Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge 2026–27: Four $25,000 Grants

A $25,000 production grant for a short film ready to be made

The Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge is not asking for a finished movie. CAPE and Janet Yang Productions are looking for a complete short-film script—and a filmmaker prepared to direct it. Four selected creators will each receive a $25,000 production grant, industry access, and support through the 2027 filmmaking period.

Opportunity details

• Deadline: October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Who can apply: Filmmakers age 18 or older who are authorized to work and accept paid work in the United States. The applicant must have written the script and plan to direct the film.
• Application fee: $35 per script, non-refundable.
• Award: Four $25,000 production grants plus networking and access to CAPE, Janet Yang, and entertainment-industry professionals.
• Project format: An original English-language or English-translated narrative script of no more than 15 pages; live action and animation are accepted. Completed films must be 15 minutes or shorter.

Whose story qualifies?

The script must center one or more protagonists of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage, and the main protagonist must identify as a woman or non-binary. Co-writers and co-directors are allowed, but the applicant must be one of the writers and the planned director.

The script must be original, fully controlled by the applicant, and not under option. Strip names, email addresses, representation details, and other identifying information from the script before uploading it. Principal photography cannot begin before April 2027, and grantees must be ready to produce between April and September 2027.

What to prepare

The application includes the anonymous script, an artistic statement, a one-page résumé, a signed submission release, and proof of the $35 processing payment. Each additional script requires a separate application and fee.

Rights and important terms

Read the submission release and grant requirements in full before paying. CAPE says it does not provide feedback or coverage, and selected filmmakers must produce the approved script under the program timeline. Applicants retain responsibility for owning the script free and clear and having authority over changes.

Review the official CAPE challenge page and apply.

Online Video Contests independently summarizes opportunities and is not the program organizer.