentary trilogy.

As President of AXS Lab, Jason is the key creative and strategic voice of the organization, providing insight to necessities in disability activism and facilitating AXS Lab's work with the UN and partner organizations around the world. Naomi is an independent filmmaker and producer who is interested in stories that paint portraits of humanity in conversation with larger issues of human rights and social justice.

In 2021 she produced the short, Predicting My MS, (2022) for NOVA, which broadcasted on PBS/NOVA. Her short doc, HELO (Home, Education, Love, Opportunity) (2019), was an official judge’s selection and opened the Bennington Alumni Film & Creativity Festival in 2019. Naomi firmly believes in the powerful intersection of filmmaking and social justice.

She is thrilled with the conversations the fund is creating and is excited about the continued growth of AXS Film Fund and its mission. Mimoza is an analytical and detail oriented banking professional with 10 years of experience.

Exceptionally organized and focused demonstrating an outstanding aptitude to manage and balance a variety of day to day transition, providing overachieving assistance services team management products cross sales. This initiative supports documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators from diverse backgrounds who navigate the challenges of living with a disability.

Our goal is to provide a space for talented storytellers whose work and perspectives are frequently underrepresented in the industry. While we encourage submissions from projects where a disabled creator holds a key leadership role, we welcome applications from all collaborative teams. Each year, we award 3-5 creators with grants of up to $10,000 each.

Funding is available for works at any stage of production. Letters of Inquiry are not required. Applicants should submit an application to our portal.

Starting June 1st, 2026 , our online portal for submission opens. Applications should be submitted through this portal. After July 31st, 2026 , application submissions will close.

Applications will first be reviewed by our internal staff to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. Applications meeting eligibility requirements will move on to be reviewed by an external committee of panelists Email us with any inquiries 1-55 Borden Avenue, Suite 10E Long Island City, NY 11101 AXS Film Fund is a program of AXS Lab, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit.