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‘CHEW ON THIS’

HOLLYWOOD CLIMATE SUMMIT

LIVE DOC PITCH

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Status: CLOSED

Pitch Event Deadline: May 19th, 2026
Notification Date: May 25th, 2026

Grants up to $50,000 USD are available for features, shorts and series in all stages of production.

Please Note: 6 filmmakers will be selected to pitch their films. All filmmakers are required to pitch in person in Los Angeles at The Ebell of Los Angelesduring the Hollywood Climate Summit on the 4th of June.

For more information, head over to the FAQs 👈

Take the stage in LA, win up to $50k - and help us figure out what on earth we’re supposed to be eating.

Chew On This is a LIVE pitching event, organised in collaboration with Hollywood Climate Summit, taking place on the 4th of June, 2026.

We’re looking for filmmakers creating shorts, features & series. Climate doesn’t need to be the central part of your project, although sustainable plant-based food systems should be it’s core!

We’re looking for character-driven stories with conflict, resolution, and emotional depth, as well as a distinct cinematic vision that elevates the storytelling beyond reportage.

We fund films, not just information.

We support filmmakers who are ready to take creative risks, combining rigorous journalistic inquiry with cinematic language to reach mainstream audiences and transform public awareness. If that sounds like you… apply now!

THE JUDGING PANEL

Our panel brings together six industry heavyweights and familiar faces from across the field. We’re keeping the full lineup under wraps for now, but we have a feeling a few of these names will definitely ring a bell…

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS *

  • Feature documentaries, docuseries (episodic) and shorts are eligible, including non-English language projects. Projects can be in the research, development, production or post-production phase - and should align broadly with topics tackling systems of ethical consumption (food, animals, culture and climate).

  • Please do not use AI to help you write your application. We would prefer to see your notes (even if that means rough bullet points) than a refined AI generated paragraph.

    If you do use AI for research, please ensure you verify all facts and rewrite the content so it reflects your personal connection to the story.

    Additionally, we advise against using AI for participant research, as the most compelling subjects are usually found through fieldwork and archival research, not via an algorithm!

  • Initial applications are reviewed by our panel of industry experts, strategists and executives. They assess: Story Potential, Audience Appeal, Topic Originality, and Impact Strategy.

    The Who Let The Docs Out team members will only initially rule out applications that are not eligible, and then compile the applications to present to the advisory committee to select the final 6 filmmakers.

  • While we would love to support everyone’s journey, please note that we are unfortunately unable to provide stipends for travel or accommodation at this time. We appreciate your understanding and are incredibly grateful for the effort you’re making to join us!

  • We’ll follow up within 8-10 weeks to touch base on your journey and see how the funds are being utilised.

    We’re here to provide troubleshooting support, help navigate any roadblocks, and gather a few work-in-progress updates that we can potentially feature within our community.

  • It depends on how you’re planning to join us.

    If you intend to experience the full lineup of panels, networking, and events outside of the pitch, you will need to secure a ticket via the official Hollywood Climate Summit website.

    However, if you are only attending specifically for your scheduled pitch and don't plan on visiting the rest of the summit, a ticket is not required. That said, we highly recommend joining the broader conversation if you can, as it’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the community!