We're sharing more details on how to apply to this incredible opportunity for aspiring filmmakers before the deadline on 14th June.
Apologies that you’re receiving this email on a Monday and not a Friday!
For emerging filmmakers, opportunities that offer meaningful financial support can often feel few and far between. At a time when funding remains one of the biggest barriers to getting independent projects off the ground, initiatives that invest directly in new creative voices are more important than ever.
To mark its tenth anniversary, Girls In Film (Opens in a new window) has launched the GiF 10th Birthday Fund (Opens in a new window), awarding £25,000 in production funding to one fiction-based short film project from a UK-based team of women, trans+ and non-binary filmmakers. Alongside the headline award, selected shortlisted projects will also receive mentorship and support, helping creatives develop their ideas beyond the application stage.
With submissions closing on 14 June, there’s not much time left to apply – so, whether you’re sitting on a production-ready script, considering taking the leap with a passion project, or simply wondering whether your idea is “ready enough”, here are ten reasons why this opportunity is worth applying to.
1. You could secure £25,000 in production funding
Let’s start with the obvious one. The selected project will receive £25,000 in production funding – a significant amount for an emerging short film, particularly at a time when independent funding opportunities remain highly competitive.
2. Runner-up projects don’t walk away empty-handed
Even if your project isn’t ultimately selected for funding, Girls In Film will also offer mentorship and support to a selection of shortlisted teams, helping promising projects continue their journey.
3. The fund is looking for “bold ideas”
This isn’t a call for safe bets. Girls In Film is seeking original, ambitious fiction projects across both live action and animation, creating space for filmmakers with a distinctive creative voice, and there’s no need to sanitise your weird and wonderful ideas.
4. You don’t need a feature-length script
Applicants can submit projects with a maximum running time of 20 minutes, making the fund accessible to filmmakers working in the short-film space.
5. You’ll gain valuable pitching experience
Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch their projects to a panel of Executive Producers. Regardless of the outcome, the experience of refining and presenting your vision is invaluable for any filmmaker.
6. Mentorship can be as valuable as funding
A strong mentor can help shape a project, open doors, and provide industry insight that lasts long after a production wraps. That’s why it’s encouraging to see mentorship built into the fund itself, as well as financial support.
7. The application process can sharpen your project
Putting together a funding application forces you to articulate your creative vision, production plan and goals. Even if you don’t receive funding this time around, the process can leave you with a stronger project package.
8. The fund was created by people who understand the community
Girls In Film has spent the last decade championing women, trans and non-binary creatives across the industry. This initiative is designed specifically with that community in mind.
9. There’s a network behind it
Alongside Girls In Film, the fund is supported by sponsors and industry partners, including Feeld, Prettybird, Bridget Productions, Farago Projects, MOX and Uncommon, with additional in-kind support from a range of creative companies.
10. You can’t be selected if you don’t apply
It might sound obvious, but many creatives talk themselves out of opportunities before they’ve even submitted. If you have a production-ready idea that fits the brief, there’s little to lose and potentially a great deal to gain.
Applications for the Girls In Film 10th Birthday Fund (Opens in a new window) close on Sunday 14 June 2026 at 23:59 BST.
Date
June 8, 2026
