◈ Homepage — http://berkeleyfilmfoundation.org/contactSkip to Content HOME ABOUT GRANTS EVENTS WINNERS CONTACT SEARCH DONATE CONTACT US Saul Zaentz Center 2600 Tenth Street, Suite 427 Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 705-1481 (office) INQUIRIES Program Director, Isabella Miller – [email protected] FOLLOW US SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley FILM Foundation news and updates! SIGN UP Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! SIGN UP Website design by workingtitle.studio ◈ Interior Pages — 25 pages crawledAbout BFF — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE About the Berkeley FILM Foundation MISSION The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant and educational program for independent filmmakers with a mission to nurture, sustain, and preserve the thriving local film community while attracting the next generation of filmmakers. STORY Founded in 2009, the Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF) provides grants, educational programming, community screenings, and mentorship to independent filmmakers. As of September 2025, BFF has awarded 338 grants, totaling $3.3 million, to documentary and fiction projects in production, post-production, and distribution created by filmmakers who live in the East Shore cities of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Richmond, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville. THE ORGANIZATION BFF is dedicated to supporting stories that shed light on oppression, inequity, systemic injustice, or environmental degradation, that challenge dominant narratives and center marginalized perspectives. The very heart of our work is the belief that film has the power to spark political, social, and cultural change.  BFF supports experienced, emerging and student filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, including artists of color, LGBTQ+ filmmakers, filmmakers with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, and previously incarcerated artists. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FOUNDERS: The City of Berkeley, Wareham Development, and the Saul Zaentz Company. TO OUR OTHER GENEROUS FOUNDERS: The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation, The Fleishhacker Foundation, The George Lucas Family Foundation, The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, California Humanities, LaFetra Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, The Robertson Family Fund, The Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation, The City of Emeryville, The East Bay Community Foundation, The Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Arent Fox LLP, Bayer, Warner Bros., Pacific Gas & Electric, Van Acker Construction, Shartsis Friese LLP, Wilson Markle Stuckey Hardesty & Bott, LLP, Walter J. Haas, Kava Massih, and Christopher Moscone. AND TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: The Bay Area Video Coalition, SFFILM, Albany FilmFest, CAFilm, Fishnets & Film, Cinemama, MakeitBay, BAMMS. SAUL ZAENTZ (1921–2013) Described by The New York Times as “perhaps the last of the great independent producers,” was renowned for adapting complex literary works into films the major studios often deemed too risky or uncommercial. His productions were intelligent, thought-provoking, and technically outstanding—receiving acclaim for cinematography, design, sound, music, direction, and acting. Born in Passaic, New Jersey to Russian-Polish immigrants, Zaentz served in World War II as a sergeant major in the U.S. Army. After the war, he moved to San Francisco and began working in music sales. In 1954, he toured with major jazz acts like Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck. By 1955, he joined Fantasy Records in Berkeley, California, rising through its ranks and eventually purchasing the label in 1967 with a group of partners. Under his leadership, Fantasy signed the Blue Velvets—later renamed Creedence Clearwater Revival—who achieved commercial success with hits like “Susie Q.” In the early 1970s, Zaentz turned to filmmaking. His first major success came with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), co-produced with Michael Douglas and winner of the Best Picture Oscar. He followed with Three Warriors , The Lord of the Rings (1978, animated), and the acclaimed Amadeus (1984), which won eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Later films included The Mosquito Coast , The Unbearable Lightness of Being , and At Play in the Fields of the Lord . In 1996, The English Patient earned Zaentz his third Best Picture Oscar and the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. BAFTA later honored him with its Academy Fellowship in 2003. His final film was Goya’s Ghosts (2006), reuniting him with director Milos Forman. Each year, we honor Saul Zaentz’ legacy with four, $25,000 grant awards to independent filmmakers crafting exceptional stories. For more information about these awards, please visit our Grants pages. AL BENDICH (1930–2015) Al Bendich was a pioneering civil liberties attorney whose legal career helped shape the boundaries of free speech and creative expression in the United States.  Born in New York City, Bendich moved to California as a child. He earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and his law degree from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall. Early in his career, he joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California, where he quickly became a key figure in major legal battles over obscenity and artistic expression. In 1957, Bendich successfully defended poet Allen Ginsberg’s Howl against obscenity charges, arguing that the poem had “redeeming social importance.” Two years later, he defended comedian Lenny Bruce in a free speech case that further cemented his reputation as an advocate for the First Amendment. In the 1960s, Bendich became general counsel for Fantasy Records where he worked closely with Saul Zaentz, eventually becoming his legal representative in both music and film ventures. Bendich played a crucial role in the production of films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest , Amadeus , and The English Patient —all of which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Bendich also taught law and mentored generations of students and activists. His work remains a touchstone in the ongoing fight for civil liberties and artistic freedom. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Saul Zaentz Film Series — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE BFF Presents the Saul Zaentz Film Series The Berkeley FILM Foundation proudly presents an annual program honoring the legendary Berkeley-based producer Saul Zaentz. This November, we’ll host a multi-day festival across iconic Bay Area theaters—including the Smith Rafael Film Center, The Roxie, The New Parkway, and more—showcasing powerful documentaries that have received our prestigious Saul Zaentz Award. The event brings audiences face-to-face with the filmmakers themselves through exclusive post-screening Q&As, offering an opportunity to delve into the stories behind the films and explore their lasting impact on communities and culture. Please watch our channels for more information! 2024 In 2024, BFF celebrated Saul Zaentz with a retrospective of his films at the Smith Rafael Film Center and included many special guests. Audiences heard about the 'making of' these films from those who worked on them, including Sound Designer Mark Berger, who won an Academy Award for both Amadeus and The English Patient ; Vivien Hillgrove, who was part of the editing team for The Unbearable Lightness of Being ; and Paul Zaentz, associate producer of The English Patient . The event also featured an appearance by Michael Ondaatje, author of the novel The English Patient on which the film is based. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Team — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE TEAM Isabella Sanders Miller is the Program Director of the Berkeley Film Foundation, where she has led the organization since 2020. She leads the strategic and operational direction of the organization and spearheads the Foundation’s three annual grant programs, which collectively distribute hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to Bay Area independent filmmakers. She also directs the Foundation’s marketing, communications, fundraising, and event production efforts, ensuring the continued growth and visibility of the organization. