Ocean Storytelling Grant

OCEAN STORYTELLING FILM GRANT

• At the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), we have a strong history of supporting marine conservation projects and believe that to truly translate knowledge into effective, meaningful change we must communicate through engaging stories.
• The grant will provide 50,000 USD for applicants to produce a short film of up to 20 minutes duration.
• We are specifically looking for filmmakers who can tell cinematic conservation stories about our oceans that are visually stunning and engage audiences. They can be about anything from the animals themselves, to fisheries, to the communities whose lives are intertwined with marine life.
• We are particularly seeking to support early-career and emerging storytellers and aim to encourage new voices with new perspectives and approaches. As such, while applicants must already be committed to filmmaking, they should have no more than five years of professional experience in any film-related discipline.
• As with our other storytelling grants, we especially encourage women and applicants from underrepresented communities to apply for this opportunity.
• Applications will be accepted both directly via open call and through nomination.

Application window

• The opening date for the 2025 SOSF Ocean Storytelling Film Grant is November 27th at 18:00 Central European Time.
• Application must be via the SOSF grant online portal: https://grants.saveourseas.com
• The closing date for the 2025 SOSF Ocean Storytelling Film Grant is January 30th at 18:00 Central European Time. All applications must have been submitted by this date.

Application process

• The Ocean Storytelling Filmmaking Grant application process consists of a two stage application process. The first stage form consists of a few questions and requires submission of 1) a 3 min video or 1 pager telling us who are you and 2) a short sizzle reel (max 3 mins) or supporting documents to demonstrate your work. The judges will invite a selection of applicants to a second stage, which will involve a more comprehensive pitch of their project.
• Only one application will be accepted from any one applicant.
  If an applicant has any other current SOSF grant, they cannot apply for a new grant.
• All applications will be reviewed by the Ocean Storytelling Filmmaking Grant judging panel and require final approval from the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
• The application form is only available in English and must be completed in English to be eligible for consideration.
• All applications must be completed online, and individual deadlines as indicated must be respected.
• If successful, the SOSF Grant agreement between the Foundation and the applicant must be sent back by the deadline. This agreement cannot be modified.

Please read the funding guidelines carefully.