September 2026 Mini Slate: Industry Greenlights and Gateways

NETWORKING EVENT

NETWORKING EVENT

 

WHEN: September 30

 

code AFI15 at checkout!
We’re hosting a mega-community mixer in collaboration with Cinehaus on Sept 30th in DTLA and wanted to invite you all!
We’ll be doing curated (hand-chosen) 1:1 creative matchmaking conversations ✨ designed to help you actually meet the people you want to meet, whether that’s directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, editors, or future collaborators.
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NETWORKING EVENT

 

WHEN: September 30

 

code AFI15 at checkout!
We’re hosting a mega-community mixer in collaboration with Cinehaus on Sept 30th in DTLA and wanted to invite you all!
We’ll be doing curated (hand-chosen) 1:1 creative matchmaking conversations ✨ designed to help you actually meet the people you want to meet, whether that’s directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, editors, or future collaborators.
This will be followed by an awesome Q+A with a writer from X-MEN ’97 and the Head of Acquisitions at Studio Dome!
Plus, we have an AFI discount (YAY!), use the code AFI15 at checkout!
Ticket link here!
It’s a casual, friendly vibe 🍻 and a great way to meet fellow filmmakers outside the usual festival or on-set environment.
Come make new creative connections, swap ideas, and grow your film community. We would also truly appreciate any help you can give us in spreading the word to others!
Would love to see you there! 🎥
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SCREENWRITING LAB

SCREENWRITING LAB

 

DEADLINE: September 14

 

The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. More details available in the FAQ section below.

SHORT FILM GRANT

GRANT

 

DEADLINE: September 10

 

The Film Pipeline Short Film Grant 2026 supports emerging and established filmmakers creating bold, or ... SHOW MORE

GRANT

 

DEADLINE: September 10

 

The Film Pipeline Short Film Grant 2026 supports emerging and established filmmakers creating bold, original short films. Unlike a traditional film festival, the Film Pipeline Short Film Grant focuses on discovering exceptional storytelling talent and connecting filmmakers with meaningful opportunities for future development.

Funding

In addition to a USD 5,000 grand prize, the programme offers long-term industry development, mentorship, and promotional support designed to help filmmakers advance their careers beyond a single project.

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GURL GRANT

GURL GRANT

 

OPENS: September 15

 

Twice a year, KAT distributes a $2500 cash grant to a fellow female or non-binary Film Director who has taken the 51% PLEDGE for the production of their Short Film. In order to be qualified for a grant, you must submit a link to a SINGLE DOWNLOADABLE PDF containing the following via the submission portal below.

1) Cover letter (one page max)

2) A narrative short film script (15 pages or less not including title page)

3) Completed 51% PLEDGE Certificate

4) A Pitch Deck

THE DIRECTOR INCUBATOR

DIRECTOR GRANT

 

DEADLINE: September 21

 

The Netflix x NALIP Director Incubator is a premier career acceleration program designed to support emerging directors in creating bold, original short films. The Director Incubator is open to directors of all backgrounds and identities. We support short films that center stories told from the perspective of women. Meaning that women’s experiences or perspectives should be meaningfully reflected in the story.

 

Over the past five years, the program has provided production funding, professional development, mentorship, and unparalleled industry access to exceptional filmmakers. Beginning this year, the program will invest more deeply in each selected fellow, awarding 4 directors with $45,000 production grants to create proof-of-concept short films that meet the demands of today’s evolving independent film landscape. Fellow ... SHOW MORE

DIRECTOR GRANT

 

DEADLINE: September 21

 

The Netflix x NALIP Director Incubator is a premier career acceleration program designed to support emerging directors in creating bold, original short films. The Director Incubator is open to directors of all backgrounds and identities. We support short films that center stories told from the perspective of women. Meaning that women’s experiences or perspectives should be meaningfully reflected in the story.

 

Over the past five years, the program has provided production funding, professional development, mentorship, and unparalleled industry access to exceptional filmmakers. Beginning this year, the program will invest more deeply in each selected fellow, awarding 4 directors with $45,000 production grants to create proof-of-concept short films that meet the demands of today’s evolving independent film landscape. Fellows will also receive individualized guidance, career development opportunities, and the chance to showcase their work to industry leaders.

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HALLOWEEN FILM FESTIVAL

HALLOWEEN FILM FEST SUBMISSION

 

DEADLINE: October 1

 

Use code: FilmSchool101

 

Ripcord is a genre film festival dedicated to shining a light on bold, original voices in horror, thriller, science fiction, and fantasy.

 

We’re looking for unforgettable short films between 4 and 30 minutes long—the kind that surprise us, unsettle us, transport us, and leave us eager to see what their filmmakers will create next.

 

1st Prize — $100,000
2nd Prize — $50,000
3rd Prize — $25,000
4th Prize — $4,000
5th–10th Prize — $3,500 each

 

 

NYC FILM DIRECTORS GRANT

GRANT

 

DEADLINE: October 1

 

This grant supports eligible New York City-based early career film directors whose work takes creative risks in expanding, questioning, experimenting with, or re-imagining filmmaking with production grants of up to $30,000.

FRAMELINE COMPLETION GRANT

GRANT

 

DEADLINE: October 9

 

You are welcome to submit documentary, narrative, experimental, animated, or episodic projects about LGBTQ+ people and their communities. Before submitting your work, please review our eligibility requirements and guidelines below.

 

The Frameline Completion Fund provides grants to both emerging and established filmmakers. This program seeks to provide a much-needed source of financial contributions to artists who are struggling to secure funding to complete their works.

FILM FESTIVAL

NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

 

The Newport Beach Film Festival returns October 15–22, 2026 for eight days of incredible films, celebrated talent, and unforgettable experiences.

 

Explore more than 300 films from around the world, plus premieres, filmmaker conversations, industry events, and signature experiences throughout Newport Beach.

 

Discover what’s coming to the 2026 Festival and start planning your Festival week.

 

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

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