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Abby Ginzberg - President Abby Ginzberg is a Peabody award-winning director, member of the Documentary Branch of AMPAS and EMMY® Silver Circle inductee. She has been producing compelling documentaries about race and social justice for over 35 years and has created an impressive portfolio of award-winning films . Her film, Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power , won the 2022 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary and is available on Amazon Prime. Abby has been President of the Berkeley Film Foundation since 2009. Paul Zaentz Paul Zaentz is a film producer and the founder of Teatro della Pace Films. At the Saul Zaentz Company, Zaentz was Production Controller on Amadeus , directed by Milos Forman, and Financial Controller on Peter Weir’s The Mosquito Coast . He was Associate Producer on The Unbearable Lightness of Being , At Play in the Fields of the Lord , and Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient . Fredrica Drotos Fredrica Drotos has a background in film production and business affairs. She is currently the Brand and Licensing Director at Middle-earth Enterprises in Berkeley, California. Julia Robertson - Treasurer Julia Robertson is a writer, director, producer specializing in experimental narrative and documentary forms, including film, video, photography, and multi-channel sound and video installations. An MFA graduate from the California College of Art with a focus on Art and Social Practice, she is passionate about exploring the intersections of gender identity, sexuality, and social and environmental justice. She serves BFF in the leadership role of Treasurer. Dawn Valadez Dawn Valadez is a queer, Xicana, filmmaker, social worker, artist, youth development specialist, and impact strategist. A graduate of UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare, Valadez has over 25 years of experience as a social worker and non-profit service and development professional. Cheryl Dunye Cheryl Dunye is a Liberian-born American filmmaker, actress and educator. Her films highlight social and cultural issues surrounding African-Americans and the LGBT community, most notably, Black lesbians. Nancy Skinner Nancy Skinner was appointed by Gov. Newsom in January 2025 to serve as a member of the California Energy Commission (CEC). She served in the California State Senate from 2016 to 2024 and in the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2014. She also served on the Berkeley City Council from 1984 to 1992. Laura Wagner Laura Wagner is a Spirit Award-winning producer and curator based in New York and San Francisco. Her films have screened at over 100 film festivals including Sundance, SFFILM, Tribeca, SXSW, and Rotterdam. She is a recipient of The Sundance Institute’s Creative Producing Lab and Fellowship and SFFILM’s Kenneth Rainin Grant and Fellowship. Finally, she co-founded the Bay Area film collective Cinemama. BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS John Gooding John Gooding is a partner of the Milo Group of California, where he provides consulting services at the intersection of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state and local government; and works in public advocacy for the Bay Area. ADVISORY COMMITTEE Susan Wengraf Susan Wengraf served as the Berkeley City Councilmember for District 6 from 2008 until her retirement in early 2025, following four terms in office and 16 years as a legislative aide in the same district. Terry Taplin Terry Taplin, a native of West Berkeley and a poet, has served on the Berkeley City Council since his election in November 2020, representing District 2. He is recognized as Berkeley’s first openly LGBTQ person of color on the council. Robert B. Reich Robert B. Reich is the Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy emeritus at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, serving in that role after a distinguished career that included 16 years in key posts across three national administrations—most notably as U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio FAQ — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE FAQ If I am co-directing and co-producing with a partner, should we each submit separate applications, or should we submit one joint application on behalf of both of us? Please submit only one application per project. Can I apply if I am the director or producer on multiple projects submitting separate applications? You may submit one project as a director and one project as a producer per year. If I received a BFF grant for a project last year on a project that is not yet finished, can I submit for a different project? No, you cannot apply for another grant until you have finished the project for which you received funds. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Press — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE PRESS December 18, 2025: The Berkeley Film Foundation Awards $100,000 to Nine Narrative Short Films September 15, 2025: The Berkeley FILM Foundation Awards $364,500 to 24 Independent Filmmakers and 5 Student Filmmakers September 9, 2024: The Berkeley FILM Foundation Awards $287,500 to 19 Independent Filmmakers and 5 Student Filmmakers August 14, 2024: Announcing the Saul Zaentz Film Celebration January 22, 2024: San Francisco Celebrates Second Annual Filmmakers' Reception in Park City January 18, 2024: Berkeley FILM Foundation Receives $1.5M Grant From The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation October 4, 2023: Berkeley Film Foundation announces annual grant awardees' Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio BFF Festival Fund — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE BFF FESTIVAL FUND The Berkeley FILM Foundation is excited to announce the BFF Festival Fund, a new program designed to help previous grantees meet the financial challenge of participating in a film festival premiere or screening with their finished film. We are considering these to be “emergency funds” for filmmakers who do not have the budget needed to respond quickly to a festival invitation for their film and need financial assistance. These grants of up to $2,500 may be used for transportation to, from and around the festival for the filmmaking team and/or subjects, lodging for the festival team and/or subjects, the hiring of a publicity person or for printed materials to be used at the festival. Any and all film festivals, global or domestic, are eligible. You may only apply once for these funds. The applications for these funds will be accepted on a rolling basis, but there is a limited number of grants available from March through December 2025. We will notify the group when the funds for this program have been exhausted, and will renew in January 2026. Please keep in mind that since this is a new program, we may follow up with additional questions.  You must be a prior grantee to qualify. To complete the application, click here . FAQ >> “ The Berkeley FILM Foundation stepped in at the right moment with its support. Beyond the money, it means so much when your own hometown shows allegiance and belief. ” — Karina Epperlein, “Finding The Gold Within” Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE See more Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Narrative Short Film Program — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE THE NARRATIVE SHORT GRANT PROGRAM The 2026 Narrative Short Grant Program will open on July 27, 2026. The deadline to submit will be August 24, 2026 at 11:59p. Announcement of the winners will happen no later than the first week of December, 2026. The guidelines will be updated to our 2026 requirements in April, 2026. Below is a link to our 2025 guidelines for reference. 2025 GUIDELINES BFF is excited to host its second annual Narrative Short Grant Program, which provides specific funding to narrative short films made by local filmmakers. We see a growing need for funding of short fiction film projects in the region and we are happy to offer this support moving forward. Berkeley Film Foundation will provide grants in pre-production, production, post-production and distribution for narrative short film projects.  The Berkeley Film Foundation is interested in short films that use creative, thoughtful and innovative methods to tell a story with a strong theme of social or environmental justice. The review committee will be judging films based on originality, imagination, and technical skill. Beyond the issues addressed in the film and the artistic approach, we are wondering: Is this a film that will gain a wide audience both within and outside of serious film viewers? Does the filmmaking team display a level of professionalism that will enable the film to be completed? These are some examples of things that you are encouraged to address in the application. 2025 DOCUMENTARY GRANT >> 110 films funded are by filmmakers of color . Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Great films have the power to change minds... and reshape the world. Spark dialogue... empower change. In partnership with the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. Saul Zaentz’s legacy lives on with the BFF. The Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant filmmaking community along the East Shore of the San Francisco Bay Area. We offer grants, educational resources, and exhibition opportunities to support filmmakers at all experience levels—from students to seasoned professionals. Our funding supports documentaries and narrative shorts in production, post-production, and distribution. We are interested in funding films that boldly address social and environmental injustices, challenge oppressive systems, all in service of driving meaningful and lasting change. DOCUMENTARY FEATURES Are you a local, independent filmmaker working on a documentary? You might be eligible for a grant through our Documentary Grant Program. >> NARRATIVE SHORTS BFF now funds Narrative Shorts! We host an annual open application cycle in the Fall. Check our Grants page for more information. >> STUDENT FILMMAKERS BFF proudly supports East Bay-based students who are enrolled in a film program anywhere. Check out our Grants page to learn more. >> SAUL ZAENTZ LEGACY Having been co-founded by the infamous Saul Zaentz, BFF is proud to partner with the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation in keeping his legacy alive. >> 2025 Grant Programs DOCUMENTARY APRIL 7 - MAY 5 NARRATIVE SHORTS JULY 21 - AUGUST 18 The Berkeley Film Foundation’s core work is providing project grants to locally made films and offers two open call grant programs each year for Documentary and Narrative Shorts. BFF also hosts regular screenings at The New Parkway in Oakland, California, of films that we have previously funded and are finally ready for the big screen!  