The Women In Film Foundation’s Film Finishing Fund (WIFF FFF) supports films by, for or about women by providing cash grants of up to $15,000 and in-kind services. Since the inception of the Fund in 1985, the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in cash and in-kind services to 170 films ensuring that innovative films can be completed and seen by audiences worldwide. Cash awards range from $1,000 to $15,000, with the number of grants varying from year to year. In-kind services may be available upon request.
Among the many FFF success stories is OSCAR® winning Short DocumentaryFREEHELD, directed by Cynthia Wade and produced by Vanessa Roth, which was a 2007 grant winner. Says Wade, "Women In Film came in at a critical point. The Film Finishing grant was a vote of confidence - it's lonely as an independent filmmaker. Unless you have the resources, the film is only as effective as the audience you can reach. I'm grateful to have the understanding that women filmmakers need to be supported."
Film Finishing Fund recipients’ films have won many major awards including Emmy and Academy Awards, and have screened at festivals worldwide including Sundance, Toronto, South by Southwest, LA Film Festival, Vancouver, AFI Fest, Tribeca, San Francisco, Montreal, Berlin, Avignon, Dubai, and Chicago. They have aired nationally on HBO, PBS (“Frontline” and “POV”), OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network), Showtime, and internationally on various European, Asian, and Australian television channels.
In order to apply for a FFF grant, a filmmaker must have completed at least 90% of principal photography and a have a rough cut at the time of application. For specific application requirements, please follow the link and refer to the application. The program funds filmmakers working in both short and long formats in all genres—narrative, documentary, educational, animated and experimental. You do not have to be a Women In Film member to apply for the FFF, and we encourage applications from around the world. Please note that student projects are not eligible to receive Film Finishing Funds.
The FFF is run by experienced industry professionals who have an eye for spotting talent and potential. For more information, contact the Women In Film Foundation coordinator at foundation@wif.org.
