Planet Health Film Fund 2027: £20,000 Award for Documentary Filmmakers

The Planet Health Film Fund 2027 is now open for applications, offering five filmmakers £20,000 each to create short documentaries. This initiative supports filmmakers aged 18 and over from around the world who wish to explore the connection between human health and environmental well-being. The application deadline is November 16, 2026.

Application Closing Date: November 16, 2026
Location: International
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: £20,000 award per filmmaker
Opportunity Type: Film Fund/Grant

About the Planet Health Film Fund 2027

The Planet Health Film Fund is a new initiative launched by Earthrise and Bupa, with support from sustainability partner BAFTA Albert and SXSW London. Its main goal is to support filmmakers in creating compelling short documentaries. These films will explore the personal connections between human health and the health of our planet.

The fund aims to highlight how environmental changes impact our well-being. It encourages filmmakers to tell authored stories that show what keeps us healthy and connected to nature. This is especially important in a world that is rapidly changing and becoming more urbanized.

Each of the five selected filmmakers will receive £20,000. This award must cover all costs associated with making and delivering a 10-minute documentary, along with accompanying social media content. Projects must be achievable within this budget and the agreed timeline.

About Earthrise and Bupa

Earthrise is an organization dedicated to using the power of storytelling to address the climate crisis. They work with filmmakers and storytellers to create impactful content that inspires action and promotes environmental awareness. Bupa is a global healthcare company committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Through this partnership, Earthrise and Bupa aim to combine their expertise to shed light on critical environmental issues. They want to show how these issues directly affect human health. The collaboration seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our planet and our own well-being.

Available Film Fund Opportunities

This fund is specifically for short documentary films. The focus is on exploring the relationship between human health and environmental health. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit proposals that are personal and authored.

The fund supports stories that delve into how we stay healthy and connected to nature. This includes examining the impact of urbanization and environmental changes on our lives. The goal is to produce content that resonates with audiences and raises awareness about these important issues.

What the Film Fund Offers

Successful applicants will receive significant financial support to bring their vision to life. Each of the five selected filmmakers will be awarded £20,000. This funding is intended to cover the entire production process.

The award must cover all expenses for creating a 10-minute documentary and related social media content. Filmmakers must also realistically plan their projects within this budget. The fund provides an opportunity to create impactful work that can reach a wide audience.

Programme Duration and Location

The programme is open to international applicants aged 18 and over. While the films will explore themes of human and environmental health, there is no specific geographical location requirement for the filmmakers themselves. The award is for the creation of short documentaries, but the exact duration for the production phase is not specified.

The focus is on the content of the films and the filmmakers’ ability to tell compelling stories. Applicants must have a legally registered production company in place at the time of application, as the award cannot be paid directly to an individual.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Planet Health Film Fund, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be at least 18 years old and open to international applications. A key requirement is that applicants must have prior experience directing at least one completed documentary film.

This previous work could be a short or feature-length documentary, or a comparable authored non-fiction piece. The prior work must have been selected for a recognized film festival, commissioned by a broadcaster, or distributed by an established platform. The lead applicant must be the director of the proposed film.

Competencies Required

Filmmakers applying for this fund should demonstrate strong storytelling abilities. They need to be able to craft authored narratives that explore complex themes. The ability to connect personal experiences with broader environmental and health issues is essential.

Applicants should also possess strong organizational skills to manage a film production within a set budget and timeline. Experience in documentary filmmaking, including directing and producing, is crucial. A clear understanding of sustainability and its connection to human health will be beneficial.

Who Should Apply?

This film fund is ideal for emerging and established documentary filmmakers who are passionate about environmental and health issues. It is suited for individuals who have a proven track record in filmmaking and are looking for funding to support a specific project. If you have a compelling story about the link between our planet’s health and our own, this opportunity is for you.

The fund is particularly interested in unique, personal perspectives. If you are a filmmaker who can create a visually engaging and emotionally resonant short documentary, you should consider applying. The opportunity is open globally, making it accessible to a diverse range of talent.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare several documents for their submission. A legally registered production company is required at the point of application, as the award cannot be paid directly to an individual. Applicants must also have directed at least one completed documentary film or comparable authored non-fiction work.

This previous work must have been selected for a recognized film festival, commissioned by a broadcaster, or distributed by an established platform. The lead applicant must be the director of the proposed film. One entry is allowed per individual, either as a lead or co-director.

How to Apply

Applications for the Planet Health Film Fund 2027 close at 6pm GMT on November 16, 2026. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications in advance of the deadline to avoid any potential technical issues. Late applications will not be considered.

Interested filmmakers can apply through the official application portal.

Click here to apply for the Planet Health Film Fund 2027

For further details and to understand more about the fund, visit the official Planet Health Film Fund website.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding their application status. It is important to ensure that all submitted documents are accurate and complete. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Filmmakers should ensure their proposed project is realistically achievable within the £20,000 budget and the specified delivery timeline. The award is intended to cover the full cost of production, and additional production finance is not permitted.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Planet Health Film Fund 2027 is November 16, 2026.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.