Film Grants

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The Film Grants provide initial funding of up to 35,000 AED to support the production of short films exploring themes relevant to Ras Al Khaimah, particularly Al Jazeera Al Hamra, and the United Arab Emirates. Priority is given to documentaries, but narrative films are also considered. Up to two grants are awarded annually through a competitive selection process. Films produced through this program are showcased at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival the following year.

Grant Objectives

Increase the number of short films and documentaries on topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region;

Support talented young film directors and media professionals to help them establish their careers;

Present a wider range of stories about Ras Al Khaimah and United Arab Emirates.

Grant Eligibility

•Directors must have a background in filmmaking and/or media studies;
•Preference is given to directors who are either (1) current university students who have completed at least two years of their academic program or (2) have graduated with their BA or MA degree within the last five years;
•Directors ideally will have shown at least one film at a film festival in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf region, or overseas;
•Proposed story ideas must be for a short film (less than 20 minutes). Documentary projects addressing important topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region are especially encouraged and given funding priority;
•Final films must be in Arabic or English (with subtitles in the other language) to ensure accessibility among diverse audiences.

Application Process

Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

The 2026 Arts and Culture grant submission cycle, which includes Film Grants is open now with a closing deadline of June 1, 2026. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation's grant management portal and follow the Film Grant application instructions once submissions open. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the grant management portal no later than June 1, 2026 to be considered. Materials may be submitted in Arabic or English:

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Online application form and all required documents listed below must be uploaded and submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal no later than June 1, 2026, to be considered.
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Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) for applying for the Film Grant and a summary of the proposed film topic
•
Director's CV and names/roles of other individuals who will be involved in the film project
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Detailed storyboard for the proposed film
•
Completed Film Budget submitted through the portal, detailing all expected costs and a list of facilities, special equipment, or other resources necessary for making the proposed film. It should be noted if other individuals, organizations, or sponsors also provide financial or in-kind support (e.g., expertise, use of equipment). The financial contribution should not exceed 35,000 AED.
•
List of locations and areas where filming will take place. This should include whether permission will be required for any locations
•
Anticipated timeline for the project, including filming and editing milestones and associated deliverables
•
Letter of recommendation from a professor, colleague, or organization
•
One sample of the director's latest film via an online link (if this is the first film, submit samples of recent media projects).

The Selection Committee will review all complete proposals and identify finalists to invite for an interview. The interviews may take place in person or online via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Once all interviews are complete, the Selection Committee will make a final recommendation and choose the Film Grant recipients for the year. Applicants can generally expect to receive a formal decision on the status of their proposal within 6-8 weeks of the annual submission deadline.

Questions regarding Film Grants, the application process, or the submission status may be sent to media@rakart.ae.

Grant Awards

Grant funds may be used for production-related activities only. Anticipated expenses should be detailed in the proposed budget during the grant application process. Examples of acceptable production-related expenses include:

•Location and equipment rentals such as studio time or lighting and sound equipment necessary for filming;
•Make-up, costumes, or props;
•Commission or purchase of music soundtracks;
•Editing or animation software;
•Arabic/English translation and subtitles.

Successful applicants will have 5-6 months to complete the production of their short film. The Al Qasimi Foundation and Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival reserve the right to check the film's quality and the story's flow during the production process and to edit the story as needed with the director.

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Grant Objectives

Increase the number of short films and documentaries on topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region;

Support talented young film directors and media professionals to help them establish their careers;

Present a wider range of stories about Ras Al Khaimah and United Arab Emirates.

Grant Eligibility

•Directors must have a background in filmmaking and/or media studies;

•Preference is given to directors who are either (1) current university students who have completed at least two years of their academic program or (2) have graduated with their BA or MA degree within the last five years;

•Directors ideally will have shown at least one film at a film festival in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf region, or overseas;

•Proposed story ideas must be for a short film (less than 20 minutes). Documentary projects addressing important topics relevant to the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region are especially encouraged and given funding priority;

•Final films must be in Arabic or English (with subtitles in the other language) to ensure accessibility among diverse audiences.

Application Process

Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

•
Online application form and all required documents listed below must be uploaded and submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal no later than June 1, 2026, to be considered.
•
Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) for applying for the Film Grant and a summary of the proposed film topic
•
Director's CV and names/roles of other individuals who will be involved in the film project
•
Detailed storyboard for the proposed film
•
Completed Film Budget submitted through the portal, detailing all expected costs and a list of facilities, special equipment, or other resources necessary for making the proposed film. It should be noted if other individuals, organizations, or sponsors also provide financial or in-kind support (e.g., expertise, use of equipment). The financial contribution should not exceed 35,000 AED.
•
List of locations and areas where filming will take place. This should include whether permission will be required for any locations
•
Anticipated timeline for the project, including filming and editing milestones and associated deliverables
•
Letter of recommendation from a professor, colleague, or organization
•
One sample of the director's latest film via an online link (if this is the first film, submit samples of recent media projects).

Questions regarding Film Grants, the application process, or the submission status may be sent to media@rakart.ae.

Grant Awards

•Location and equipment rentals such as studio time or lighting and sound equipment necessary for filming;
•Make-up, costumes, or props;
•Commission or purchase of music soundtracks;
•Editing or animation software;
•Arabic/English translation and subtitles.

Apply Now