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2026 Automation & Humanity

Documentary Fund

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Status: Open Now

Spring Cycle Deadline: March 16th, 2026
Notification Date: Mid April

  • Feature Research Grant: $8,000

  • Short Research Grant: $4,000

Apply Here

About the Fund:

The rapid acceleration of advanced artificial intelligence represents an unprecedented juncture in human history, yet the serious examination of its safety and alignment remains a dangerously neglected area in documentary film.

The Automation & Humanity Documentary Fund was established to bridge this gap, supporting artist-driven, cinematic non-fiction that explores the mechanisms, risks, and global stakes of autonomous systems. While the commercial hype surrounding AI is ubiquitous, deep investigative storytelling that examines the safety of these technologies is scarce.

What we support

To be competitive, projects should explore the complex spectrum of AI safety, to address tangible, present, and near-future realities.

Artistic Approach: Cinema First 

We fund films, not just information. We are looking for:

  • Narrative Ambition: Character-driven stories with conflict, resolution, and emotional depth.

  • Visual Language: A distinct cinematic vision that elevates the storytelling beyond reportage.

  • Mainstream Viability: Projects with the potential to compete at top-tier festivals, on major streaming platforms/broadcasters, and/or reach wide audiences.

Funding Categories & Grant Amounts

Who Let The Docs Out offers funding for different stages of production. Applicants may apply for one grant type per cycle.

Research Grant (Features $8,000) (Shorts $4,000)

Funding to support the earliest phase of a project. This grant is designed to help you find your story - funding travel for casting, archival research, or preliminary shooting to test a hypothesis.

  • Goal: To produce a treatment or deck that proves the story's viability.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Format: We accept feature-length documentaries (50+ minutes), episodic non-fiction series and short films (15-50 minutes).

  • Geography: We welcome applications from filmmakers based anywhere in the world. 

  • Independence: Projects must be independently produced and retain creative control.

  • Team: We preference filmmakers with at least one prior credit and encourage first-time filmmaker applicants to partner with experienced producers.

Grantee Requirements & Deliverables

Acceptance into the Automation & Humanity Documentary Fund is a partnership. In addition to financial support, fellows are required to participate in monthly virtual sessions during their program commitment window.

Upon completion of the grant period, all grantees must submit the following deliverables to close out their funding:

  • Grant Report: A narrative report detailing how the funds were utilised, the progress made during the grant period, and the impact on the project's trajectory.

  • Updated Creative Deck: A current pitch deck or treatment reflecting the development of the project.

  • Financial Report: A simple expense report outlining the allocation of grant funds.

  • Visual Evidence (Stage Dependent):

Research: A comprehensive research report & initial Pitch Deck

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the Who Let The Docs Out Granti application portal. We use the standardised core application 3.1 format to reduce the burden on filmmakers.

Application link: https://dashboard.granti.org/invitations/71578e2bc30b7562771507ce2251e1/show