Please sign up for our newsletters below or follow our social media channels for information about our grants, workshops, and upcoming screenings. Special thanks to all of our funders: The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation, The Fleishhacker Foundation, The George Lucas Family Foundation, The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, California Humanities, LaFetra Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, The Robertson Family Fund, The Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation, The City of Emeryville, The East Bay Community Foundation, The Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Arent Fox LLP, Bayer, Warner Bros., Pacific Gas & Electric, Van Acker Construction, Shartsis Friese LLP, Wilson Markle Stuckey Hardesty & Bott, LLP, Walter J. Haas, Kava Massih, and Christopher Moscone. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio About BFF — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE About the Berkeley FILM Foundation MISSION The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant and educational program for independent filmmakers with a mission to nurture, sustain, and preserve the thriving local film community while attracting the next generation of filmmakers. STORY Founded in 2009, the Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF) provides grants, educational programming, community screenings, and mentorship to independent filmmakers. As of September 2025, BFF has awarded 338 grants, totaling $3.3 million, to documentary and fiction projects in production, post-production, and distribution created by filmmakers who live in the East Shore cities of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Richmond, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville. THE ORGANIZATION BFF is dedicated to supporting stories that shed light on oppression, inequity, systemic injustice, or environmental degradation, that challenge dominant narratives and center marginalized perspectives. The very heart of our work is the belief that film has the power to spark political, social, and cultural change.  BFF supports experienced, emerging and student filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, including artists of color, LGBTQ+ filmmakers, filmmakers with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, and previously incarcerated artists. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FOUNDERS: The City of Berkeley, Wareham Development, and the Saul Zaentz Company. TO OUR OTHER GENEROUS FOUNDERS: The Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation, The Fleishhacker Foundation, The George Lucas Family Foundation, The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, California Humanities, LaFetra Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, The Robertson Family Fund, The Berkeley Civic Arts Commission, Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation, The City of Emeryville, The East Bay Community Foundation, The Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Arent Fox LLP, Bayer, Warner Bros., Pacific Gas & Electric, Van Acker Construction, Shartsis Friese LLP, Wilson Markle Stuckey Hardesty & Bott, LLP, Walter J. Haas, Kava Massih, and Christopher Moscone. AND TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: The Bay Area Video Coalition, SFFILM, Albany FilmFest, CAFilm, Fishnets & Film, Cinemama, MakeitBay, BAMMS. SAUL ZAENTZ (1921–2013) Described by The New York Times as “perhaps the last of the great independent producers,” was renowned for adapting complex literary works into films the major studios often deemed too risky or uncommercial. His productions were intelligent, thought-provoking, and technically outstanding—receiving acclaim for cinematography, design, sound, music, direction, and acting. Born in Passaic, New Jersey to Russian-Polish immigrants, Zaentz served in World War II as a sergeant major in the U.S. Army. After the war, he moved to San Francisco and began working in music sales. In 1954, he toured with major jazz acts like Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck. By 1955, he joined Fantasy Records in Berkeley, California, rising through its ranks and eventually purchasing the label in 1967 with a group of partners. Under his leadership, Fantasy signed the Blue Velvets—later renamed Creedence Clearwater Revival—who achieved commercial success with hits like “Susie Q.” In the early 1970s, Zaentz turned to filmmaking. His first major success came with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), co-produced with Michael Douglas and winner of the Best Picture Oscar. He followed with Three Warriors , The Lord of the Rings (1978, animated), and the acclaimed Amadeus (1984), which won eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Later films included The Mosquito Coast , The Unbearable Lightness of Being , and At Play in the Fields of the Lord . In 1996, The English Patient earned Zaentz his third Best Picture Oscar and the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. BAFTA later honored him with its Academy Fellowship in 2003. His final film was Goya’s Ghosts (2006), reuniting him with director Milos Forman. Each year, we honor Saul Zaentz’ legacy with four, $25,000 grant awards to independent filmmakers crafting exceptional stories. For more information about these awards, please visit our Grants pages. AL BENDICH (1930–2015) Al Bendich was a pioneering civil liberties attorney whose legal career helped shape the boundaries of free speech and creative expression in the United States.  Born in New York City, Bendich moved to California as a child. He earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and his law degree from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall. Early in his career, he joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California, where he quickly became a key figure in major legal battles over obscenity and artistic expression. In 1957, Bendich successfully defended poet Allen Ginsberg’s Howl against obscenity charges, arguing that the poem had “redeeming social importance.” Two years later, he defended comedian Lenny Bruce in a free speech case that further cemented his reputation as an advocate for the First Amendment. In the 1960s, Bendich became general counsel for Fantasy Records where he worked closely with Saul Zaentz, eventually becoming his legal representative in both music and film ventures. Bendich played a crucial role in the production of films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest , Amadeus , and The English Patient —all of which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Bendich also taught law and mentored generations of students and activists. His work remains a touchstone in the ongoing fight for civil liberties and artistic freedom. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Student Grants — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE The 2026 Student Grant Program is now open! Please review the guidelines and apply today. The deadline to submit is Monday, April 13 at 11:59p. OVERVIEW The Berkeley Film Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of documentary filmmakers by offering dedicated grants to students enrolled in accredited universities.  These grants are open to both undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students who are actively working on documentary film projects. While applicants must reside in the East Bay, the school you are enrolled in can be located anywhere. Grants of up to $5,000 are available and may be applied toward production, post-production, and distribution costs. The Foundation accepts submissions for both short-form and feature-length documentaries. Student grant applications are accepted each spring and require a separate application form from those built for professional filmmakers, though all applicants must adhere to the same deadlines. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and promoting compelling, socially relevant documentary work. As a proud partner of the UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, the Foundation continues to strengthen its ties to the academic and filmmaking communities. Apply Now! BFF FESTIVAL FUND >>  2026 STUDENT GRANT GUIDELINES The Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF) is pleased to announce the 2026 grant program, opening Monday March 16, 2026. Once you have read through the grant guidelines and find you are a qualified candidate, we invite you to submit an application using our Submittable portal on our website ( www.berkeleyfilmfoundation.org ). Thesubmissiondeadline for students is April 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PST .  