Skip navigation

Women of Color Incubator

Proudly announcing the fourth cycle of the Women of Color Film Incubator program. 
Selected filmmakers will receive a $35,000 grant for their short film projects and comprehensive support throughout the filmmaking process, including pre-production, filming, post-production, and final exhibition. 

Filmmakers will also benefit from continued mentorship and opportunities to participate in NALIP’s signature events, such as the NALIP Media Summit, NALIP Media Accelerator, and Diverse Women in Media Forum.

  • NALIP Media Summit
  • NALIP Media Accelerator
  • Diverse Women in Media Forum

2021 Cohort • 2022 Cohort • 2023 Cohort

 

2024-25 INCUBATOR TIMELINE

  • (07/29) Submission opens 
  • (08/11/24) Submission closes [11:59 PM Hawaii time]
  • (08/26) Incubator opens 
  • (August to SeptemberScript stage
  • (October - November) Production
  • (December - March) Post
  • (March 2025) Sound + Color / Final Post
  • (April 4th 2025) DWIMF Screening - Showcasing work in progress by the fellows.

All five films will be showcased at a special screening at the Diverse Women in Media Forum on Friday, April 4th.

 

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applicants must provide the following for first-round consideration:

  • NALIP membership. A valid NALIP membership is required in lieu of an entry fee. Become a Member
  • Applicant Info 
  • Role (Writer, Director, Writer/Director) 
  • Personal Bio (200 words max)
  • Logline (1-2 sentences) 
  • Previous Work Sample
  • Production Team Roster and Production Plan
  • Full Budget Outline ($35,000)  
  • Short Screenplay (15 pages max) 
  • Pitch Deck/Lookbook (i.e. highlights, visual references, tone, synopsis, team bios, character bios, director’s statement, etc.)

Applications Closed

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please refer to the questions below before emailing us at [email protected] with your questions.
Due to the high number of submission, please allow up to 3 days business to return your email.

If the NALIP membership is required, do applicants need to be Latinx to apply? Or can other WOC be allowed to apply?

Applicants must be a NALIP member, but do not have to be Latinx to apply. The Women of Color Incubator and all programs are open to all multicultural communities. Only the director has to be a person of color, as they will be the selected person for the cohort.

Can previously submitted projects be resubmitted?

You may apply with same project from previous cycles. Applicants should review their materials before resubmitting. We love to see growth between the different application cycles.

Does the project need to be a narrative short film?

Yes, submissions must be a narrative short-form project. Documentary projects are not accepted for this program. Due to the nature of the program, features will not be accepted for the incubator, however, you may adapt your feature into a short film and apply. Animation is accepted.

What if the budget goes over by a bit? Will the project still be considered?

If your projects go over the $35,000 budget, please provide a full breakdown of your production costs to illuminate the feasibility of your short film and how you plan to come up with the remainder of the funds. Be as detailed as possible. Additional confirmed funds, such as donations, crowd-funding, and grants should be included. 

Can you submit two different projects in separate applications?

Yes.

Does the film have to shoot in Greater Los Angeles area?

Filmmakers may apply and film anywhere within the US. If you plan to film outside the US, please share the logistics in your production plan and budget. The cohort will be invited to Los Angeles to attend the Diverse Women in Media Forum and for the screening of the incubator films.