Grants open in December 2024 and close in January 2025.

The grant is open to "emerging" documentary filmmakers at the beginning part of their career who have not yet produced a widely distributed film. Filmmakers must live and maintain a primary residence in New Mexico. Eligible filmmakers must be an above-the-line 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 challenges in New Mexico.

The maximum grant per film project is $5,000. A total of $10,000 will be awarded amongst filmmakers in an application season. Because of this in some cases requesting less funding than the maximum may increase one's chances of receiving funding.

Funded films MUST be completed within six months of selection by the jury committee. 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.