The PUMA Catalyst Awards are an international documentary fund offering independent filmmakers catalytic support at crucial junctures in their documentary film.
These awards are open to emerging and established filmmakers working anywhere in the world. We welcome one-off, creative documentary ideas aiming to be feature length films.
In keeping with Puma’s vision for a sustainable future, we are looking for creative documentaries with particular focus in the following areas:
Women’s Rights – female empowerment, anti-violence, women in sport and positive female role models
Eg. Speed Sisters, Unveiling Shirin, Camera/Woman
Globalized Labor – workers rights, fair wages, unionisation and developing markets
Eg. Alt Orgs, White Volta
Sustainable Consumption – how we are using our natural resources
Eg. Untitled Renewables Film, Logs of War, One Meal at a Time, Yasuni, Generation Food
Sport – how sport has changed lives or brought together diverse communities
Eg. Speed Sisters, Town of Runners, Ping Pong, Rollaball
Positive Africa – stories of hope and success from the African continent
Eg. Rollaball, Just a Band, Giti – The Paradise of the Hell
Art & Culture – with a particular focus on street art & celebration of urban culture.
Eg. The Dilla Doc, Dragonslayer
Closing the Loop – stories about recycling reusing or even re-selling
We have a year round open call and will make grants at our discretion.
Applications are accepted through an online form called the Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Every applicant must register online first to create a profile that can be used when submitting any applications. Applicants may apply with more than one project, but each project requires a separate submitted LOI.
After we have reviewed submitted LOIs, we may invite a selection of applicants to submit a Full Proposal with more project information and materials. Further instructions for doing so will be provided only upon invitation.
If you haven’t heard from us after 6 weeks, then we regret to say that your project hasn’t been progressed on this occasion. We appreciate your understanding.
What we DO fund
- Developments
- Production & post-production
- Completion
What we DON'T fund
- Marketing or P&A
- Retrospective awards
- Archive and music clearance
- TV formats, series or drama
Take a look at our PUMA Catalyst Awards Film Directory to see all previously funded projects.
If you want further details about the awards or have some questions - please use the download buttons at the side of this page. If you are seeking alternative or additional finance, please download the 'britdoc.org/resources' funding resource.
Further questions should be addressed to luke@britdoc.org
