Film and Media Studies

Documentary Exploration Grants

Since 2018, the Colorado College Documentary Exploration Grants have funded nearly 20 films that have won international recognition, screened at top film festivals, and aired on PBS. The program provides up to $10,000 for character-driven documentaries and pairs student filmmakers with alumni mentors. All students are eligible, regardless of major and including graduating seniors. Don’t miss this incredible storytelling opportunity!

Updates

The 2025 Documentary Exploration Grant Winners are Niko Cvitanic and Pang Pongsirirushakun! Congratulations!
 
Information for the 2026 Documentary Exploration Grant Application will be posted here in Spring 2026.

About

Background and Purpose

The Colorado College Documentary Exploration Grants seek to use documentary filmmaking as a means to tell today's most powerful stories. Given the ability of film to support interdisciplinary conversations and analysis, students across campus are invited to apply for grants to research and create character-driven documentary films that push them outside their comfort zone and challenge their world-view. Competitive projects will explore personal, social, environmental, or cultural perspectives; engage an audience; and invite solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.

The grant also encourages students to take advantage of the network of CC alumni in the documentary filmmaking space. Students will be able to tap into the collective expertise of these alumni through close mentorship throughout the life of the project. Based on need, one or two alumni will help guide the filmmaking journey.

Grants will range from $500 - $10,000 based on the budgetary needs of the proposed project. Projects should be entirely student produced.

Grant monies may not be used to purchase filmmaking equipment or other gear that becomes the property of the student; however, gear rental, travel, food costs, special services, finishing and festival costs, and other expenses may be supported.

All students, regardless of major and including graduating seniors, in good academic standing are eligible to apply, assuming they meet the requirements spelled out in the application. Filmmaking teams are supported and encouraged.

  • February 5: Documentary Exploration Grant Launch Screening and Information Session
    • Cornerstone Screening Room (131) 3:30 PM
  • March 5: Deadline for submission
  • Awards will be announced before the end of Block 8
  • For additional questions, please reach out to Dr. Baran Germen at bgermen@coloradocollege.edu or the Film and Media Studies Program at askfilm@coloradocollege.edu

Projects are expected to be completed within a calendar year; they will be showcased at a public screening event in Cornerstone Arts Center. Recipients will introduce their work and provide commentary on the process for making their film. 

See the link on the right hand side of the page (or bottom of the page if using a mobile device) to submit your application.

We highly suggest reviewing the materials needed and application FAQs HERE.

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FAQ's

Q: Do I need to be a Film and Media Studies major to apply?

All students, from all majors, including graduating seniors, are eligible to apply. However, you should be able to demonstrate the ability to complete your project successfully – which means you and your team should have sufficient filmmaking experience to do so.

At least one team member must be a current student, and that person will be the grantee. If these terms are met, a team can also include recent CC graduates. It is permissible to have non-CC team members, but you must describe in your application why these team members are vital to the project.

Yes, subject to your experience with the gear you are requesting and subject to the curricular needs of the Film and Media Studies program. You should have completed at least one filmmaking course at CC to request program gear. Summer projects are the easiest to support with FM gear, given the demands on FM gear during the academic year. However, one full gear kit is available on a first-priority basis for Documentary Exploration grantees during the regular academic year. Once you are granted, please send your gear “wish list” and proposed dates to FM Technical Director Madi Powell (mpowell2023@coloradocollege.edu). 

Gear may not be purchased using grant funds. 

You will be assigned a project mentor or mentors shortly following your grant award. You must meet with your mentor(s) prior to any filming and at various key milestones during the project. You must submit your project to your mentor at the rough cut stage for feedback and advice. You can request a specific mentor in your application, provided that you explain why that person is the best fit.

If you are proposing to make a documentary as part of your thesis, for Film and Media Studies or in another department, you may use your Documentary Exploration Grant to support that thesis. However, receiving a Documentary Exploration Grant for a project does not guarantee that that project will be approved as a thesis project. All thesis projects at Colorado College are subject to a given department’s approval and advising processes.

Unfortunately, some projects fall through due to limitations or changes for the filmmaker and/or subject. It is vitally important to let the Documentary Grant Committee know as soon as possible. In some cases, the grantee may submit a new grant proposal for approval. If this is not possible, or if the proposal is not approved, all gifted funds must be returned to the College.

Professor Jordan Lord (jlord2023@coloradocollege.edu) can help you with any questions about the grant. You can also reach out to askfilm@coloradocollege.edu. 

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Report an issue - Last updated: 10/10/2025