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Please read the Application Guidelines in full before beginning to the application process. Applications that do not meet the Application Guidelines criteria will not be considered.

Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding the application process.


Application period for 2026 grants will open in January 2026

FAQs

  • The application period opens on November 15, 2025 and closes on January 15, 2025.

  • The grant is open to all emerging and early-career documentary filmmakers. Filmmakers must live and maintain a primary residence in New Mexico. Eligible filmmakers must be a core creative member of the production (either writer, director, or producer credit).

  • Yes. NMDIG is open to funding projects on any subject matter, however, preference will be given to subjects involving community issues and social challenges in New Mexico.

  • Yes. Applicants in any phase of production (Research, Pre-Production, Principle Photography, or Post-Production) are welcome to apply as long as the project is fully completed and ready to be screened within 6 months from notice of acceptance.

  • The maximum grant per film project is $5,000. Applicants may request any amount up to the $5,000 based on project requirements as outlined in the budget portion of application. NMDIG funds up to 8 projects per annual funding cycle.

  • Funded films MUST be completed within six months of selection by the project selection jury. Within those six months, filmmakers are expected to participate in several in person events (orientation meeting, first rough-cut screening and critique, a second progress screening, as well as public screenings and interviews upon completion of the projects). Full participation and meeting of deadlines is required. Filmmakers who cannot meet these requirements are encouraged not to apply.

  • Applicants workings on a feature length documentary may apply; however, filmmakers must be willing to fully participate in the program and produce an abbreviated cut of the film (5-26 minutes) that they are willing to screen and promote within the 6-month program timeframe. Applicants working toward a feature length film must reflect in their application materials how the funding would make a significant contribution to the success of the overall film. 

  • The Application Guidelines where you will find in depth application criteria can be found here as well as on the Apply page of the website.