[South Arts](https://www.southarts.org)

April 2027 (Application deadline, projected)

Screening honorarium for each in-person screening, travel reimbursements, and per diem for meals/lodging; award amount varies by tour itinerary.

A paid touring opportunity for U.S.-based documentary filmmakers to screen their films and engage with diverse audiences across the Southern United States.

--- ## Description The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a unique program designed to connect documentary filmmakers with communities throughout the Southern United States. Organized by South Arts, this initiative selects filmmakers to tour with their completed feature-length documentaries, present screenings at partner venues, and participate in post-screening Q&A sessions as well as educational and community engagement events. The program seeks to foster dialogue on important issues, support the art of filmmaking, and build independent film audiences across the region. Filmmakers receive financial support, including honoraria, travel reimbursements, and per diem allowances, making it a competitive and enriching opportunity for both emerging and established filmmakers. --- ## Due Dates - April 2027 (Application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Selected filmmakers receive a screening honorarium for each in-person screening on the tour. - Paid travel expenses/reimbursements are provided, including coach airfare, baggage fees, basic car rental or mileage, and rideshare costs. - Per diem is provided for meals and lodging for each evening away from home. - Award amounts vary depending on the number of screenings and tour itinerary. - Marketing support is included. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be U.S.-based filmmakers with a valid government ID. - Films must be feature-length documentaries (40–120 minutes). - Films must have been completed within the last four years. - Both trailers and full-length films must be in English or have English subtitles. - Only completed films are eligible; rough cuts are not considered. - Filmmakers are expected to travel to venues, including driving distances up to 300 miles between some locations. - No premiere status required, but prior screenings and broadcasts are considered. - Filmmakers (or their production company) must retain festival and educational distribution rights if the film has a distribution deal. - Films must be available in DCP format for screening. - Filmmakers are responsible for all necessary licenses, clearances, and permissions. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via FilmFreeway (see link below). - There is a $25 non-refundable entry fee; students in accredited film programs may request a waiver. - Applicants must provide an accessible (unlisted, not private) screener link. - All required clearances and rights must be secured prior to submission. - Selection is made through an adjudication process involving South Arts programmers, invited jurors, and Screening Partners. - Notification of selection is typically sent by late June following the application deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Filmmakers must be available to travel for approximately 10–12 days during the tour, which spans multiple months. - Engagements may include classroom presentations, public receptions, and social media promotion. - All decisions by Southern Circuit are final. - Films are screened at a variety of venues, including schools, universities, museums, and community centers across nine Southern states. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Southern Circuit – Call for Filmmakers](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/southern-circuit-call-filmmakers) - [FilmFreeway Submission Portal](https://filmfreeway.com/festivals/95044?utm_campaign=Southern+Circuit+Tour+of+Independent+Filmmakers&utm_medium=External&utm_source=Submission+Button) - [South Arts Grants & Opportunities](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities) - [Informational Webinar (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGyLV7rgqm4) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Name/Contact | Email/Link | |---------------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General program questions | Lisa Smalls, Program Director | [lsmalls@southarts.org](mailto:lsmalls@southarts.org) | | Technical/application assistance| South Arts Grants Team | [grants@southarts.org](mailto:grants@southarts.org) | | Schedule a meeting | Lisa Smalls | [Schedule here](https://scheduler.zoom.us/southarts-lisa-smalls/southern-circuit) | | Organization main contact | South Arts | [Contact Page](https://www.southarts.org/contact) | | Phone | South Arts | 404-874-7244 |

Southern Circuit: Call for Filmmakers

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