We are pleased to sponsor a funding opportunity for student filmmakers currently enrolled in a full-time film program. Individual grants of up to $5,000 can underwrite production, post- production or distribution expenses. In addition to the online application, the applicant must submit a clip or trailer (up to 10-minute clip), of the work for which the grant is sought. Prior work is not required to submit with the application. Note: If you are unable to submit a written application, please contact Isabella Miller at [email protected] or at 510-705-1481 to discuss accommodations and alternate methods to apply. PLEASE READ: Narrative/fiction short film projects (animation or live action) will not be accepted in this cycle. Instead, a separate Narrative Grant cycle will open in July 2026 for fiction-only short projects. Please check back in May 2026 for guidelines specific to this program. Student Grant Description Berkeley Film Foundation provides student grants in the production , post-production and distribution stages of the film project. We do not fund projects in the pre-production or development phase. Applicants may submit one project for consideration per funding cycle. The Berkeley Film Foundation is interested in films that have a social consciousness and shine a light on untold stories of oppression or historical mistreatment, stories celebrating underrepresented communities, films about environmental degradation or climate change, educational films about little-known science, health, local history or profile films of an individual who is challenging norms or fighting the status quo. We value films of varying styles and types, from verité to direct cinema. We judge films based on originality and creativity. Does the film tell a new story or contain a unique angle on an old premise? Is the filmmaker telling the story with imagination and using new techniques? The subject of the film is also taken into consideration. Does this story need to be told? Is this a film that will gain a wide audience both within and outside of serious film viewers? Does the filmmaking team display a level of professionalism that will enable the film to be completed?  We also consider the issue of authorship: Why is this person telling this story? Is this the right person to be telling this story? These are some examples of things that the team could address in the application. Student Grant Eligibility Berkeley Film Foundation will award grants in the production, post-production and distribution stages. Applicants may submit one project for consideration per funding cycle, with a maximum request of $5,000 . Eligibility : Applicant must be over the age of 18. Student must live in the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond or Oakland. You may not use a P.O. Box address. Must be currently enrolled in a full-time film studies program in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa or San Francisco. Be the primary creator of work submitted. BFF will not consider a new film proposal from a former grant recipient until the prior funded film is completed. Eligible Genre: Short Documentary (40 minutes or less) Long Documentary (over 40 minutes) NOT Eligible: Short Form Animation (30 minutes or less) Short Form Narratives (30 minutes or less) Broadcast news journalism Television spots Advertising Commercials Industrial or Corporate Media We Do Not Fund: We do not cover costs retroactively. Media projects other than film or video. Organizational projects for internal or promotional use. General operating expenses of companies or organizations. APPLYING FOR A BERKELEY FILM FOUNDATION GRANT The application must be submitted via Submittable using the link on the ‘Apply’ page on our website, www.berkeleyfilmfoundation.org/apply that will be live on Monday March 16, 2026. The deadline to apply for a student grant is: April 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PST . Applicants will be required to include the following items: Current resume : Please include a current resume for the director and producer in the application that describe the professional activities and achievements. Other key personnel on the project may be listed on the resume as well, if you choose. Project Budget : Please include your project budget for consideration when completing the application. Please ensure this document is concise and easy to read. If applying for a distribution grant, please provide a detailed distribution budget and the total production cost. Please make sure the document is formatted correctly, and blank cells do not bleed onto additional pages. Film Sample: You must provide a maximum of 10-minutes of edited footage as your film sample. You clip should be included as a Vimeo link to your project, or you may upload the file directly to the portal. If a password is needed, please use: BFF (all caps). **Things to keep in mind: If you are in the later stages of production, i.e. deep post-production or distribution, we highly suggest providing a clip that is between 3-10 minutes in length. This allows the review panel to see t 2025 — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Since its founding in 2009, the Berkeley FILM Foundation has proudly supported over 300 independent films that reflect the diversity, creativity, and social consciousness of our local filmmaking community. From compelling documentaries to bold narrative shorts, each project we fund contributes to the vibrant cinematic hub that is the Bay Area. We invite you to explore the full list of projects we have supported in 2025 and learn more about each of them by clicking the available links. Projects supported in other years are listed in the drop down menu. 2025 NARRATIVE SHORT GRANT AWARD WINNERS Wasted Resources – Production. Patricia Lee, Writer & Director. Sean Gillane, Producer. Chris Walters, Producer. Christopher Ford, Executive Producer. Trenches – Production. Yvan Iturriaga, Writer & Director. Monica Castro, Producer. Chris Goodman, Producer. Josh Healey, Executive Producer. For the Culture – Post-Production. Anna Marie Sharpe, Director, Writer & CoExecutive Producer. Priscilla Lam, Co-Executive Producer. Andrew Ratermann, Producer . Greetings From St. Helena - Post-Production. Alba Roland Mejia, Co-Writer, Director and Producer. Derrick Hogan Jr., Co-Writer & Executive Producer. Jesus Peña, Producer. Gee Moloi, Producer. MAYA – Production. June Wang, Producer. Xin Liu, Writer & Director. April Wang, Producer. Small Claims – Post-Production. Shizue Roche Adachi, Writer & Director. Eileen McNulty, Lead Producer & Assistant Director. Rosii Floreak, Co-Producer. JoonYung 'Faith' Choi, Co-Producer. Hoops - Development/Pre-Production. Anthony Redner Magana, Writer, Director & Producer. At the End of Times - Post-Production. Luca Capponi, Producer. Rodolfo L. Mase Dari, Director. Ashley Monti, Editor. Maiden Lane – Post-Production. Nova Duarte Martinez, Producer. Ivy Anderson, Co-Writer, Co-Director. & Devon Angus, Co-Writer, Co-Director. 2025 DOCUMENTARY GRANT AWARD WINNERS An Independent Spark - The Zona Roberts Story – Nina Rappaport Rowan, Producer, James Buchanan, Director, Dr. Victor Pineda, Co-Producer. Barren Grounds: The Final Expedition – Matthew Boyd, Director and Producer . Belly of The World – April September, Director, Lucia Palmarini, Producer, Dana Eshi, Producer. Between The Sun and the Sidewalk – Helen De Michiel, Director and Producer . El Oaxaqueño [working title] – David Zlutnick, Director and Producer, Armando Aparicio, Producer, Angela Reginato, Producer. Fighting Forward – Rivkah Beth Medow, Director, Jen Rainin, Director, Juli Vizza, Editor. Handmade Death: An Intimate Rendezvous with Mortality – Jan Stürmann, Director, Gina Leibrecht, Editor. I Do: Finding Love Behind Bars – Rahsaan Thomas, Director, Writer, Producer, Brian Gonsoulin, Producer, Editor. In the Red: Changing Lives to Save Lives - Mimi Chakarova, Director, Aisha Knowles, Producer, Julias Canada, Producer. Instrumental: The Elayne Jones Project – Grace Wang, Director, Producer, Jameka Autry, Producer, Julie Wyman, Co-Director/ Co-Producer. Living Harriet Tubman – Matty Lynn Barnes, Producer, Brandon Tauszik, Co-Director, Theo Schear, Co- Director. Make A Circle – Jen Bradwell, Co-Director, Todd Boekelheide, Co-Director, Rebekah Fergusson, Producer. Power & Light – Kelly Duane de la Vega, Director, Jessica Anthony, Producer, Joey Horan, Associate Producer. Rebel Without A Pause – Maya Cueva, Director. Relative Strangers – Deann Borshay Liem, Director and Producer. Rematriate The Land – Christopher "Toby" McLeod, Director. Revolución Sin Muertos / Revolution Without Death – Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi Producer, Director, Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi, Producer. The Chaplain & The Doctor – Jessica Zitter, Director and Producer. The Coral Rescuers – Jason Spingarn-Koff, Director, Joanna Rudnick, Producer, Bonni Cohen, Executive Producer. The End of Isolation – Sarah Shourd, Co-Director, Bobby Field, Co-Director, Suotonye Emile DeWeaver, Producer. The Tallest Dwarf – Julie Forrest Wyman, Director and Producer. The United States of Urvashi – Nancy Kates, Director and Producer. Untitled Alexandra Billings Project – Nico Opper, Director and Producer, Jude Hope Harris, Producer. Untitled Education Documentary – Zachary Stauffer, Co-Director, Producer, Joanna Rudnick Co-Director, Producer, Jameka Autry, Producer. STUDENT DOCUMENTARY PROJECTS The Glacier Wedding – Thomas Sawano, Co-Director, Amin Muhammad, Co-Director - UC Berkeley. The Unclaimed – Xingyu Wu, Director, Editor, Kelly Liu, Associate Director, Cinematographer - UC Berkeley. Strangers on Our Land – Zane Karram, Producer, Co-Director, Kelsey Oliver, Producer, Co-Director – UC Berkeley. City of Smoke – Producer and Director: Nadia Akbar, Co-Director, Co-Producer, Alicia Chiang, Co-Director, Co-Producer - UC Berkeley Allensworth Rising: A Fight For Water – Isabella Marzban, Co-Director, Neenma Ebeledike, Co-Director – UC Berkeley. