There are five funds of £30,000 each available for filmmakers.

Calling all Documentary filmmakers!  Netflix has unveiled a new funding opportunity, offering five UK and Ireland-based filmmakers £30,000 each to create short documentaries exploring the theme of “Change.”

The Netflix Documentary Talent Fund is now open and currently accepting applications.  “We are looking to work with creatives who may have some experience within the industry but are looking for the next opportunity to super-charge their careers,” said Kate Townsend of Netflix Documentaries.

Now in its fourth year, the program has supported 21 films to date, generating over 65 festival screenings. Past film achievements include BAFTA nominations, Grierson Award nominations, and professional advancement opportunities.

There are five funds of £30,000 available, and it is open to those that have applied before and first-time applicants.

During the first three years of the fund, Netflix have supported projects made by filmmakers from a variety of backgrounds. Some have been first time filmmakers; some have been creatives working in the industry who have been unable to yet make the leap to directing, and some have been directors looking to make the most of this high-profile opportunity to boost their careers.

As well as being available to audiences on the Netflix Still Watching Channel, the films have all been screened at industry events across the UK and Ireland and have all had successful festival runs.

The opportunity is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland and will give five filmmakers and their teams, the chance to make their short documentary film with a £30,000 budget.

Teams will be supported by Netflix and other filmmaking professionals, to ensure that the final films are the best they can possibly be and to also help open doors to those under-represented in the industry.

Each documentary must be 8-12 minutes long and will live on Netflix UK’s social channels. The brief this year for these short documentaries is ‘Change’.

The final films will be launched in late 2027 and each team will own and retain their own copyright throughout the process.

Anyone with a great story to tell, go for it. Netflix’s team said: “We are on the hunt for the bravest, wittiest, most surprising stories out there and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got”.

You will be required to submit a logline (one sentence); a short synopsis (100 words max) and creative statement (300 words max) about your documentary idea. You also need to provide details about any team you may have in place and any previous experience and also why you want to make this film.

Applications are now open via the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund website. They will close on Thursday 12th of February 2026 at 1pm.

The fund is made with support from ClearDraft, Molinare Creative Group and WDM Entertainment.

Devon documentary film makers and creatives with a story to tell – let’s get those submissions in!

Pictured:  Netflix Documentary Talent Fund 2025 winners (Credit: Netflix)