Open Call for Frameline Completion Fund

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

The Frameline Completion Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 to filmmakers who need financial support to complete documentary, narrative, experimental, animated, or episodic projects about LGBTQ+ people and communities. The fund prioritizes LGBTQ+ storytelling and encourages applications from underserved and underrepresented filmmakers and communities.

About the Frameline Completion Fund

The Frameline Completion Fund supports film and video projects that contribute to the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ people and their communities. The program is intended specifically for filmmakers who have already developed their projects to a substantial stage but need additional resources to complete the work. Supported projects can be of different formats, lengths, genres, and styles, provided they focus on LGBTQ+ people or communities. Grant Amount Selected filmmakers can receive up to $5,000 through the Frameline Completion Fund. The funding is intended to help filmmakers address remaining production or post-production needs and bring their projects to completion. The fund can support a broad range of eligible film projects rather than being restricted to one particular genre or format. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The Completion Fund accepts projects across several filmmaking categories, including: However, applicants should clearly identify which components remain incomplete or are still being revised. Films without a rough cut will not be considered. This requirement ensures that the Completion Fund supports projects that are already substantially developed and primarily require resources to reach completion. Priority for LGBTQ+ and Underrepresented Storytelling The Frameline Completion Fund places LGBTQ+ storytelling at the centre of its support. The program also seeks to broaden representation by encouraging applications from filmmakers whose communities and perspectives have historically been underserved or underrepresented in film and media. Projects can therefore combine LGBTQ+ subject matter with perspectives involving gender, race, disability, sexuality, identity, and other forms of underrepresentation. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain individuals connected to Frameline are excluded from applying.

The following are not eligible:

Frameline staff members Members of the Frameline Board of Directors Film projects that do not have a full working cut or rough cut The project must also meet the fund’s requirement of being about LGBTQ+ people and their communities. Why the Frameline Completion Fund Matters Completing an independent film can be difficult when filmmakers have already invested significant time and resources but lack the final funding required for post-production. The Completion Fund addresses this gap by providing targeted financial assistance to projects that are already substantially developed.

Its importance includes:

Supporting LGBTQ+ representation in film and media Helping filmmakers complete unfinished projects Amplifying underserved and underrepresented voices Supporting diverse storytelling approaches Providing resources for documentary, narrative, experimental and animated work Helping LGBTQ+ stories reach audiences through completed productions How the Frameline Completion Fund Works The application process is designed around the current stage of the film.

Step 1: Confirm project eligibility

Applicants should first confirm that their project: Focuses on LGBTQ+ people or communities. Fits an eligible film or video format. Is sufficiently developed to provide a full working cut or rough cut. Is not being submitted by an ineligible Frameline staff or board member.

Step 2: Prepare the rough cut

Applicants must prepare a full working cut or rough cut of the project. Temporary production elements are acceptable, but applicants should identify unfinished components.

Step 3: Explain the remaining work

Clearly describe what is still required to complete the project. This can include remaining creative or technical work and the resources needed to bring the film to its final form.

Step 4: Submit the application

Applicants should provide the required application materials and rough cut according to Frameline’s application instructions. Applications should clearly demonstrate the project’s LGBTQ+ focus and explain how the requested completion support will contribute to finishing the work. Application Tips Applicants can strengthen their submissions by following several practical guidelines:

Submit a complete rough cut: A film without a rough cut will not be considered.

Clearly identify unfinished elements: Explain whether sound, colour, visual effects or other components are temporary.

Demonstrate the LGBTQ+ focus: Make the project’s connection to LGBTQ+ people or communities clear.

Explain the completion need: Clearly communicate why additional funding is necessary to finish the project.

Highlight underrepresented perspectives: Where relevant, explain how the project amplifies underserved voices.

Be specific: Avoid vague descriptions of the remaining work or funding requirements.

Check eligibility carefully: Frameline staff and Board members cannot apply.

Key Details at a Glance

Program: Frameline Completion Fund

Maximum grant: Up to $5,000

Eligible projects: Documentary, narrative, experimental, animated and episodic

Format: Film and video projects of any format or length

Subject: LGBTQ+ people and their communities

Geographic scope: Projects of any nationality

Priority communities: Underserved and underrepresented communities

Mandatory project stage: Full working cut or rough cut

Temporary elements: Sound, colour and visual effects are permitted

Ineligible applicants: Frameline staff and Board of Directors members

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply to the Frameline Completion Fund? Filmmakers developing eligible documentary, narrative, experimental, animated or episodic projects about LGBTQ+ people and their communities can apply, subjec