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Events and Screenings — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE BFF Events and Film Screenings BFF presents year-round community screenings, workshops, and professional development opportunities. Between six to eight screenings happen annually at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, showcasing finished films BFF has funded. We will also host special exhibition programs, including a program of short films illuminating the impact of the justice system, and the Saul Zaentz Film Series, a weekend highlighting the legendary producer. UPCOMING EVENTS Meeting the Moment - Join us for a five-film screening series exploring resilience, empathy, and the enduring strength of our shared humanity. Inspired by the legacy of visionary producer Saul Zaentz, the Berkeley Film Foundation presents Meeting the Moment, five powerful true stories of people challenging systems and reimagining community. Please join us for a program of five independent documentary films by award-winning East Bay filmmakers, all previous BFF grantees.  Stay after the films for a lively panel discussion and interactive audience Q&A with the filmmakers and guests. We hope to see you there! November 14 – November 22, 2025 Film Lineup: Make a Circle : Nov 14, 7pm at the  Smith Rafael Film Center Clarissa’s Battle : Nov 16, 1pm at the Smith Rafael Film Center The Tallest Dwarf : Nov 19 6:45pm at The New Parkway Theatre The Strike : Nov 20 at The New Parkway Theatre Sally! : Nov 22 at The New Parkway Theatre PAST EVENTS Screening: Water for Life Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Screening: Skin of Glass Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Contact — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE CONTACT US Saul Zaentz Center 2600 Tenth Street, Suite 427 Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 705-1481 (office) INQUIRIES Program Director, Isabella Miller – [email protected] FOLLOW US SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley FILM Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio 2022 Winners — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE 2022 GRANT AWARD WINNERS Sally – Deborah Craig, Director. *Saul Zaentz Award All We Carry – Cady Voge, Director and Co-Producer. *Al Bendich Award The Long Rescue – Jennifer Huang, Director. To Be – Tony Nguyen, Director. Get Your 10s – Rashaad Newsome, Director and Producer. Like Heaven Without God – Luca Cappon, Director. Between the Sun and the Sidewalk – Helen de Michiel, Writer, Director and Producer. Black Mothers – Débora Souza Silva, Director and Producer. Stripped for Parts: American Journalism at the Crossroads – Rick Goldsmith, Director and Producer.  Sansón and Me – Rodrigo Reyes, Director. The Lost – Vincent Cortez, Writer, Director, Producer and Editor. The Movement and the Madman – Stephanie Mechura, Producer and Editor. Jack Has a Plan – Bradley Berman, Director. Standing Above the Clouds – Jalena Keane-Lee, Director. Driver – Ines Hofmann Kanna, Producer.  Water for Life – Rick Tejada-Flores Producer. * * Thank you to the City of Emeryville for supporting these Emeryville filmmakers. STUDENT FILMS Washed Ashore – Cameron Nielsen, Co-Director and Co-Producer – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and Ley Heimgartner, Co-Director and Co-Producer. Raspberry Jam – Sepideh Khosrowjah, Writer and Director – San Francisco State University. The Safest Place – In Jeong Kim, Co-Director and Co-Producer – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and Michaela Vatcheva, Co-Director and Co-Producer. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio 2024 Winners — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE 2024 NARRATIVE GRANT AWARD WINNERS Behind the Horizon Line – Chisato Hughes, Director, Writer, and Producer. *Saul Zaentz Creative Vision Award Be Here Now – Chi Chi Castillo and Lauren Melton, Co-Directors, Writers and Producers. *Saul Zaentz Award Freyr – David Telles, Director, Yvan Iturriaga, Producer. *Bianca Beyrouti Legacy Award Niki, Tomi, Beto – Jon Ayon, Director, Writer. The Other Side – Erik Philip, Director. Camino – Florencia Manovil, Director, Writer. 2024 DOCUMENTARY GRANT AWARD WINNERS The Invisible Valley – Elivia Shaw, Director. *2024 Saul Zaentz Award Julia Vinograd: Between Spirit and Stone – Ken Paul Rosenthal, Director and Producer. *2024 Al Bendich Award Becoming Us – Loi Ameera Almeron, Producer, Eli Hiller, Director. *Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Elevate Award Time Hunter – Daniel Chein, Co-Director, Mushiva, Co-Director, David Felix Sutcliffe, Producer. *Saul Zaentz Creative Vision Award All We Carry – Cady Voge, Director, Rachel Clara Reed, Editor and Co-Producer, Laura Pilloni, Producer, Laura Tatham, Producer. As You Choose – Elly Schmidt-Hopper, Director, Producer, Joe Barnett, Director of Photography. Burrocracy – Asali Echols, Director, George Csicsery, Producer, Kat McLain, Cinematographer. Cabras y Chivas – Palmer Morse, Co-Director, Nick Stone Schearer, Co-Director, Catalina Luna, Producer and Translator. Contamination – Ariel Ritchin, Director and Producer, Zahra Rasool, Producer. Existimos en la Memoria – Darian Woehr, Director, Hailey Sadler, Producer – Produced by The Home Collective. Fog Eaters – Kyle Baker, Director and Producer, Produced by Mimetic Films. Outcry: Alchemists of Rage – Clare Major, Director and Producer, Whitney Bradshaw, Producer, Rivkah Beth Medow, Producer, Jen Rainin, Producer. Plant Life – Brett Marty and Josh Izenberg, Co-Creators. Post-Atlantic: The Art of Dewey Crumpler – Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman, Co-Directors, Co-Producers. Sally! – Deborah Craig, Ondine Rarey, Jörg Fockele The Aunties (working title) – Pallavi Somusetty, Director, Prerana Thakurdesai, Producer. The Strike – JoeBill Muñoz, Director/Producer, Lucas Guilkey, Director and Producer. Untitled Gus Newport film project – Leah Mahan, Co-Director and Producer, Damien Durr, Co-Director. Women Who Ride – Jessica Jones, Director, Debra Wilson, Producer. STUDENT FILMS Juvenile Lifers – Shadeed Wallace-Stepter, Director and Producer – Berkeley City College student. (M)otherhood – Maggie Fuller, Director and Producer, Jule Sophie Hermann, Director and Cinematographer – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Unconditional – Danica Simonet, Director and Co-Producer, Albert Gregory, Co-Producer and Director – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. When the Smoke Clears – Misha Schwarz and Maarya Zafar, Co-Creators – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. This is Not a Climate Film – Hana Beach and Beki San Martin, Co-Creators – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Grants Overview — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE 2026 Berkeley FILM Foundation Grants Program GRANT PROGRAM DATES We are happy to announce the dates of our 2026 grant programs: Documentary Grant Program Mar 16, 2026 – Application window OPENS April 13, 2026 – Application deadline Narrative Short Grant Program July 27, 2026 – Application window OPENS August 24, 2026 – Application deadline PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Berkeley Film Foundation’s core work is providing project grants to locally-made films and offers two open call grant programs each year. The Documentary Grant Program opens annually in the Spring and the Narrative Short Grant Program opens in the Fall each year. The grants we provide are between $5,000 – $25,000 each and the application mirrors IDA’s Core Application used by many film organizations around the country. To qualify for a BFF grant, you must be a resident of one of the following cities: Richmond, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland or ALameda. Requirements differ for each of our grant programs, so please refer to each program page for full guidelines and eligibility. NARRATIVE SHORT FILM GRANT >> “ I am very grateful for Berkeley Film Foundation’s award to my personal documentary “Home Yet Far Away” about finding home in America as an Iranian immigrant. Funding for personal films is very hard to come by. The BFF grant not only helped me financially, but also provided me with an industry credential with which to solicit additional funding for my project. ” — Sabereh Kashi, Director Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio 2025 — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Since its founding in 2009, the Berkeley FILM Foundation has proudly supported over 300 independent films that reflect the diversity, creativity, and social consciousness of our local filmmaking community. From compelling documentaries