Application Process

Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

The 2024 arts and culture grant submission cycle, which includes Film Grants, will open early April 2024 with a closing deadline of June 1, 2024. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and follow the Film Grant application instructions once submissions open. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the grant management portal no later than June 1, 2024 to be considered. Materials may be submitted in Arabic or English:

• Online application form in the grant management portal
• Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) applying for the Film Grant and a brief summary of the proposed film topic
• Director’s CV and names/roles of other individuals who will be involved in the film project
• Detailed storyboard for the proposed film
• Completed Film Grant Budget Template detailing all expected costs and a list of facilities, special equipment, or other resources necessary for making the proposed film. It should be noted if other individuals, organizations, or sponsors are also providing financial or in-kind support (e.g., expertise, use of equipment). The Al Qasimi Foundation’s financial contribution should not exceed 25,000 AED
• List of locations and areas where filming will take place. This should include whether permission will be required for any locations
• Anticipated timeline for the project, including filming and editing milestones and associated deliverables
• Letter of recommendation from a professor, colleague or organization
• One sample of the director’s latest film on DVD (if this is the first film, submit samples of recent media projects).

The Selection Committee will review all complete proposals and identify finalists to invite for an interview. The interviews may take place in-person or online via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Once all interviews are complete the Selection Committee will make a final recommendation and choose the Film Grant recipients for the year. Applicants can generally expect to receive a formal decision on the status of their proposal within 6-8 weeks of the annual submission deadline.

Questions regarding Film Grants, the application process, or the submission status may be sent to submissions@rakfinearts.ae.

Grant Awards

Grant funds may be used for production-related activities only. Anticipated expenses should be detailed in the proposed budget during the grant application process. Examples of acceptable production-related expenses include:

• Location and equipment rentals such as studio time or lighting and sound equipment necessary for filming;
• Make-up, costumes, or props;
• Commission or purchase of music soundtracks;
• Editing or animation software;
• Arabic/English translation and subtitles.

Successful applicants will have 5-6 months to complete the production of their short film. The Al Qasimi Foundation and Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival reserve the right to check the film's quality and the story's flow during the production process and to edit the story as needed with the director.