2026 Micheaux Award

PRESENTED BY

The award ceiling is $1,500 per film project.

Open to projects in all stages of development and scope.
Open to projects made by creatives of color living or working in Arkansas and to any creatives of color who were born in or are otherwise connected to the state. That includes citizens of Native Nations whose ancestral lands and whose Nations were formerly located within or were forcibly removed through the borders of what is now Arkansas.
Open to all topics and genres, though we especially encourage projects that address issues of social and racial justice
Submitter must be at least 18 years of age.

Finalists receive development support, industry mentorship, and the opportunity to amplify their work through MAFL programming.

Deadline to Apply: December 31, 2025
Eligibility: Arkansas filmmakers (narrative, documentary, or experimental), artists and creatives of color

The 2026 Micheaux Award cycle is OPEN. 2026 Micheaux Award recipients will be announced March 2026.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Address

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City

State/Province

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Project Title

Project Description

Amount Requested

Pitch Video Link

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Supplementary Materials

FAQ:

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR THE MICHEAUX AWARD?

There is no fee to apply.

IS THERE A DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING?

The 2026 Micheaux Award cycle will open for applications November 1st and close December 31st at 11:59PM.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING?

Funding is open to any creatives of color living and working in Arkansas, or with a historical connection to the state. That includes citizens of Native Nations whose ancestral lands and whose Nations were formerly located within the borders of what is now Arkansas, and also to citizens of Native Nations whose ancestors were forced to emigrate through Arkansas as a result of federal Indian Removal policies. This includes Caddo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Delaware, Kickapoo, Osage, Peoria, Quapaw, Shawnee, and Tunica Tribes and Nations. Applications are also open to any creatives of color who was born in or is otherwise connected to the state.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO APPLY?

Compose a pitch for your project and record yourself explaining the details in 5 minutes or less. Upload it to any streaming platform, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. You can make it a private link if you like, but please do not use a password.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR APPLICATION VIDEO?

1. Name.

2. A description of your project.

3. Its current stage of development.

4. Your goals for the project.

5. Your goals for your own artistic career as a Black, Indigenous or filmmaker of color.

6. How you will use the award to further both.

CAN I USE VISUAL AIDS OR PROPS OR WEAR A COSTUME IN MY APPLICATION VIDEO?

No props, no theatrics, and no costumes. Your video should be simple and straightforward. This is your opportunity to tell us directly your vision for the project and the award.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CAN I INCLUDE WITH MY APPLICATION?

It’s your choice. A script, a mood board, outline, production plan, directing reel, whatever you feel will support your application. Awards will be given out primarily on the strength of the application video.

WHAT CAN I USE THE MONEY FOR?

You can use the award for any stage of development and any genre of film. From the inception of the idea, the script-writing phase, pre-production, production, finishing funds, even distribution and exhibition. You just have to make a strong case for how the award will help you move the project forward in a significant way.

CAN I APPLY MORE THAN ONCE FOR THE SAME PROJECT?

If you apply with a project and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to re-submit the same project in future cycles. And if you win an award in an early stage of development, you can also re-apply for another award to support a later stage of the same project.

SO, WAIT, IF I WIN A MICHEAUX AWARD FOR A PROJECT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT, CAN I RE-APPLY FOR MORE MONEY LATER ON FOR THE SAME PROJECT?

Yes!

WHAT KIND OF REPORTING DO YOU REQUIRE?

We require a brief one-page report on the progress of your project within 6 months of winning an award. That should include a description of how you spent the money. This will be especially important if you plan to re-apply for an award later on.

I HAVE A FILM IDEA BUT IT DOESN’T DEAL WITH TOPICS OF SOCIAL OR RACIAL JUSTICE, SHOULD I STILL APPLY?

Yes! While we encourage projects that address issues of social or racial justice, we in no way limit what we will fund in terms of subject matter, genre or tone. All we care about is your passion and your vision.

HOW WILL THE APPLICATIONS BE JUDGED?

Projects will be judged on the originality and creativity of the idea as well as the likelihood that the applicant can execute their vision should they win an award. Some filmmaking or production experience is a plus. As is a well-defined plan for how you will use the award to move your project forward, and how the award will support your larger goals as an artist. Most important are a creative vision, a unique voice and a compelling story.

CAN I APPLY WITH A PARTNER?

Yes, you may apply with a partner. All official applicants for each project must agree to the rules and speak to the elements of the application outlined above. You should plan together in advance how you will use your time.

Rules and Terms:

By entering your project for consideration for the Micheaux Award, you agree to the terms listed below:

*I am a current resident of Arkansas or I have a historical connection to the state as outlined above.

*I am submitting original concepts (“project”) with the intent of exposure and submission to a panel of judges provided by the Micheaux Awards and Film Labs. I understand that only original and unique expressions of a story/concept may be protected under intellectual property (IP) law. I acknowledge that I have requested permission to disclose and submit to MAFL, and its jury certain details that may or may not be protected under such laws, and that it is my own responsibility to seek protection prior to exposure of my project if that is a concern.

*In the event my project is chosen as the winner of a Micheaux Award, I agree to submit a brief report on how I used the funds and the status of the project within six months of receiving the award.

*I understand and agree that the MAFL retains the right to use my application video and any films completed as a result of the award for promotional purposes.

*I also understand and agree that the MAFL retains the right to publicize and promote any success I gain through the option, sale, development, acquisition or any deal either formal or informal as a result of my participation in the program.