Filmmaker Resources
Are you a filmmaker looking to submit your film to festivals?
We fund 10 filmmakers a year to create short films on the topic of mental health. We support these teams to get their film out into the world. One of these ways filmmakers can do this is through film festivals. Over the last 4 years Voices With Impact films have screened at over 180 film festivals across the world. We've learnt a lot about what festivals look for. We run our own festival in June each year, giving us the inside knowledge of what catches festival programmers' attention. Take a look below at our resources to help you submit to film festivals and apply for grants (including our VWI Film Production Grant)!
For Grants
Want to get a good idea of what a pitch deck looks like? Find some examples below.
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Feel free to use our template below to help you complete your pitch deck.
Check out advice from a past VWI Filmmaker on pitching!
Feel free to use our template below to help you complete your budget.
Take a look at some films we've funded.
​The Voices With Impact Film Production Grant offers filmmakers $7.5k USD to filmmaking teams making transformative 5 minute films on the topic of mental health.
How To Apply To Voices With Impact Film Grant
Please note submissions are closed and re-open in August 2025
Step 1
Download and read the submission guide.
This will tell you all the hard facts about the grant. Read this as a first step because it really does have everything you need to know: Deadlines, Dates, Requirements, etc.
Step 2
Watch the grant Q&A Events.
In the run up to the deadline we'll be talking to jurors, past filmmakers and the program director to give you the best chance of a successful proposal. You'll learn a lot of good practise from filmmakers too! Almost all of the grant recipients last year attended a grant Q&A event, so they help!
Events are every Thursday in August. Launch (Aug 8), Animation & Production Schedules (Aug 15), Documentary & Pitching (Aug 22) and Drama & Micro Budgeting (Aug 29). Free to attend.
Step 3
Book a limited 1:1 proposal feedback call.
Once you have a draft proposal together, you can book a call with our program director to discuss your project. This is offered on a first come first serve basis and very limited. It is not necessary to apply but it's a great resource.
Step 4
Submit your proposal.
Once you have finished your proposal, you just need to fill out the form below and upload it
Production Grant
Year round program
The Grant Program starts with Open Call Events, the proposal window opens, the proposals are juried, and filmmakers are informed and production starts!
Mental Health Themes
Each year we ask for proposals on our highlighted mental health themes.
The 2025 theme is:
Visibility / Invisibility.
10 Production Grants
The successful proposals are selected by our jury of filmmakers and mental health professionals. 10 filmmaking teams are awarded grants of $7.5k USD.