Filmmakers in Residence

2026 Filmmaker Residency Applications: Key Dates

Applications Open: September 5, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: September 29, 2025 (25% discount)
Final Deadline: October 20, 2025
Notification Deadline: December 19, 2025

The JFI Filmmakers in Residence Program is a year-long, primarily virtual, artist residency that provides creative, marketing, and practical support for emerging and established filmmakers whose feature documentary projects thoughtfully consider of Jewish history, life, culture, and identity.

About the Residency

Resident Activites: 

  • Participate in monthly cohort meetings.
  • Attend capacity-enhancing workshops with key industry professionals.
  • Consult with JFI staff on industry best practices in marketing, fundraising, production, and exhibition.
  • Attend an in-person convening at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in July.
  • Refine their project pitches through mentorship and a pitch forum.

Resident Benefits:

  • Access to all JFI programs and events.
  • A travel stipend toward the expense of attending the in-person convening in San Francisco in July.
  • Visibility in JFI promotional materials throughout their project’s life.
  • Access to the Ninth Street Independent Film Center's on-site screening room.

"The JFI Residency has been an incredible network of peers and mentors who have helped support me through various stages of my project. Whether it's support on a critical issue or question, creative feedback on scenes, or just generally trading stories on the ins and outs of working on a feature film, the residency has been such a generative community for me."

Simon Mendes, 2022 Filmmaker in Residence

Resources and Opportunities To Help You Tell Your Story.

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