RNE 2026

APPLICATION DETAILS

Resisting Narratives of Erasure is an innovative fellowship that invests in early-career filmmakers (ages 18–25) based in the Southeastern U.S.*, with a focus on amplifying emerging storytellers through the power of short film.

Resisting Narratives of Erasure is dedicated to supporting young women and non-binary filmmakers, particularly those telling intersectional and QTBIPOC-centered stories that disrupt dominant narratives and embody resistance.  

Fellowship benefits include funds to support short film production, access to a creative community, professional development and mentorship with industry professionals. The completed films will premiere at a screening and panel event in Atlanta, GA in August 2026.

For more information, contact: info@visionaryjusticestorylab.org

*Arkansas, Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia (and Texas)

FILMMAKER ELIGIBILITY 

To apply for Resisting Narratives of Erasure, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Who/Age Requirement  – Women and non-binary filmmakers, ages 18 - 25 

  • Residency  – Applicants residing in the Southeast US (Arkansas, Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia) and Texas

  • Experience – Applicants who have completed at least two film projects

Note: Applicants who have previously participated in the Resisting Narratives of Erasure Fellowship are not eligible to apply again.

WHAT FILmMAKERS RECEIVE

  • $3500

  • Workshops with industry experts

  • 1 on 1 mentorship

  • Support within a cohort framework

  • Technical assistance

FILMMAKER COMMITMENT

Short films – Create an original short film, 5 - 12 minutes in length.  Films may be narrative, documentary, or experimental.  

Project focus – Must be new, original work inspired by the theme Resisting Narratives of Erasure.

RNE Filmmakers Lab – Participate in two days of virtual learning from film industry professionals.

Monthly Convenings – Gather monthly for virtual master classes, skill sharing, and cohort building.

RNE Film Showcase – Attend the RNE Film Showcase and Talkback (August 2026, exact date TBD).

FELLOWSHIP TIMELINE

October 27, 2025 – November 25, 2025 – Application Period

December 18, 2025 – Applicants Notified

January 14, 2026 – Fellowship Begins (Orientation Meeting)

January 21 - 22, 2026 –  Filmmakers Lab (2-day virtual gathering)

February 2026 –  Film Workshops (3 sessions)

March - June 2026 – Monthly Cohort Meetings 

April 30, 2026 – Rough Cut Films Due 

June 26, 2026 –  Final Cut Films Due

August 2026 – Public Screening and Panel Event

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

  • Demonstrates strong work samples

  • Shows artistic merit

  • Has proven filmmaking skills

Readiness to Lead a Project

  • Has a clear vision for a film project informed by the theme Resisting Narratives of Erasure

  • Has experience to see a short film through all phases

  • Ready to independently lead a short film and benefit from the fellowship

Storytelling Approach

  • Has a clear storytelling approach 

  • Describes what approaches to story or film techniques might be employed