Filmmakers, Submit Your Project Now for the 2025 Ohio Humanities Film Fellowship

We're excited to announce the start of the third year of a partnership with Ohio Humanities to support filmmakers working on nonfiction projects about and around the state. 

The Ohio Humanities Film Fellowship is open to independent filmmakers who are working on documentaries informed by the humanities, as defined by these ideas and frameworks. Recipients will receive funding of up to $5000, along with access to mentorship and hands-on support from the experienced, exceptional staff in the Wex Film/Video Studio, our on-site postproduction facility. 

The fellowship program has already backed seven projects, including Family White Elephants, a beautiful family memoir by Mary Jo Bole that received its world premiere at the Wex as part of Cinema Columbus 2024; Eli Hiller’s in-production Becoming Us, which traces the filmmaker’s efforts to connect with siblings conceived with the same sperm donor; and The Sacred Society, a recently completed film by Benny Zelkowicz that uses sand animation to visualize Jewish burial customs.

Up to five fellows are selected each year, but your chance of being one of them is nil if you don’t apply!  

Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, December 20 through the submissions portal at ohiohumanities.org.  

There is no cost to apply. Filmmakers chosen for the fellowship will be notified in February.