to bold narrative shorts, each project we fund contributes to the vibrant cinematic hub that is the Bay Area. We invite you to explore the full list of projects we have supported in 2025 and learn more about each of them by clicking the available links. Projects supported in other years are listed in the drop down menu. 2025 NARRATIVE SHORT GRANT AWARD WINNERS Wasted Resources – Production. Patricia Lee, Writer & Director. Sean Gillane, Producer. Chris Walters, Producer. Christopher Ford, Executive Producer. Trenches – Production. Yvan Iturriaga, Writer & Director. Monica Castro, Producer. Chris Goodman, Producer. Josh Healey, Executive Producer. For the Culture – Post-Production. Anna Marie Sharpe, Director, Writer & CoExecutive Producer. Priscilla Lam, Co-Executive Producer. Andrew Ratermann, Producer . Greetings From St. Helena - Post-Production. Alba Roland Mejia, Co-Writer, Director and Producer. Derrick Hogan Jr., Co-Writer & Executive Producer. Jesus Peña, Producer. Gee Moloi, Producer. MAYA – Production. June Wang, Producer. Xin Liu, Writer & Director. April Wang, Producer. Small Claims – Post-Production. Shizue Roche Adachi, Writer & Director. Eileen McNulty, Lead Producer & Assistant Director. Rosii Floreak, Co-Producer. JoonYung 'Faith' Choi, Co-Producer. Hoops - Development/Pre-Production. Anthony Redner Magana, Writer, Director & Producer. At the End of Times - Post-Production. Luca Capponi, Producer. Rodolfo L. Mase Dari, Director. Ashley Monti, Editor. Maiden Lane – Post-Production. Nova Duarte Martinez, Producer. Ivy Anderson, Co-Writer, Co-Director. & Devon Angus, Co-Writer, Co-Director. 2025 DOCUMENTARY GRANT AWARD WINNERS An Independent Spark - The Zona Roberts Story – Nina Rappaport Rowan, Producer, James Buchanan, Director, Dr. Victor Pineda, Co-Producer. Barren Grounds: The Final Expedition – Matthew Boyd, Director and Producer . Belly of The World – April September, Director, Lucia Palmarini, Producer, Dana Eshi, Producer. Between The Sun and the Sidewalk – Helen De Michiel, Director and Producer . El Oaxaqueño [working title] – David Zlutnick, Director and Producer, Armando Aparicio, Producer, Angela Reginato, Producer. Fighting Forward – Rivkah Beth Medow, Director, Jen Rainin, Director, Juli Vizza, Editor. Handmade Death: An Intimate Rendezvous with Mortality – Jan Stürmann, Director, Gina Leibrecht, Editor. I Do: Finding Love Behind Bars – Rahsaan Thomas, Director, Writer, Producer, Brian Gonsoulin, Producer, Editor. In the Red: Changing Lives to Save Lives - Mimi Chakarova, Director, Aisha Knowles, Producer, Julias Canada, Producer. Instrumental: The Elayne Jones Project – Grace Wang, Director, Producer, Jameka Autry, Producer, Julie Wyman, Co-Director/ Co-Producer. Living Harriet Tubman – Matty Lynn Barnes, Producer, Brandon Tauszik, Co-Director, Theo Schear, Co- Director. Make A Circle – Jen Bradwell, Co-Director, Todd Boekelheide, Co-Director, Rebekah Fergusson, Producer. Power & Light – Kelly Duane de la Vega, Director, Jessica Anthony, Producer, Joey Horan, Associate Producer. Rebel Without A Pause – Maya Cueva, Director. Relative Strangers – Deann Borshay Liem, Director and Producer. Rematriate The Land – Christopher "Toby" McLeod, Director. Revolución Sin Muertos / Revolution Without Death – Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi Producer, Director, Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi, Producer. The Chaplain & The Doctor – Jessica Zitter, Director and Producer. The Coral Rescuers – Jason Spingarn-Koff, Director, Joanna Rudnick, Producer, Bonni Cohen, Executive Producer. The End of Isolation – Sarah Shourd, Co-Director, Bobby Field, Co-Director, Suotonye Emile DeWeaver, Producer. The Tallest Dwarf – Julie Forrest Wyman, Director and Producer. The United States of Urvashi – Nancy Kates, Director and Producer. Untitled Alexandra Billings Project – Nico Opper, Director and Producer, Jude Hope Harris, Producer. Untitled Education Documentary – Zachary Stauffer, Co-Director, Producer, Joanna Rudnick Co-Director, Producer, Jameka Autry, Producer. STUDENT DOCUMENTARY PROJECTS The Glacier Wedding – Thomas Sawano, Co-Director, Amin Muhammad, Co-Director - UC Berkeley. The Unclaimed – Xingyu Wu, Director, Editor, Kelly Liu, Associate Director, Cinematographer - UC Berkeley. Strangers on Our Land – Zane Karram, Producer, Co-Director, Kelsey Oliver, Producer, Co-Director – UC Berkeley. City of Smoke – Producer and Director: Nadia Akbar, Co-Director, Co-Producer, Alicia Chiang, Co-Director, Co-Producer - UC Berkeley Allensworth Rising: A Fight For Water – Isabella Marzban, Co-Director, Neenma Ebeledike, Co-Director – UC Berkeley. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Grants Overview — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE 2026 Berkeley FILM Foundation Grants Program GRANT PROGRAM DATES We are happy to announce the dates of our 2026 grant programs: Documentary Grant Program Mar 16, 2026 – Application window OPENS April 13, 2026 – Application deadline Narrative Short Grant Program July 27, 2026 – Application window OPENS August 24, 2026 – Application deadline PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Berkeley Film Foundation’s core work is providing project grants to locally-made films and offers two open call grant programs each year. The Documentary Grant Program opens annually in the Spring and the Narrative Short Grant Program opens in the Fall each year. The grants we provide are between $5,000 – $25,000 each and the application mirrors IDA’s Core Application used by many film organizations around the country. To qualify for a BFF grant, you must be a resident of one of the following cities: Richmond, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland or ALameda. Requirements differ for each of our grant programs, so please refer to each program page for full guidelines and eligibility. NARRATIVE SHORT FILM GRANT >> “ I am very grateful for Berkeley Film Foundation’s award to my personal documentary “Home Yet Far Away” about finding home in America as an Iranian immigrant. Funding for personal films is very hard to come by. The BFF grant not only helped me financially, but also provided me with an industry credential with which to solicit additional funding for my project. ” — Sabereh Kashi, Director Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Donate — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE DONATE We are currently working toward growing our endowment to make us sustainable for the future. Please help us meet this important goal for the long-term. The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Federal Tax ID #: 26-4484794). Contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes in accordance with applicable law.  Please click the button below to process the donation using a credit card through Square. DONATE If you would like to donate via check, please send it to the following address. We will return a paper receipt once received: Berkeley Film Foundation 2600 10th Street, Suite 427 Berkeley, CA 94710 “ Berkeley FILM Foundation recognized the value of our project when we most needed the support. ” — Ariana Garfinkle, Director, “Disturbing School” Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Events and Screenings — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE BFF Events and Film Screenings BFF presents year-round community screenings, workshops, and professional development opportunities. Between six to eight screenings happen annually at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, showcasing finished films BFF has funded. We will also host special exhibition programs, including a program of short films illuminating the impact of the justice system, and the Saul Zaentz Film Series, a weekend highlighting the legendary producer. UPCOMING EVENTS Meeting the Moment - Join us for a five-film screening series exploring resilience, empathy, and the enduring strength of our shared humanity. Inspired by the legacy of visionary producer Saul Zaentz, the Berkeley Film Foundation presents Meeting the Moment, five powerful true stories of people challenging systems and reimagining community. Please join us for a program of five independent documentary films by award-winning East Bay filmmakers, all previous BFF grantees.  Stay after the films for a lively panel discussion and interactive audience Q&A with the filmmakers and guests. We hope to see you there! November 14 – November 22, 2025 Film Lineup: Make a Circle : Nov 14, 7pm at the  Smith Rafael Film Center Clarissa’s Battle : Nov 16, 1pm at the Smith Rafael Film Center The Tallest Dwarf : Nov 19 6:45pm at The New Parkway Theatre The Strike : Nov 20 at The New Parkway Theatre Sally! : Nov 22 at The New Parkway Theatre PAST EVENTS Screening: Water for Life Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Screening: Skin of Glass Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Workshops — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE BFF COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS BFF hosts educational workshops designed to provide tangible, concrete support to the Bay Area’s independent film community by offering practical guidance and industry insights. These free (or low cost), lecture-style events are led by respected industry experts and cover essential topics such as funding strategies, distribution, community engagement, and navigating complex filmmaking partnerships. More than 500 emerging and established filmmakers have participated in the program.  