The Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University is now accepting applications for the Black Film Project Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This prestigious fellowship supports established and emerging Black filmmakers whose work explores the Black experience in Africa, the United States, and across the global diaspora.
The fellowship is designed to give filmmakers the time, resources, and intellectual environment needed to develop ambitious fiction or documentary film projects. Fellows
The fellowship is designed to give filmmakers the time, resources, and intellectual environment needed to develop ambitious fiction or documentary film projects. Fellows become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community at Harvard, engaging with scholars, artists, and students working on Africa and its diasporas.
Each year, up to three filmmakers are selected based on artistic excellence, originality, and innovation in film form and storytelling.
Eligibility Criteria
The Black Film Project Fellowship is open to qualified applicants who meet the following conditions:
- Filmmakers focusing on Black history, culture, or contemporary Black experiences
- Open to both narrative and documentary filmmakers
- Applicants may be based in Africa, the United States, or any other part of the world
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or a Zoom interview with Hutchins Center staff
- Willingness to present a colloquium in English related to their work or research
- Availability to engage actively with Harvard faculty, fellows, and students
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial, academic, and creative support, including:
- An $80,000 fellowship stipend
- An additional $5,000 dedicated to project development expenses
- Dedicated office space at the Hutchins Center with round-the-clock access
- Harvard University ID with access to libraries and digital research resources
- Official Harvard email account
- Access to professional film equipment, editing suites, and post-production facilities through the Film Study Center
- Invitations to workshops, screenings, and filmmaker events organized by the Film Study Center
- Opportunity to screen work at the Carpenter Center Theater during the fellowship year
- Option to pursue a joint fellowship with the Film Study Center, including participation in nonfiction workshops and engagements with visiting filmmakers
Programme Structure and Engagement
Black Film Project Fellows are members of the W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute Fellowship Program. Fellows are expected to be actively involved in the intellectual life of the Hutchins Center through:
- Participation in orientation activities and weekly colloquia
- Attendance at workshops, lectures, and panel discussions
- Engagement in social and academic events across Harvard University
- Presentation of a work-in-progress at a W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute colloquium
- Additional opportunities to present work at venues such as the Film Study Center and the Harvard Film Archive
This immersive structure encourages collaboration, critical feedback, and professional growth.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a complete application package in English, which typically includes:
- Completed online application form
- Project description or proposal
- Film samples demonstrating previous work
- Letters of recommendation
All application materials must be submitted through the official application portal.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Hutchins Center Black Film Project Fellowship 2026–2027 is February 26, 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 30, 2026.
Official Links
- Black Film Project Fellowship Official Application Page
- Hutchins Center for African & African American Research Website
Applicants are strongly advised to consult only the official Harvard University channels for accurate information and submission guidelines.
