Two nonprofits are teaming up to help fledgling filmmakers finish their films.

Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) this week announced the launch of a Rising Filmmakers Finishing Fund. It will provide two Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander filmmakers with post-production grants of $50,000 each for their second to fifth feature films. The two grantees will also receive networking opportunities in the ranks of CAPE and TAAF. 

Candidates must submit a live-action narrative feature project that is at least 90 percent through principal photography or in post-production. The project must also be “consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, connecting and empowering AANHPI artists and leaders in entertainment and media,” per the organization.

“All too often, talented indie filmmakers burst onto the scene with an incredible debut, only to toil for years or even decades to complete a sophomore feature and beyond. A closer look at the numbers reveals that women and people of color are much less likely to make this leap,” said Michelle K. Sugihara, CAPE executive director. “This Finishing Fund will help Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander filmmakers continue rising in their careers by propelling their successive projects to the big screen.”

“Committed to ensuring creatives and storytellers have the support they need to thrive throughout their careers, TAAF is addressing gaps in career development through the Rising Filmmakers Finishing Fund,” said Dr. Masum Momaya, TAAF’s director of narrative change. “We’re thrilled to be working with CAPE, an unparalleled champion for AANHPI creatives, to ensure filmmakers have the resources and support to bring their narratives to life. AANHPI representation on screen and behind the camera is critical to bringing about safety, inclusion and belonging for AANHPIs in America.”

Submissions are open now through March 31 on Coverfly.