FILM PROJECTS CALL:
Dynamic and innovative proposals are being accepted for film projects that can help bridge the awareness gap around invasive plants in our Sonoran Desert communities. These projects can include but are not limited to: documentaries, narrative short films (both fiction and non-fiction), single or multichannel installations, immersive video technologies, experimental films, animation projects, etc. Our goal is to introduce these issues to new audiences and foster understanding and knowledge around invasive plant species. We are interested in proposals that explore and identify creative methods of sharing this information and involve viewers in dynamic and compelling ways. Proposals can center around a range of relevant topics including: plant identification, fire risk/safety, restoration, and community action.
The winning applicant will be connected with local experts who will be available to offer insights and relevant information about the invasive species, the threats they pose, as well as current and past restoration efforts. A successful applicant will not necessarily require expertise in this area or any other area of environmental science but instead will propose a project that uses filmmaking methods to communicate with audiences in innovative and impactful ways. Applications should propose projects that can be adapted to convey some specific information about invasive plant species, such as: positive invasive species identification, wildfire risk, the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, restoration efforts, calls to action, and/or related topics. Upon notification of a successful application, the grant manager will work directly with the winning applicant to connect them with relevant experts and resources, if necessary.
One grant of $3,000 dollars will be awarded to the winning proposal. The winning applicant will be notified by the fourth week of December 2025. Projects must be completed by early May 2026. An evening reception will be held at MOCA Tucson in late May/early June 2026.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 1st, 2025 at 11:59 pm
To learn more about this grant opportunity, please attend our grant info-session where you can learn more about invasive plant species and their threat to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem as well as guidelines for submitting a project application.
A recording of this info session will be available to view on this webpage.
THE VIRTUAL GRANT INFO SESSION WILL BE HELD ON: NOVEMBER 7, 2025 at 11am
RSVP for the info session at THIS LINK
For any questions about this opportunity or your application, please email: azfireresilience@gmail.com
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?:
This application is open to adults 18 years of age or older. Emerging and established professionals as well as part or full time students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be residents of Pima County and/or neighboring tribal nations. Artists working in 2D and 3D artforms are eligible to apply, multidisciplinary projects are welcomed. Artists who plan to work solely in video making or film are encouraged to apply to the Call for Proposals for Filmmaking instead.
COMPENSATION:
One proposal will be awarded a $3000 stipend to complete their proposed projects by early May 2026. The final artwork will be presented at a reception at MOCA Tucson in late May/early June 2026. This stipend is intended to cover the costs of both the artist’s time and materials so please scale the scope of your proposal accordingly.
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APPLICATION CONTENT:
PROJECT TITLE:
BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Please give an overview of your project in 150 words or less.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Please provide a detailed description of your film project. Why is this subject matter important or compelling to you? How does this work help provide viewers with information about invasive plant species in the Sonoran Desert and the fire risk they pose? How does this project inspire further contemplation of the issue and/or provoke a call to action? Provide details on the filmmaking styles and practices you will employ to create this work. How is the final film meant to be viewed? Are there any screening/installation requirements or considerations that need to be made? Include information on the intended audience/s. Speak about your unique perspective on the issue and what it brings to the proposed project.
Please keep responses to 10,000 characters or less.
PROJECT TIMELINE:
Please give an overview of your work plan and timetable for completing the project within the grant timeline of (December 2025 - May 2026):
PROJECT PERSONNEL:
Will you be working with any collaborators on this project? If so, please list their names here. *Note: Any listed collaborators should provide a CV. Please keep attached CVs no longer than 2 pages.
BUDGET:
Please provide a simple breakdown of what materials you will need to complete your project, and their approximate cost. A good rule of thumb is to plan on spending no more than 50% ($1,500) of the $3,000 honorarium on materials expenses.
PROJECT SKETCH [OPTIONAL]:
If you have any stills or rough storyboards for your proposed project, please feel free to attach.
PORTFOLIO:
Filmmakers: Our jurors will review up to three (3) minutes of previous film work that is most relevant to your proposed project. You may submit a single three (3) minute video or up to five (5) separate clips that total three (3) minutes. There are no restrictions on the age of the work. MPG, MP4, and MOV files are the only supported video file types for uploads. We strongly encourage providing streaming links for video work samples instead of uploading files. Identify timestamps with streaming links for videos longer than 3 minutes. Please email grant manager at azfireresilience@gmail.com if you have any difficulty with uploading your work samples. 25MB file limit on each uploaded item.