SIFF Announces Nearly $2,000,000 in Grants for Courageous Documentary Filmmaking

SEATTLE – SIFF announced this evening the continuation of its SIFF Grant for Courageous Documentary Filmmaking, a grant program awarding nearly $2M over the next five years—including $450,000 this year—for Washington State documentary filmmakers. Applications open Friday, May 16 at siff.net/docgrant. The announcement was made by SIFF Chief Operating Officer Andrea Stuart-Lehalle during the Opening Night celebration of the 51st Seattle International Film Festival, which runs through May 25 at theaters across Seattle.

“The Satterberg Foundation has committed to working with SIFF to support filmmakers again by extending their financial support for the SIFF Grant for Courageous Documentary Filmmaking, awarding almost $2M over the next five years to support filmmakers in post-production to bring their stories of moral courage—taking action despite the risk of negative consequences for doing so—to the screen. This kind of essential support changes what’s possible for filmmakers, and for audiences to experience,” Stuart-Lehalle said.

The grants are offered in partnership with the Satterberg Foundation, continuing their tradition of supporting storytellers with projects rooted in moral courage and “taking action despite the risk of negative consequences for doing so.” The Foundation's Moral Courage Committee (MCC) has a long history of offering grants to individuals and organizations to help their work come to fruition and reach wider audiences.

Last year saw SIFF and the Foundation award funding to an inaugural class of six documentaries—three of those films will be shown at this year’s festival, with the remaining three still in post-production. They are part of a strong Documentary Films program at the Festival this year that displays SIFF’s commitment to sharing timely, important stories. SIFF DocFest, its annual documentary film festival, launched in 2021 to much enthusiasm from Seattle audiences and will return for its fifth year October 16–23, 2025.

Entries for filmmakers open on Friday, May 16 at 9:00 AM at siff.net/docgrant, with plans for the grant recipients to be announced later this summer.

The 51st Seattle International Film Festival screens in theaters across the city May 15–25, followed by a week of select films streaming on the SIFF Channel May 26-June 1. Passes and individual tickets are on sale now at siff.net/passes.

Press inquiries, materials, and interview requests can be made at press@siff.net.

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About SIFF: 

Beginning in 1976 with the annual Seattle International Film Festival, then expanding into year-round programming, SIFF is a 501c3 cultural arts organization dedicated to the creation of vibrant experiences and spaces that champion film discovery and arts education. SIFF envisions a thriving arts ecosystem where film discovery encourages a more empathetic, joyful, and connected world.

In its four theaters, SIFF offers year-round screenings, Film Talks, and a series of spotlight festivals throughout the year. SIFF also serves the community through educational programs and SIFFsupports, a partnership program that hosts and provides technical support to a variety of special screenings and festivals.

For showtimes and event updates, visit siff.net.