Hutchins Center for Africa & African American Research Black Film Project Fellowship 2026-2027

📖 About the Fellowship

The Harvard University Hutchins Center for Africa & African American Research Black Film Project Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for filmmakers focusing on Black history and culture. This fellowship supports both narrative and documentary projects.

🎁 Benefits

The Black Film Project Fellowship offers:

• $80,000 stipend, plus an additional $5,000 for project development expenses.
• Office space in the Hutchins Center with 24/7 access.
• A Harvard University ID providing access to all University facilities, including libraries and online research resources.
• A Harvard email account.
• Access to the Film Study Center’s equipment, editing, and post-production facilities.
• Invitations to participate in the Film Study Center’s community of filmmakers through workshops, screenings, and other events.
• The possibility to screen Black Film Project Fellows’ work at the Carpenter Center Theater during the fellowship year.
• Opportunity to pursue a joint fellowship with the Film Study Center, including:
  • Twice-monthly Nonfiction workshops to discuss works-in-progress.
  • Connection with visiting filmmakers, fostering a collaborative environment for creative and professional growth.

Additional Opportunities:

• Fellows will present their work-in-progress at a W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute colloquium.
• Opportunities to present work at various Harvard venues, including the Film Study Center and Harvard Film Archive.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to filmmakers focusing on Black history and culture, supporting both narrative and documentary projects.
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL/IELTS scores or a Zoom conversation with Hutchins Center staff (may also be required for visa purposes).
• Fellows are expected to:
  • Present a colloquium talk in English on a topic related to their research.
  • Be available for informal consultation by faculty and students with related interests.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Applications, including letters of recommendation, project descriptions, and film samples, must be submitted in English.
• Application Deadline: February 26, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the fellowship here.
• Apply for the fellowship here.

📌 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: February 26, 2026

This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for filmmakers to advance their work while engaging with Harvard University's vibrant academic and creative community.

• An $80,000 stipend, plus an additional $5,000 for project development expenses.
• Office space in the Hutchins Center with 24/7 access.
• A Harvard University ID providing access to all University facilities, including libraries and online research resources.
• A Harvard email account.
• Access to the Film Study Center’s equipment, as well as editing and post-production facilities.
• Invitations to participate in the Film Study Center’s community of filmmakers through workshops, screenings, and other events.
• The possibility to screen Black Film Project Fellows’ work at the Carpenter Center Theater during the fellowship year.
• Black Film Project Fellows may choose to pursue a joint fellowship with the Film Study Center. The BFP-FSC Fellows meet twice monthly for Nonfiction workshops to discuss works-in-progress and connect with visiting filmmakers, fostering a collaborative environment that enriches their creative and professional growth.
• Each Black Film Project Fellow will present their work-in-progress at a W. E. B. Du Bois Research Institute colloquium. In addition, Black Film Project Fellows will have opportunities to present their work at various Harvard venues, including the Film Study Center and Harvard Film Archive.