The Sharjah Art Foundation has opened applications for the SFP9 Short Film Production Grant, supporting independent filmmakers to develop and complete short films that push the boundaries of contemporary storytelling.
Offered as part of the Sharjah Film Platform (SFP), the Foundation’s annual festival of independent cinema, the grant provides filmmakers with the opportunity to bring their projects to life and premiere them at a future edition of the festival.
The open call welcomes filmmakers from around the world, across all genres, with a focus on originality, strong narrative vision, and creative execution.
Funding
A total of AED 120,000 (approximately USD 30,000) will be distributed among selected projects.
The number of recipients and individual grant amounts will vary depending on the needs and scope of each project.
Programme benefits
Participants benefit from a range of opportunities, including:
-Financial support for the production of short films
-Opportunity to premiere the completed film at the Sharjah Film Platform
-Visibility within an international independent film festival context
-Recognition and support from a leading cultural institution
Eligibility
Applications are open to filmmakers who meet the following criteria:
Independent filmmakers from anywhere in the world
Projects must be short films with a maximum runtime of 50 minutes
Scripts must be submitted in English or Arabic
Final films can be in any language, but must include English and Arabic subtitles
Only one application per director is permitted
Application information
Application deadline: 28 May 2026 (11:59 pm UAE time)
Applicants are required to submit a complete application, including a three-minute recorded pitch, script, budget plan, and production schedule.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full guidelines and submit their applications via the official platform.
For more information, click here.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.