Resisting narratives of erasure
2027 Application
APPLICATION DETAILS
The Resisting Narratives of Erasure (RNE) fellowship invests in early-career filmmakers (ages 18–25) living and creating films in the Southeastern U.S.*, with a focus on young women and non-binary filmmakers. It supports the development of short films rooted in intersectional and QTBIPOC storytelling that challenge dominant narratives and embody resistance.
Fellows receive funds to support short film production, access to a creative community, professional development, and mentorship with industry professionals. The fellowship culminates in an annual film showcase in Atlanta, GA, Fall 2027.
*The fellowship supports filmmakers based in the Southeastern United States and Texas. Eligible locations include Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
WHY RESISTING NARRATIVES OF ERASURE?
Erasure happens when stories are suppressed, when communities are reduced to a single narrative, and when filmmakers lack the resources to tell their stories on their own terms. Resisting Narratives of Erasure responds by supporting Southeastern filmmakers to create work shaped by their lived experiences, imaginations, and visions for change. Their films make room for complexity, connection, resistance, and ways of being that dominant narratives too often overlook. Across narrative, documentary, and experimental forms, their short films draw on a wide range of genres and visual styles to bring deeply personal perspectives to the screen.
For more information, contact: info@visionaryjusticestorylab.org
FILMMAKER ELIGIBILITY
To apply for Resisting Narratives of Erasure, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Who/Age Requirement – Women and non-binary filmmakers between the ages of 18 - 25
Residency – Applicants must reside in one of the following states or the District of Columbia: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia.
Experience – Applicants must have completed at least three film projects as the lead creative in roles including director, writer, producer or cinematographer.
Please Note: Applicants who have previously participated in the Resisting Narratives of Erasure Fellowship are not eligible to apply again.
WHAT FILmMAKERS RECEIVE
$3500 grant towards creation of RNE film project
Workshops with industry experts
1 on 1 mentorship with industry leaders and professionals
Peer-to-Peer support within a cohort framework
Travel funding support to Film Showcase in Atlanta GA, Fall 2027
Alumni network and support post-fellowship
PROJECT FOCUS
Create a new, original film, 5–12 minutes in length, inspired by the theme Resisting Narratives of Erasure. We invite you to interpret the theme through your own experiences, questions, and creative vision. Your film might challenge a dominant narrative, bring an overlooked story into view, or imagine new possibilities for how we see ourselves and one another. Films may be narrative, documentary, hybrid, or animation. Projects may be conceived as a standalone short film or as a proof-of-concept for a larger work, such as a pilot or feature-length project. The theme is intentionally expansive; we welcome a range of subjects and approaches, grounded in a clear creative vision and a commitment to filmmaking craft.
Please Note: Submitted scripts and project materials must be the applicant’s original work. RNE does not accept projects that use generative AI to create scripts, dialogue, actors, performances, or other creative elements. The applicant must create the work and make its creative decisions.
FILMMAKER COMMITMENT
Fellows are required to participate in the Filmmakers Lab, convenings twice each month, mentor meetings, and the final showcase. These are essential parts of the fellowship and cohort experience. Please apply only if you can commit to participating in them.
RNE Filmmakers Lab – Participate in two days of virtual learning from film industry professionals.
Convenings & Workshops – Gather twice per month for virtual master classes, skill sharing, and cohort building. (Convenings take place via zoom on the first and fourth Thursdays of each month.)
RNE Film Showcase – Attend the RNE Film Showcase and Talkback in Atlanta, GA (November 2027, exact date TBD).
FELLOWSHIP TIMELINE
November 10 - December 18, 2026 – Application Period
February 10, 2027 – Fellowship Begins (Orientation Meeting)
February 17 - 18, 2027 – Filmmakers Lab (2-day virtual gathering)
March - October 2027 – Workshops & Monthly Cohort Gatherings, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM EST (dates and times subject to change)
August 2027 – Rough Cut Films Due
September 2027 – Final Cut Films Due
November 2027 – Public Screening and Panel Event in Atlanta, GA
APPLICANT REVIEW CRITERIA
Resisting Narratives of Erasure supports filmmakers with a strong artistic voice, a clear approach to intersectional storytelling, and ideas about how film might spur public imagination.
Filmmaker Experience, Perspective and Artistic Voice
Strong work samples that demonstrate developing filmmaking skills, intentional creative choices, and an artistic voice shaped by the applicant’s background, experiences, and influences
Readiness to Lead a Film Project
Experience across stages of film production, thoughtful problem-solving, and readiness to lead and complete a new short film, with awareness of areas for growth and how the fellowship can support that development
Project Vision & Storytelling Approach
A clear, compelling project idea meaningfully connected to Resisting Narratives of Erasure, with intentional storytelling techniques that serve the story and convey why it matters to the filmmaker.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application, including responses to the narrative questions and two work samples, by Friday, December 18, 2026.