How to Apply
Made of Truth
OPENING APRIL 1st -
CLOSING MAY 1st
MADE OF TRUTH SHORTS
The Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Short Film Fund invites emerging storytellers from across all parts of the UK to share original and bold non-fiction stories that respond to the changing world around us.
Since 2018, the Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Short Film Fund (“Made of Truth”) has proudly supported 75 original short documentaries.
What the fund can support
Made of Truth is part of BFI NETWORK and uses National Lottery funds to support all forms of short form non-fiction, including personal or social issue stories, expansive hybrid work, artist films, essays, and observational projects. The fund also considers VR and immersive projects which are firmly rooted in non-fiction.
The fund can support up to 15 individual short documentaries each year with a maximum of £25,000 of grant funding. Films can be between 5-40 minutes in length.
We’re interested in new, cinematic and boundary-pushing ideas and encourage applications for projects that take creative leaps and filmmaking supports risk-taking in talent, form and content. The fund recognises the quality of difference in perspective, the importance of who is telling the story and strong collaborations.
Who can apply?
We’re looking for emerging creatives who are yet to make a non-fiction feature film (that has had professional distribution.) You may have a track record in another form or genre and are keen to make a short that helps develop your talent on the path to long-form documentary feature filmmaking, or you may have made a doc short or two already but want to move forward with a more ambitious project.
Made of Truth supports projects with directors based in the UK. This nation-wide programme endeavours to help more voices in more places contribute to distinctive, original storytelling. We can only fund applicants who are over the age of 18, and who are not in full-time education.
Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Fund is committed to supporting a diverse community of filmmakers and working with creatives from underserved backgrounds including Ethnically diverse, Disabled, LGBTQIA+, and Working class talent. We would like to hear from new storytellers from all communities around the country and we are especially keen to increase the number of projects originating outside London and from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
We strongly encourage Filmmakers to team up with a producer before applying, however you do not need a producer to apply as we can support the search for a producer for successful applicants for a period of two months after a grant offer.
SSuccessful projects will receive 1-2-1 exec support from the BFI Doc Society team.
When you can apply
The fund is now closed.
The fund will open between April 1st at 10 am and close on May 1st at 12pm
How to Apply
- Read the Before You Apply Checklist
- Read the comprehensive fund guidelines
- Fill out your budget and production calendar and Diversity Standards form (you can download the forms in the “Preview Documents” section below
- Complete your application on apply.docsociety.org
BSL introduction to the Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Short Film Fund
Easy Read introduction to the Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Short Film Fund
This Easy Read Introduction is a summary of information and does not supersede the main funding guidelines. If you want to apply for the Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Short Film Fund you must read the full guidelines.
Easy Read introduction to the Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Short Film Fund (PDF) (DOC)
You can listen to an audio version of the fund guidelines on Soundcloud.
Preview Documents
Documents are provided in PDF and word format for access purposes and are for preview only. All applications needs to be filled in on our application portal via your account.
Keep in touch:
We encourage all potential applicants to the BFI Doc Society to join our newsletter mailing list here to receive the latest funding news, talent support, events and opportunities across the documentary sector.
Find us on @TheDocSociety
I’ve got a question:
- Read the fund guidelines and our fund FAQ’s which aim to address questions asked regularly by applicants.
- Email us on hello@docsociety.org
- Watch our Introduction to Made of Truth 2025 here
- Watch our Made of Truth webinar here
- Keep an eye on our Talent Support Page for 1-2-1 advice sessions with our team and upcoming Made of Truth roundtables
You can find out more about the films and filmmakers we supported in our film directory. You can also find more detailed information about the previous fund in our BFI Doc Society Review 2018-2023.
News and Events
Develop your network and connect with the BFI Doc Society fund team. We work in close partnership with BFI NETWORK around the UK to meet filmmakers where you are.
Check our Talent Support & Events page
Other sources of support:
If you are looking for fiction film funding or related professional development opportunities, contact the BFI NETWORK partner in your nation or region to find out more about their funding for new filmmakers.
