Fund · The Whickers
Whickers Film and TV Funding Award 2027
Closes January 22, 2027
Free award for first-time feature documentary directors from any country. Applications open 24 November 2026 and close 22 January 2027 at 23:59 GMT. Shortlisted teams pitch in the UK at Sheffield DocFest in June, with travel and accommodation covered.
- Who can apply
- Open worldwide to filmmakers aged 18+. It must be your first documentary of 50+ minutes as director or co-director, at late development to early production. Budget up to 500,000 pounds, an executive producer on board, and a film in English or with English subtitles. One proposal per applicant per year.
- Fee
- Free to enter
- What you get
- The page lists a main award worth 120,000 pounds and a 25,000 pound development award for the runner-up.
- Formats
- Documentary, Feature
- Applications open
- November 24, 2026
- You hear back
- Shortlist pitches at Sheffield DocFest in June 2027
- When it runs
- Sheffield DocFest, 9 to 14 June 2027
- Apply through
- Own site
- Languages
- English, or English subtitles
What to send
- Title and logline
- Up to 300 words on how the project meets the criteria
- Teaser of up to 6 minutes on a password-protected link
- Synopsis of up to 1,000 words
- Budget estimate in GBP and funding status
- Executive producer details
- Production company, fiscal sponsor or project account details
- Four 50-word answers about you and the film
How to apply
- Check you meet the first-feature, budget and executive producer rules.
- Cut a teaser of up to 6 minutes and host it on a password-protected link.
- Open the online form early; you can save and return to it.
- Submit before 23:59 GMT on 22 January 2027.
- Keep June free to pitch at Sheffield DocFest if shortlisted.
Worth knowing
- Feedback is not given to unsuccessful applicants.
- Non-partisan work is expected; films with a campaigning agenda do not fit.
Checked against The Whickers's own page on October 24, 2026. Dates and fees can change, so read their call before you apply.