4th World - Indigenous Media Lab

The 4th World Indigenous Media Lab is a year-long fellowship for emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers, providing opportunities to develop filmmaking skills and networks through festival participation, hands-on training, masterclasses, workshopping projects in development, pitch activities, and meetings with funders and other industry decision-makers. Fellowship activities take place September 2021 through May 2022 at three film festivals:

- Camden International Film Festival - September 2021 (Camden ME)

- Big Sky Documentary Film Festival - February 2022  (Missoula MT)

- Seattle International Film Festival - April 2022 (Seattle WA)

The program is a collaborative partnership between the festivals and Nia Tero. The Points North Institute in Camden provides a vast network of peer and industry mentors and resources at CIFF, including access to the Points North Forum and opportunities for one-on-one connections with future collaborators and funders. At Big Sky, fellows will attend the DocShop filmmaker’s forum, Indigenous filmmaker screenings and events, and a private seminar with leaders in the Indigenous filmmaking community and the film industry at large. The Seattle experience, in partnership with Nia Tero, offers industry master classes, hands-on training and global networking in the SIFF urban festival atmosphere.

The program is open to Indigenous peoples residing in North America including Native American, Alaska Native, Kanaka Maoli, First Nations, Métis and Inuit of Canada, and those of Indigenous heritage from south of the US border and of Pasifika heritage living in North America. Finalists will be selected and announced in June 2021. The selected fellows will receive a $10,000 artist development grant from the Nia Tero Foundation and the following benefits for each festival visit:

- Round trip travel and accommodations (or travel stipend to cover costs) *

- Meal per diem (cash stipend to cover meals and incidentals) *

- All Access Festival Pass 

* Pending travel budgets and restrictions due to the pandemic. If travel is not possible, workshops and industry meetings will be offered virtually.

ELIGIBILITY & CONSIDERATIONS

Eligible to apply are Indigenous peoples residing in North America including Native American, Alaska Natives, Kanaka Maoli, First Nations, Métis and Inuit of Canada, and those of Indigenous heritage from south of the US border and of Pasifika heritage living in North America. Each filmmaker will have at least two years’ experience in professional filmmaking. Applicants should have an active work-in-progress or finished film they are prepared to pitch, workshop or market with mentors and industry.

In light of recent events related to Indigenous artists, identity, and opportunities created for Indigenous storytelling, it remains the goal of 4th World Indigenous Media Lab to focus on emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers with lived Indigenous experience. It is our intention to save this space for persons who have done the work of learning about and being in community with their Indigenous family and peers, with the goal of connecting to one’s unique lived experience, reflecting on how it has been shaped by the knowledge, joy, challenges, and history of one’s elders and ancestors. As such, we will ask all who apply to this lab to share more about their journey toward connecting with their ancestors, with a goal of nurturing authentic, accountable storytelling and bringing forward stories rooted in lived Indigenous realities. Wherever you are on your personal journey toward embracing your Indigenous self, your ancestors, and your future, we look forward to meeting you.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Requested application materials include:

- Cover letter and professional bio

- List and description of past projects

- Description and examples of any current film project(s)

- Work sample links or upload

- Artist statement addressing why you are interested in participating in the 4th World Indigenous Media Lab fellowship.

- Statement describing your connection to Indigenous identity, culture and or tribal affiliation

DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 30, 2021 to be considered.

APPLY

To apply, visit Big Sky Documentary Film Festival to create an account on Submittable or sign in to open the application form on their page! Questions? Please contact director@bigskyfilmfest.org

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To learn more about the collaborative partners of the 4th World Indigenous Media Lab experience, explore the links below!

• Nia Tero
• Longhouse Media
• Points North Institute // Camden International Film Festival
• Big Sky Film Institute // Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
• Seattle International Film Festival