My World Film Grant

​An exclusive opportunity for Jackson Wild Collective members

Applications for the 2025 My World Film Grant will open in April

Description

To contribute to the filmmaker pathways and to develop environmental filmmaking talent, Amberjack Films and Schoolyard Films, in partnership with Jackson Wild, have created a program where early-stage filmmakers are sponsored to make a short 10-20 minute film on a nature or environmental story wherever they come from in the world. The ambition is to support emerging filmmakers and give them the essential financial support to direct and produce a film, mentor them through the editorial process, and encourage them to distribute their film to best effect, both to maximize audience and to create local impact through screenings and school access to their films. These films will amplify the voices of young filmmakers around the world, spreading talent and skills while showcasing authentic voices irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or disability.

Applicants should submit a 1-2 page treatment/story outline and any additional materials (deck, sizzle, etc), plus:

  • A copy of the budget

  • Timeline for pre-production, production, post-production, and delivery

  • Proposed equipment for filming and editing

  • The film’s impact campaign and/or impact goals

Timeline

Applications Open: April 15, 2025 

Applications Close: June 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm MDT

Applicants Notified: Early September 2025

Program Details

  • One grant recipient will be selected and receive USD 30,000 for their film

  • Funding is to be made available starting in January 2026. Beginning January 2026, filmmakers will have an 11-month window, during which the film should be delivered. You can deliver the finished film at any stage within those 11 months. Scheduled payments will go as follows:

    • 10% start of preproduction

    • 25% start of filming

    • 25% start of post-production

    • 25% at the start of online

    • 15% delivery

  • Additional funding raised by the filmmaker is permissible, but the film’s delivery must not be contingent on the availability of further funding.

  • If grantees already have other parties involved, you must receive their permission to share their agreement(s) with the My World Film Grant team.

  • The contract, created by Amberjack Film, Schoolyard Films, and Jackson Wild, will:

    • Specify film rights for the filmmaker

    • Specify film rights for Amberjack Films and Schoolyard Films

    • ​Give Amberjack Films, Schoolyard Films, and/or Fitz Productions first right of refusal for television development of the film.

    • Specify Schoolyard Films will produce a study guide for the film, ideally with the cooperation of the filmmaker and possibly a contributor/scientist in the film.

  • Location

    • Projects should center on a place or issue you know deeply, ideally where you currently live or grew up. This grant seeks to showcase films from around the world that capture the essence of home. 

  • We encourage stories about:

    • Global environmental narratives, highlighting untold environmental and wildlife stories from around the world that celebrate our planet’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

    • Local authenticity, bringing forward intimate, community-rooted perspectives that showcase the unique relationship between people and place.

    • Urgent environmental challenges, tackling pressing issues — from climate change to habitat loss — with a focus on innovative solutions and transformative impact.

    • Grassroots activism from local and community-led efforts that inspire action, empower change, and build resilience in the face of environmental crises.

    • Cultural and traditional wisdom, honoring indigenous knowledge and ancestral practices that offer sustainable insights into environmental stewardship.

    • Diverse voices and perspectives that centre underrepresented and historically marginalized communities to bring fresh, inclusive narratives that reflect global diversity.

    • Social stories that observe the impact of environmental change on communities and societies.

    • Creative Storytelling that pushes the boundaries of traditional environmental narratives through bold, imaginative filmmaking that redefines the genre.

    • Inspiring hope and action through stories that not only raise awareness but also motivate tangible action towards a more sustainable future.

  • Distribution

    • The film will be distributed non-exclusively on the MY WORLD website and by the usual Schoolyard Films distribution channels. The film may also be self-distributed by filmmakers in addition to the above. The filmmaker is free to enter into any film festivals they choose, at the filmmaker’s expense.

  • Audience

    • The My World Film Grant's target audience is aged 18 and above, skewed towards 20s, 30s & 40s. We hope to appeal to all ages, but we don’t require the creation of a film with a school-age audience in mind. Schoolyard Films specifically targets school-age audiences, but in most cases, they believe that an environmental film made for adults will also appeal to their audience on several levels. So, the My World Film Grant is not explicitly aimed only at youth.

