November 2026 Mini Slate: Industry Greenlights and Gateways

ROB SPERA ONLINE CLASS

ROB SPERA: THE DIRECTOR’S COMPASS

 

Rob Spera is teaching again! Join him for a three-day online directing intensive, January 15–17, 2027.

Build a personalized five-year directing plan and gain practical tools to move your career forward.

Whether you studied with Rob at AFI or are meeting him for the first time, this is a chance to learn.

THE CASSIAN ELWES INDEPENDENT SCREENWRITING FELLOWSHIP

FELLOWSHIP

DEADLINE: November 1

 

The Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship is an annual program designed to encourage and identify new talent in the field of independent cinema by awarding one screenwriter each year with an all-expenses paid trip to the 2027 Sundance Film Festival with producer Cassian Elwes (MUDBOUND, LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB). 

2027 MERATA MITA FELLOWSHIP

FELLOWSHIP

 

DEADLINE:  November 3

 

The Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship for Indigenous Artists pays tribute to the immense artistic contributions and memory of Merata Mita (Ngāti Pikiao/Ngāi Te Rangi). This fellowship serves to continue Merata Mita’s legacy and to cultivate a stage for other Indigenous women around the world to tell their stories. Fellows will be awarded cash grants and a yearlong continuum of support with activities, including a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, access to strategic and creative services offered by Sundance Institute artist programs, and mentorship opportunities.

PEMBROKE TAPARELLI'S ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL

PEMBROKE TAPARELLI’S ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL

Event Dates: November 6-8

Location: The Kult, 251 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

 

Healing In Community
Stories, Art, and Movement for Mental Wellness

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PEMBROKE TAPARELLI’S ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL

Event Dates: November 6-8

Location: The Kult, 251 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

 

Healing In Community
Stories, Art, and Movement for Mental Wellness

A Festival for Art Connection and Collective Care

 

Mental health touches every family, every creative community and every neighborhood. Healing in Community creates space for stories that are too often ignored, conversations that are too often delayed and artistic experiences that help us see one another more fully.

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Across three days, audiences will experience youth and independent films, filmmaker conversations, a visual art exhibition, dance, industry and community panels, an awards celebration and a closing community healing activation. The program balances honest exploration with hope, creativity, practical resources and pathways toward continued connection.

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THE JEWISH FILM INSTITUTE'S GRANTS PROGRAM

GRANT

 

DEADLINE:  Early Bird November 6

Final deadline: December 3

 

JFI Grants provide finishing funds to original, independent films and media projects that explore Jewish history, life, culture, and identity with nuance and complexity. Projects eligible for consideration include narratives, documentaries, shorts, episodic programs, or web series in all genres.

 

Awards & Prizes

In 2027, JFI will award Grants to groundbreaking films, at rough cut or later stages, that offer fresh, nuanced, and thought-provoking explorations of Jewish themes. Projects with potential to entertain and enga ... SHOW MORE

GRANT

 

DEADLINE:  Early Bird November 6

Final deadline: December 3

 

JFI Grants provide finishing funds to original, independent films and media projects that explore Jewish history, life, culture, and identity with nuance and complexity. Projects eligible for consideration include narratives, documentaries, shorts, episodic programs, or web series in all genres.

 

Awards & Prizes

In 2027, JFI will award Grants to groundbreaking films, at rough cut or later stages, that offer fresh, nuanced, and thought-provoking explorations of Jewish themes. Projects with potential to entertain and engage, turn conversation into action, and reframe understanding of Jewish cultures and identities are competitive. Films can be fiction, documentary, or animated, in short, feature-length, episodic, or web series formats. Individual grants range from $5,000-$30,000.

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FILMMAKING OPPORTUNITY

AFI × IRON RODEO

 

**Dates:** November 6–7, 2026
**Location:** Hummingbird Nest Ranch, California
For interest or questions, please contact:
Stefan Siegel
Founder, IRON
IRON is inviting a small group of AFI filmmakers to experience and capture “Rodeo #11 at Hummingbird Nest Ranch”.
Rather than commissioning a traditional event recap, we would like to give participating filmmakers meaningful access to the Rodeo and encourage each person to interpret the weekend through their own visual language.
The environment offers an unusually broad range of material to work ... SHOW MORE

AFI × IRON RODEO

 

