Vimeo Short Film Grant

Deadline: October 16, 2026

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

We are delighted to support the next generation of filmmakers with the Vimeo Short Film Grant!

Launched in 2025, this initiative supports the production of artistically driven short films by awarding five emerging filmmakers with money, mentorship, and access to gear for the production of their next short film projects.

Following this open call for submissions, a dream team jury featuring Koganada, Josephine Decker, Pete Ohs, Sarah Winshall, and Jomo Fray, ASC will select five winners to each receive a $60,000 cash production grant, access to select Panavision camera packages and OWC storage, one-on-one mentorship with the jury, screenings, distribution and promotion on Vimeo, and more.

With support from Panavision, OWC, AJA Video Systems, and ShotDeck

AWARDS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS

$60,000 cash grant Toward an original short film made in the US or Canada
Equipment Panavision camera packages loaned for production, with storage provided by OWC
1-1 mentorship Sessions with the jury and the Vimeo Curation Team on scriptwriting, editing, festival strategy, financing, distribution, and more
Promotion and distribution Online release with dedicated promotion on Vimeo
In-person screening Vimeo-hosted community screening
Vimeo products One-year Vimeo Advanced Subscription

TIMELINE

September 21, 2026 | Submissions window opens at 12:00 AM ET
October 16, 2026 | Submissions window closes at 11:59 PM ET
March 15, 2027 | Applicants notified and winners announced
March 2027 | Cash awards distributed and production and virtual mentorship sessions begin

ELIGIBILITY

The Vimeo Short Film Grant is open to directors who are residents of the US and Canada only.
Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of entry.
The Vimeo Short Film Grant is intended for emerging filmmakers who have directed at least two short films, but have yet to direct a feature film.
Funds from the Vimeo Short Film Grant are intended for production purposes. Projects that are currently in production or post-production will not be considered.
Each applicant is permitted to submit only one project for consideration.
Applicants must have a free or paid Vimeo account to enter.
No purchase is necessary to submit.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All applications and scripts will be reviewed equally across four categories

Originality and uniqueness of the project: Whether it’s an artful personal project, a risk-taking narrative, or a socially relevant exploration, originality is key.
Potential impact and resonance with the intended audience: No matter the genre, we’re seeking artistically, socially, and culturally resonant stories that demonstrate a potential to connect with the greater community.
Feasibility of completing the project within the proposed budget and timeline: While we love a good big budget piece, we’re looking for projects that can be realistically completed within the given budget and timeline constraints.
Overall artistic merit and quality of human storytelling: We’re looking for narrative and documentary short film projects with clear and compelling artistic visions.

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE OCTOBER 16, 2026 AT 11:59 PM ET. To apply, please complete the following submission forms. Submissions are limited to one application per director/directing team, and all applicants are expected to review the Grant’s Eligibility Criteria & FAQ before submitting. For more information, visit vimeo.com/shortfilmgrant.

To learn more about last year’s winners, visit here.

Apply Now