Workshops are typically offered twice a year at the David Brower Center in downtown Berkeley. In 2025, BFF will be partnering with BAVC (Bay Area Video Coalition) on their summer workshop series. More details will become available in the coming weeks, so please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates and ticketing information: Is Your Work Sample Working? | Thursday, July 31 | virtual Nonfiction Core Application Q&A | Tuesday, August 26 | virtual Breaking Down Your Budget (Budgeting Part 1) | Tuesday, September 2 | virtual Dig Into Your Budget (Budgeting Part 2) | Thursday, September 4 | in-person (TBD) Bay Area Film Funder Panel | Tuesday, September 23 | virtual PAST WORKSHOPS Crafting Winning Film Samples, April 2024 The Art of Sustainable Filmmaking, November 2023 Educational Distribution, April 2023 Looking for our past workshops? Find them on our YouTube channel . Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio Documentary Grant Program — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE THE DOCUMENTARY GRANT PROGRAM The 2026 Documentary Grant Program is now open! The Berkeley Film Foundation provides grants in the production, post-production and distribution stages for documentary projects. Our grants are determined on a competitive basis and range from $5,000 – $25,000. We do not fund documentaries in pre-production or development.  The deadline to apply is: April 13, 2026 at 11:59p 2026 General Grant Guidelines The Berkeley Film Foundation (BFF) is pleased to open applications for our 2026 Documentary Grant Program. Once you have read through the grant guidelines and find you are a qualified candidate, we invite you to submit an application through Submittable which will be active on our website starting Monday March 16 at 8:00am. The application will not be available to view until then. The deadline to apply for a General Grant AND a Student Grant* is Monday April 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. No extensions will be offered. *Due to the inclusion of a Narrative-short grant cycle on our 2026 calendar, we’ve had to shorten our timeline to accommodate for adequate review and therefore, student and general grant applications will be due at the same time. If you are are unable to submit a written application, please contact Isabella Miller at [email protected] to discuss accommodations and alternative methods to apply. Additionally, if you have any questions about the application, please feel free to reach out to Isabella. However, please read through these instructions in their entirety before connecting. PLEASE READ: CHANGE IN ELIGIBILITY Narrative/fiction short film projects (animation or live action) will not be accepted in this program. Instead, a dedicated Narrative-short film program will open July 27, 2026. Guidelines for this program will be available in a couple of months. Program Description The Berkeley Film Foundation supports East Bay-based emerging and established independent filmmakers whose work combines intellectual clarity with creative use of the medium. We support documentary works that have a social consciousness and addresses complex issues of our time. BFF follows many aspects of IDA’s Core App 3.0 (v 2024) , however, it is not identical to the Core, so please be sure to read the questions on this application carefully and complete the answers to the best of your ability. Eligibility The Berkeley Film Foundation only funds filmmakers who work or live in the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Alameda or Oakland . You must provide a physical address in one of these cities in the application – a P.O. Box unfortunately doesn’t count. The applicant must be the primary creator of the work as in the Director or Producer, i.e., the editor cannot apply for a grant. Additionally, the applicant must be: • At least 18 years of age when submitting as a professional, • Residing or working in a qualified city for at least one year prior to the application deadline, • A credited Executive Producer is not eligible to apply. As stated above in the introduction, Narrative/fiction short film projects (animation or live action) will not be accepted in this cycle. Instead, a separate grant cycle will be opening later this summer for Narrative films only. If you are a previous grant award winner, you may not reapply with the same project in consecutive years. In a non-consecutive year, if you are reapplying for the same project, it should be for funding in another category (i.e. if you received production or post-production funding, you may reapply for outreach and community engagement funding. For ITVS funded films, we can only accept applications for distribution. However, BFF will consider projects that have received an ITVS Diversity Development Grant.) Finally, BFF will not consider a new film proposal from a former grant recipient until the prior funded film is completed. Eligible Categories in April 2026: • Short Documentary (30 minutes or less) • Long Documentary (over 30 minutes) Not Eligible: • Broadcast news journalism • Broadcast reality entertainment • Advertising Commercials • Industrial or Corporate Media • Music Videos • Art/Media installations We Do Not Fund: • Retroactive costs • Media projects other than film or video. • Organizational projects for internal or promotional use. • General operating expenses of companies or organizations. What Do We Fund? Berkeley Film Foundation provides grants in the production, post-production and distribution stages of the film project. We do not fund projects in the pre-production or development phase. Applicants may submit one project for consideration per funding cycle. The Berkeley Film Foundation is interested in films that have a social consciousness and shine a light on untold stories of oppression or historical mistreatment, stories celebrating underrepresented communities, films about environmental degradation or climate change, educational films about little-known science, health, local history or profile films of an individual who is challenging norms or fighting the status quo. We value films of varying styles and types, from verité to direct cinema. We prioritize supporting films that meaningfully engage East Bay/Bay Area–based talent. While projects do not need to focus on Bay Area subject matter, we are most interested in work that is rooted in the region and produced locally. Our goal is for our grants to strengthen and sustain the Bay Area filmmaking ecosystem. We do not fund art installations, nor do we fund commercial work or anything that is “for-hire” and to be used for commercial purposes. We judge films based on originality and creativity. Does the film tell a new story or contain a unique angle on an old premise? Is the filmmaker telling the story with imagination and using new techniques? The subject of the film is also taken into consideration. Does this story need to be told? Is this a film that will gain a wide audience both within and outside of serious film viewers? Does the filmmaking team display a level of professionalism that will enable the film to be completed? We also consider the issue of authorship: Why is this person telling this story? Is this the right person to be telling this story? These are some examples of things that the team could address in the application. The Grants BFF has three tiers of grants available to filmmakers: special awards of $25,000 and $20,000 (listed below), general grants of between $5,000-$15,000 and student grants of $5,000. The number of general grants and student grants distributed can change each year depending on our available funds. In the past few cycles, we have been able to fund 20-25 films per year. You cannot apply separately for the named special grant awards. Those are determined from the full pool of applications. General grants awarded will usually range b Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE PAST WINNERS 2009 – 2021 2021 Grant Award Winners I Didn’t See You There – Reid Davenport. *Saul Zaentz Award Skin of Glass – Denise Zmekhol. *Al Bendich Award A Thousand Pines – Sebastián Díaz Aguirre. *Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Elevate Award Boogaloo Originals – Spencer Wilkinson. Death and Deathability: A Period Piece – Maria Victoria Ponce. Hangtown – Lyntoria Newton and Stuart Harmon. Heaven Through the Backdoor – Banker White, Anna Fitch and Sara Dosa. Instrumental: The Elayne Jones Story – Grace Wang and Julie Wyman. Julia Vinograd: Between Spirit and Stone – Ken Paul Rosenthal. On the Divide – Maya Cueva. Pleistocene Park – Luke Griswold-Tergis. Quest – Santiago Rizzo. Sanctuary Rising – Theo Rigby. Sunday Errand – Christy Chan. The Curse of the Mutant Heirloom – Debra Schaffner. Who the Hell is Johnny Otis? – Doug Harris and David Zeiger. Student Grant Award Winners After Hours – Neil Haeems. Anchored Out – Clara Mokri and Katie Bernstein. Barrier Lands – Joey Horan. Kiana – Shandaeya Caldwell. Orchestra from Oil Drums – Gail Feldman. 