The Creative Shorts Fellowship, offered by Vision Maker Media, provides up to $25,000 to support Emerging Native filmmakers in producing short films across genres—documentary, drama, experimental, or animation. This fellowship also includes a mentorship opportunity with an experienced film professional, who may be Native or non-Native. Filmmakers must secure a mentor before applying, and similarly, film professionals must choose a mentee before submitting their application. Topics may explore aspects of Native cultures, values, histories, contemporary life, environmental or social justice, youth, elders, and Native empowerment.

The fellowship’s mission is to encourage innovative Native storytelling that challenges stereotypes and explores new artistic and technological boundaries. The application process has two open periods each year, running from January 1 to June 30 and from July 1 to December 31. Selected fellows receive direct support from Vision Maker Media for their project’s production and are expected to complete their short films with mentorship guidance.

This fellowship is generously funded by The Reva & David Logan Foundation and The Claire M. Hubbard Foundation. Interested applicants can find more details by contacting Vision Maker Media at info@visionmakermedia.org or (402) 472-3522.