  • Language

    • The application documentation should be in English. The creative script/narration can be in the language of origin, but we will need an English translation to assess the project fairly.

  • Impact

    • We prioritize projects with well-defined impact goals at both local and global levels. Additionally, we strongly encourage projects with a structured impact campaign.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants should be at least 18 years of age (there is no age limit)

  • We welcome applications from anywhere in the world

  • Previous filmmaking experience is highly recommended

  • Applicant should be in the emerging stage of their career, having already completed a few short projects or worked as part of a team on larger projects.

Tips and questions to consider when submitting your application

  • When developing your treatment or deck, we recommend including photographs and visuals to help set the mood and bring your story to life. Remember, you know your project best, 

  • We’d love to understand the visual style of the film. What techniques will you use to communicate the mood, tone, and deeper meaning, shaping how audiences experience the story and connect with its characters? Consider how elements such as cinematography and editing combine to craft a distinct visual identity and atmosphere.

  • Does the proposal have a well-defined narrative arc and structure?  

  • Do you have a central character? If so, consider how to best get their personality across. What makes them unique? What are they passionate about? What will make audiences connect and identify with them? 

  • When developing your treatment or deck outline, your ‘why now’ for the project. Why is it relevant? What is unique about it? Why is it important to share this story with audiences now?

Questions? Please email angelica@jacksonwild.org

FAQ

  • Yes, there’s no creative restraint on individuals putting forward any format, whether VR, animation, or scripted.

  • Yes, the films should be between 10 to 20 minutes.

  • If there are other funding sources, that is fine. However, we will only commit to a film in which funding ($30,000) equals the budget. So if the budget exceeds our grant, the contract must confirm that the producer/director has the requisite funds​.

  • Payments will be broken down as follows:

    • 10% start of preproduction

    • 25% start of filming

    • 25% start of post-production

    • 25% start of online editing of the Film

    • 15% delivery

    The schedule of timeline payments will be confirmed at the start of the project and any change will be informed in writing beforehand.

  • No, applicants can only apply with one proposal/project.

  • As per the grant description, there needs to be written materials/budget/timeline etc in the application. That said, if you have already started filming or completed filming but require funds to complete post-production, we are happy to see your projects.

  • The application documentation should be in English. The creative script/narration can be in the language of origination but we will need an English translation so that we can assess the project fairly.

  • If it’s a project you’re planning on co-producing, that’s not a problem. We welcome people to work collaboratively. We’ll just need you to outline that in your application and how you plan to share ownership of the project with your co-producer.

  • The Jackson Wild x My World Film Grant selects and funds a film that will be delivered ready for exhibiting and is not a tranche payment to fulfill third-party milestone obligations. We consider projects elsewhere in the My World constellation, where we can help close a funding gap to completion, if we consider the impact significance outstanding.

  • There is no limit on your team. By all means, present as a duo/team.

  • Both. We imagine all filmmakers will aspire to make their films visible to promote discussion/change. We are also developing with impact producers the goal of helping our filmmakers to create bespoke strategies for impact using the film as a tool. We are keen to hear what impact intention is envisaged with the projects.

2024 My World Film Grant Recipient

In partnership with Amberjack Films and Schoolyard Films, Jackson Wild is thrilled to announce that the inaugural Jackson Wild x My World Film Grant recipient is wildlife filmmaker and cinematographer, Yaz Ellis!

Yaz’s film, “For Deer Life” reveals a poignant struggle between nature and modern agriculture in the heart of Austria’s lush meadows. The film explores the harrowing impact of mowing season on vulnerable deer fawns, juxtaposing their delicate existence with the relentless pace of farming. Through the eyes of a dedicated farmer, a skilled drone operator, and a tender Roe Deer fawn, the film highlights the innovative use of drones to prevent the tragic loss of life. With stunning cinematography and a powerful narrative, “For Deer Life” aims to inspire a global audience to embrace technology as a conservation means, emphasizing the harmonious balance between agriculture and wildlife protection.

Over 170 proposals were submitted for the grant. The selected project will receive $30,000, mentorship and resources throughout the process, and full support from the teams at Amberjack Films, Schoolyard Films, and Jackson Wild.