2020 Grant Award Winners  Fruits of Labor – Emily Cohen Ibañez. *Saul Zaentz Award Untitled Prison Hunger Strike Film – Lucas Guilkey. *Al Bendich Award Oaklead – Alex Bledsoe. *Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Elevate Award Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? – Francisco Núñez Capriles. The Lake Merritt Monster – Benjamin MulHolland. Vivien's Wild Ride – Jessica Anthony and Vivien Hillgrove. Two Rivers – Todd Darling. We Still Here / Aquí Estamos – Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi. When You Were Young – Tracey Quezada. Shelter In The Palace – John Slattery. Student Grant Award Winners 8 Days at Ware – Meg Shutzer and Rachel Mueller – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Na Luta Delas – Orion Rose Kelly and Pedro Cota – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. My Own Mecca – Alba Roland Mejias – San Francisco State University. Alpha Phi Nightmare – Neil Haeems – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Crow Country – Tsanavi Spoonhunter – UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. 2019 Grant Award Winners Sansón and Me – Rodrigo Reyes. *Saul Zaentz Award Black Mothers – Debora Souza Silva. *Al Bendich Award The North Pole 2 – Yvan Iturriaga. Spring Valley – Garrett Zevgetis, Ariana Garfinkel. United States vs. Reality Winner – Sonia Kennebeck/Ines Hofmann Kanna. Moody Suzy – David Telles. Through the Windows – Bret Parker. ataraxia – Haley Seppa. Undocumented Justice – Marlene Morris. Stripped For Parts – Rick Goldsmith. Last Days of Paradise High – Co-Directed by Emily Thomas and Derek Knowles. White Highlands – Daphne Matziaraki. The Blind Captain – Sarahbeth Maney. Student Grant Award Winners Irse – Co-directed by Marian Carrasquero and J.P. Dobrin. A Place To Breathe – Michelle Grace Steinberg. Sheila E. – Jennifer Steinman Sternin. Untitled Dwarfism Project – Julie F. Wyman. Vanishing Chinatown: The May’s Photo Studio – Emiko Omori/Lydia Tanji. Home Yet Far Away – Sabereh Kashi. Emeryville Grant Award Winner Hale – Brad Bailey. 2018 Grant Award Winners Bryan Gibel, Director / Producer | A.K. Sandhu, Producer, Sign My Name to Freedom. *Saul Zaentz Award Shareef Nasir, Director | Dana Nachman, Producer, Case 993. *Al Bendich Award Andres Alegria, Director / Producer | Abel Sanchez, Director / Producer, Song for Cesar * Denise Zmekhol, Director / Producer | Amir Soltani, Co-Producer, Skin of Glass Ellen Spiro, Come And Take It Jed Riffe, Producer | Frances Causey, Director, The Long Shadow Johnny Symons, Director / Producer | Kenyon Symons-Rogers, Director | Daniel Chein, Co-Producer, Hoodie Lacy Jane Roberts, Co-Director | Luisa Conlon, Hanna Miller, Co-Directors, We Became Fragments Lee Swenson, Producer | Judith Ehrlich, Director | Christopher Jones, Producer, The Boys Who Said No Mark DeSaulnier, Producer | Spencer Wilkinson, Director, One Voice Mark Oltmanns, Director | Jason Motlagh, Co-Director, The Unwanted Mathew Ramirez Warren, Director / Producer, Weed Dreams Meg Smaker, Director / Producer | Bryan Storkel, Producer | Abigail Disney, Executive Producer, The UnRedacted Nina Menendez, Producer | Maureen Gosling, Director | Jed Riffe, Producer, The Nine Lives of Barbara Dane Rick Tejada-Flores, Producer | Will Parrinello, Director, Troubled Water * Robin Fryday, Director / Producer, We Are Kids Sean Buckelew, Director | Jeanette Bonds, Producer, Drone Stephen Most, Producer | Kevin White, Director, Wilder than Wild Yoav Potash, Director / Producer | Brad Marshland, Producer, Diary from the Ashes * Thank you to the City of Emeryville for supporting these Emeryville filmmakers. Student Grant Award Winners Anaiis K. Cisco, Gryl Daniel Chein, Sonsplitter Juhee So | Russell Kiel, Producer, Maelstorm Lovage Sharrock, XRAYSPEX Nani Walker | Grace Oyenubi, Director / Producer, Forced Natalya Sharapova, Your Number’s Up Serginho Roosblad, The Maze 2017 Grant Award Winners Sara Lafleur-Vetter, The Sacred & The Snake. *Saul Zaentz Award Lise Pearlman, American Justice on Trial: People v. Newton. *Al Bendich Award Bill Kinder, Wartime Projections Delnaz Abadi, The Secret Fatwa Jason Cohn, Mad as Hell! Jennifer Steinman, The Musical Legacy of Sheila E. Jim LeBrecht, Crip Camp Kim Anno, Quba Marsha Mather-Thrift, Capture a Legacy Michelantony Dunston, Life and the Lady Peter Li-Pan Lee, Don’t Be A Hero Pratibha Parmar, My Name is Andrea* Pam Uzzell, Welcome to the Neighborhood Sam Ellison, Voyagers Yvan Iturriaga, The North Pole * Thank you to the City of Emeryville for supporting these Emeryville filmmakers. Student Grant Award Winners Anaiis K. Cisco, Breathless Bradford Bailey, Hale Deborah Craig, It’s Been a Great Ride Isara Krieger, Beacon Jason Hanasik, How To Make A Pearl Maya Craig, Water Town Molly Stuart, Objector 2016 Grant Award Winners Sheri Shuster, Still I Rise. *Saul Zaentz Award Dawn Valadez, The Pushouts.  *Al Bendich Award Connie Field, The Whistleblower of My Lai David Brown, Setting the Word on Fire Mike Seely, Exiled: America’s Deported Veterans Marlene Morris, A New Color Amir Soltani, Dogtown Redemption Kevin Wong, Home Is A Hotel Jane Greenberg, The Surrender of Waymond Hall – in partnership with The East Bay Community Foundation Erika Cohn, Belly of the Beast – in partnership with the LaFetra Family Foundation Student Grant Award Winners Melina Tupa, The Search Alsanosi Adam, Losing Oakland Daniel Chein, Sonsplitter Kayo Gorden, Possessed Simona Schneider, Moll Romin Lee Johnson, Paparon Yuhe Yao, I Take A Long Nap on the White River 2015 Grant Award Winners Harrod Blank and Gina Leibrecht, Les Blank: A Quiet Revelation.*Saul Zaentz Award Jason Zeldes and Michael Klein, Romeo is Bleeding Jun Stinson, Futbolistas 4 Life Marcy Cravat, Angel Azul Morgan Schmidt-Feng, On Her Own Rebekah Fergusson, Navigating The Divide Rick Goldsmith, Mind / Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique 2023 Winners — The Berkeley Film Foundation 0 Skip to Content Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home About About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Grants Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Events Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Winners 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE Open Menu Close Menu Home Folder: About Back About BFF Team Press 2020 – 2023 Impact Report Folder: Grants Back Grants Overview Narrative Short Film Program Documentary Grant Program Student Grants BFF Festival Fund FAQ Folder: Events Back Events and Screenings Saul Zaentz Film Series Workshops Folder: Winners Back 2025 2024 2023 2022 Previous Winners 2021 – 2009 Contact Search DONATE 2023 GRANT AWARD WINNERS Tracker – Courtney Quirin, Director. *Saul Zaentz Award Who Moves America – Yael Bridge, Director, Yoni Golijov, Mars Verrone and Jeremy Flood, Producers. *Al Bendich Award Finding Ma – Thanh Tran, Director. *Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Elevate Award Finding the Money – Maren Poitras, Director, Marc Smolowitz, Executive Producer. Friendly Signs – Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, Director, Producer and Writer, Brian Asey, Director of Photography, Producer and Editor, Christine Yoo, Producer. Gloria – Kim Blanck, Writer and Director, Caitlin Machak, Cinematographer. Growing Up with Ghosts – Marilyn Mulford and Aleixo Gonzalves, Co-Directors, Co-Producers. Holder of the Sky – Tsanavi Spoonhunter, Director. Midwaste – Liz Roberts, Director. Mother – Meg Shutzer and Brandon Yadigari Moreno, Co-Creators. My Sister-In-Law the Prime Minister – Lexi Leban, Director and Producer, Violet Du Feng and S.Leo Chiang, Producers. ¡Quba! – Kim Anno, Director and Co-Producer, Kyung Lee, Co-Producer and Editor. Sinking Feeling – Zachary Epcar, Director. Sweeping Graves – Kevin Duncan Wong, Writer and Director, Vanessa Moreno Gentry, Writer and Producer. The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane – Maureen Gosling, Director, Jed Riffe, Producer and Nina Menéndez, Executive Producer. The Eclipse 5:40 – Maria Victoria Ponce, Writer, Director and Producer, Liz Anderson, Producer, Alexander Fletcher, Director of Photography. The Highest Standard – Isara Krieger, Director, Producer and Cinematographer, Jessica Estelle Huggins, Producer. Tulare Lake – John Picklap, Director. Undocumented Justice – Marlene (Mo) Morris, Director and Producer, Jed Riffe, Producer, Nicole Solis-Sison, Producer. Wood Street Untitled Documentary – Caron Creighton, Director, Estevan Padilla, Producer. STUDENT FILMS ARTificial Intelligence – Tanay Gokhale and Zhiwei Feng, Co-Creators – University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.  Jardines – Alfredo Torres – University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. That Kid from Oakland – Pablo Hernandez and Ciella Sfirri, Co-Creators – University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.  The Spark – Gabriel Studer-Randall, Co-Producer and Cinematographer, Emrys Mayell, Co-Producer and Cinematographer, Brian Barth Director and Co-Producer – San Francisco State University. The Weight They Carry – Grace Galletti and Zhiwei Feng, Co-Creators – UC Berkeley School of Investigative Journalism. Berkeley Film Foundation Berkeley, California, United States © 2025 Berkeley FILM Foundation DONATE The Berkeley Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATE SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive Berkeley Film Foundation news and updates! Email Address SIGN UP Thank you for signing up to learn more about the Berkeley FILM Foundation! Website design by workingtitle.studio