**Dates:** November 6–7, 2026
**Location:** Hummingbird Nest Ranch, California
For interest or questions, please contact:
Stefan Siegel
Founder, IRON
IRON is inviting a small group of AFI filmmakers to experience and capture “Rodeo #11 at Hummingbird Nest Ranch”.
Rather than commissioning a traditional event recap, we would like to give participating filmmakers meaningful access to the Rodeo and encourage each person to interpret the weekend through their own visual language.
The environment offers an unusually broad range of material to work with: horses and equestrian programming, riders, artisans and makers at work, live performance, Western fashion, VIP guests, behind-the-scenes moments and the landscape of Hummingbird Nest Ranch itself.
### The opportunity
– Access to Rodeo #11 on November 6 and/or November 7
– Freedom to approach the event from an individual creative perspective
– A loose creative brief rather than a prescribed shot list
– Opportunity to create a short original film for portfolio use
– Access to subjects, environments and imagery that can otherwise be difficult to produce independently
– Full filmmaker credit on any work subsequently shared by IRON
This would be an unpaid creative collaboration, designed primarily as a portfolio and filmmaking opportunity rather than a commercial production assignment.
We would ideally ask participating filmmakers to produce a short piece following the event. Format, tone and perspective can vary considerably, IRON will then publish the films on its Instagram (vertical video format) in collaboration with the filmmakers.
IRON has previously welcomed AFI alumni and filmmakers to its Rodeos, and the resulting work has ranged from documentary-style coverage to highly cinematic interpretations of the American West.
### About IRON
IRON is building a cultural and media platform around the ‘Future West’, bringing together equestrian culture, craftsmanship, fashion, film, music and a new generation of Western brands and makers. Rodeo #11 will take place at Hummingbird Nest Ranch and bring together riders, ranches, artisans, filmmakers, musicians and guests for two days of programming.
**Rodeo #11 deck:**
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FILM SUBMISSION FOR STREAMING PLATFORM

Calling all AFI alumni and emerging filmmakers!

 

FrankHeart Watch is a curated streaming platform dedicated to independent films, shorts, and series that entertain, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.

 

As we build our founding collection, we’re looking for compelling stories and fresh perspectives from filmmakers whose work deserves to be seen. Our mission is to connect impactful storytelling with new audiences while supporting the creatives behind it.

 

Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to expand their audience and participate in revenue generated by the platform.

 

Have a film you’d like to share? Submit your work for consideration!

 

Film Submissions: https://frankheartproduction.com/fh-fil ... SHOW MORE

Calling all AFI alumni and emerging filmmakers!

 

FrankHeart Watch is a curated streaming platform dedicated to independent films, shorts, and series that entertain, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.

 

As we build our founding collection, we’re looking for compelling stories and fresh perspectives from filmmakers whose work deserves to be seen. Our mission is to connect impactful storytelling with new audiences while supporting the creatives behind it.

 

Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to expand their audience and participate in revenue generated by the platform.

 

Have a film you’d like to share? Submit your work for consideration!

 

Film Submissions: https://frankheartproduction.com/fh-film-submissions/

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NRDC CLIMATE STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP 

FELLOWSHIP 

 

DEADLINE: December 4

 

The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way.

 

In addition, NRDC will connect each fellowship recipient with the following professionals for feedback and guidance on their scripts.

 

 

SONY FUTURE FILMMAKING AWARDS

COMPETITION

 

DEADLINE: December 15

 

Free to enter, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards offer a platform for filmmakers to develop their careers, connect with the industry and gain international recognition. The competition features six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, Immersive, Studentand Future Format, welcoming a diverse range of creative approaches and storytelling styles.

 

By entering, filmmakers can benefit from:

  • Global exposure: Have your work discovered by an international audience and a jury of leading figures from the film industry.
  • Industry recognition: Showcase your work to influential filmmakers and industry professionals through an internationally recognised programme.
  • A unique devel ... SHOW MORE

COMPETITION

 

DEADLINE: December 15

 

Free to enter, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards offer a platform for filmmakers to develop their careers, connect with the industry and gain international recognition. The competition features six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, Immersive, Studentand Future Format, welcoming a diverse range of creative approaches and storytelling styles.

 

By entering, filmmakers can benefit from:

  • Global exposure: Have your work discovered by an international audience and a jury of leading figures from the film industry.
  • Industry recognition: Showcase your work to influential filmmakers and industry professionals through an internationally recognised programme.
  • A unique development opportunity: Finalists are invited to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, for an immersive programme of workshops, masterclasses and conversations with established industry experts.
  • Career-building connections: Meet fellow filmmakers and build relationships with professionals from across the international film community.
  • Professional recognition and prizes: Compete for significant prizes, including Sony digital imaging equipment and opportunities designed to support your creative development.
  • International community: Join a growing network of filmmakers from around the world, opening the door to future collaborations and creative opportunities.
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SUPPORT THE ALUMNI FUND

Alumni Fund gifts are solely designated to support the future of the AFI Scholarship Fund.

DONATE
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