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

April 10, 2026 (Screening Partner application) | April 30, 2026 (Signed MOU due)

$5,500 participation fee per organization; covers six filmmaker visits and film licenses for the season.

Enables nonprofit, educational, and governmental organizations in the South Arts region to host screenings of independent films and facilitate filmmaker-audience engagement.

--- ## Description This opportunity allows eligible organizations to become Screening Partners for the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, managed by South Arts. Screening Partners host six in-person film screenings—each with a visiting filmmaker—at their venue during the 2026–2027 season. The program aims to foster community dialogue, expand arts programming, and connect audiences directly with filmmakers through post-screening discussions and related events. South Arts provides logistical support, film selection, promotional materials, and honoraria for filmmakers. Screening Partners are responsible for local coordination, publicity, and technical requirements. --- ## Due Dates - **April 10, 2026:** Screening Partner application deadline (full application due) - **April 30, 2026:** Return signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to South Arts --- ## Funding Amount - **Participation Fee:** $5,500 per organization for the 2026–2027 season. - This fee covers rights and licenses for six films, honoraria for six filmmakers, and extensive program support. - Fee invoiced June 1, 2026; payment due by July 31, 2026. - No direct grant funds are awarded to Screening Partners; instead, the fee supports the program’s delivery and filmmaker compensation. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Nonprofit, educational, or governmental organizations located in South Arts’ nine-state region: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. - **Requirements:** - Must have nonprofit tax-exempt status or be an official unit of local, county, or state government (fiscal agents not eligible). - Proof of status (IRS letter or equivalent) and EIN required. - Screenings must take place within the eligible states and be open to the public, including a post-film Q&A with the filmmaker. - Organizations must provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA and commit to NEA’s Assurance of Compliance. --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Review program guidelines on the [South Arts program page](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/southern-circuit-call-screening-partners). - **Step 2:** Create or update a profile and submit your application via the [Salesforce grant portal](https://southarts.my.site.com/grants/s/) by April 10, 2026. - **Step 3:** If selected, return a signed MOU by April 30, 2026. - **Step 4:** Participate in required webinars and the virtual Film Selection Meeting (May 6, 2026). - **Step 5:** Pay the participation fee by July 31, 2026. - **Step 6:** Coordinate and promote six film screenings with filmmaker Q&As during the 2026–2027 season (September–November 2026 and February–April 2027). - **Step 7:** Submit a final report at the conclusion of the tour. **Technical assistance:** For application help, contact [grants@southarts.org](mailto:grants@southarts.org). --- ## Additional Information - Screening Partners select films from a curated shortlist, tailoring programming to their communities. - South Arts provides marketing assets, manages filmmaker travel and honoraria, and offers ongoing support. - Outdoor venues are acceptable with contingency plans for weather. - Screenings may be ticketed but must be open to the public. - Organizations must provide a qualified projectionist and appropriate audiovisual equipment (DCP or laser projection preferred). --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines and Application Portal](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/southern-circuit-call-screening-partners) - [South Arts Grants & Opportunities](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities) - [Southern Circuit Program Overview](https://www.southarts.org/programs-conferences/southern-circuit-tour-independent-filmmakers) - [Screening Partner Informational Webinar (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ4Q5ZZ3RP8) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Program questions | Lisa Smalls, [lsmalls@southarts.org](mailto:lsmalls@southarts.org) | | Technical assistance | [grants@southarts.org](mailto:grants@southarts.org) | | South Arts phone | 404-874-7244 | | General contact | [Contact page](https://www.southarts.org/contact) |

Southern Circuit: Call for Screening Partners

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