Dear Asian filmmakers, Kartemquin Films has opened submissions for the second round of the Zhao-Chen Family AAPI Voices Fund, an initiative supporting emerging documentary filmmakers telling impactful stories from Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. Submissions are open until June 30, 2026.

About the fund:
Dedicated to supporting the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities, The Zhao-Chen AAPI Voices Fund recognizes the critical importance of funding for filmmakers developing and delivering their films and the value of investing in Kartemquin’s collaborative model of nurturing early-career filmmakers. Through this fund, Kartemquin is advancing impactful and dynamic stories reflecting on the varied experiences of the AAPI community that challenge and inspire – both filmmakers and the communities they represent.

The current round of the Zhao-Chen Family AAPI Voices Fund will invest funding, provide production and creative resources, and offer expert mentorship to produce three (3) original short documentary films that center AAPI voices and stories and the complexity of AAPI communities in the U.S.

Each project will receive the following support and services towards completion of a 8-20 minute short documentary:
* $40,000 in production funding.
* Co-production partnership with Kartemquin Films with production services included but not limited to: Production support, Impact Consultation, Story Development, and Masterclass Workshops.
* Tailored mentorship for each production.

Eligibility:
– Center AAPI-stories and communities in the U.S. with meaningful connections to the communities on which their project focuses;
– Be working on a short documentary film project (NO features or series at this time);
– Are not enrolled in a degree seeking program for the duration of the funding cycle;
– Be in mid-to-late production.
– In alignment with KTQ Values, they strongly encourage and will give consideration to applicants that are from other underrepresented groups in documentary.

Key Dates and Deadlines:
– Deadline: Tuesday, June 30th, 11:59 PM CST
– Review period: Summer 2026
– Notification: mid to late September 2026
– The fund begins in October 2026 and runs for 12 months

FAQs can be found HERE
Submittable Application can be found here: https://kartemquinfilms.submittable.com/submit
For questions, please contact Kartemquin at aapivoicesfund@kartemquin.com

About the Funder:
The Fund represents a substantial investment by the Zhao-Chen family, building on their long standing commitment to accelerating opportunity and prosperity for the AAPI community in the United States. Mr. Zhao is a founding board member of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), which has become a catalyzing force for improving AAPI advocacy, power, and representation across American society. The Zhao-Chen family have also convened and funded a variety of other initiatives elevating AAPI voices, including through their support of the award-winning documentary “Finding Yingying,” a Kartemquin film directed by Jenny Shi.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.