Deadline: February 26, 2026
The Black Film Project Fellowship 2026-2027 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for filmmakers working on fiction or documentary films that centre the Black experience in the United States or across the global African diaspora. Hosted by Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, this fellowship supports both emerging and established filmmakers through financial backing, academic engagement, and access to world-class creative resources.
The Black Film Project Fellowship 2026-2027 provides a rare platform for filmmakers to develop ambitious projects within a rigorous intellectual and creative environment.
Overview of the Fellowship
The fellowship is part of the Black Film Project at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. It is delivered in collaboration with Harvard University’s Film Study Center and the Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies.
Selected fellows will spend the fellowship year engaging in film development while participating fully in the academic and cultural life of Harvard University.
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows selected for the programme will receive comprehensive financial, professional, and institutional support, including:
- A stipend of $80,000 for the fellowship year
- An additional $5,000 dedicated to project development
- Office space at the Hutchins Center with 24-hour access
- A Harvard University ID, granting access to libraries and facilities
- A Harvard email account
- Access to film production and post-production equipment through the Film Study Center
- Opportunities to screen works-in-progress, including at venues such as the Carpenter Center Theater
- Participation in a dynamic creative and scholarly community, including workshops, events, and interdisciplinary discussions
Fellowship Expectations and Commitments
Fellows will become part of the W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute Fellowship Programme and are expected to actively engage in the intellectual life of the institute.
Key commitments include:
- Participation in weekly colloquia, workshops, and institute activities
- Presentation of a colloquium on the fellow’s work-in-progress during the fellowship year
- Ongoing engagement with scholars, artists, and filmmakers within Harvard University
Eligible Projects
The fellowship supports both narrative (fiction) and documentary film projects that explore themes related to:
- Black history
- Black culture
- The Black experience in the United States or globally
Projects should demonstrate originality, depth, and a strong artistic vision.
Who Should Apply
The Black Film Project Fellowship 2026-2027 is open to:
- Emerging and established filmmakers
- Applicants with a strong independent body of work
- Filmmakers whose previous work reflects creativity, innovation, and critical engagement with Black life and history
Applicants from any country may apply.
Language and Application Requirements
- All application materials must be submitted in English
- English-language proficiency is required
- Non-native English speakers may be asked to provide TOEFL or IELTS results or participate in a Zoom interview
- Applications must include a project description, recommendations, and film samples, as specified in the application portal
- There is no application fee
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 February 2026
- Notification of Results: By 30 April 2026
Why Apply for the Black Film Project Fellowship 2026-2027?
This fellowship offers filmmakers the time, funding, and institutional support needed to advance major film projects while engaging deeply with one of the world’s leading academic environments. It is designed for filmmakers seeking both creative freedom and intellectual exchange.
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your fellowship application and improve your chances of success.
