Deadline: Monday, July 6th, 2026 at midnight PST
STORY TO ACTION is a program that enables the Story Money Impact (SMI) team to run a pilot impact campaign using your film
Filmmakers will take part in a cohort curriculum where impact principles will be explored in the context of the selected projects, and will also include one-on-one sessions with the STORY TO ACTION team
The STORY TO ACTION team of impact practitioners will mentor and/or collaborates with you to create impact goals, and tactics to achieve those goals (an “Impact Strategy”).
The Impact Strategy guides us as we work to get your film into the communities where it can make the most positive social change
We research the issue landscape to determine the experts and organizers, whether they are grassroots advocates, NGO leaders, academics or others
We do outreach to targeted audiences and contacts to build compelling screening events, paired, where possible, with impactful post-screening activities
We prioritize the safety and care for the participants of your film, as well as the communities impacted by the issue
We evaluate the campaign throughout so we can understand the outcomes of the Impact Strategy, and report to you on its efficacy in a final report delivered in spring 2027
ELIGIBILITY
Films must be non-fiction documentaries with a runtime between 20 to 150 minutes
The film is owned and controlled by Canadian citizens
Content must focus on environmental or social justice issues
Content must be finished, premiered, and fully available for in-person and virtual screenings by October 2026
Content cannot have premiered earlier than 2020
At least two participating film team members must be available to attend 6 hours of training sessions between August 1 and September 30th 2026
In order to finalize our selection, we enlist some external reviewers who have experience in the field of using media for social impact. By applying, you grant SMI permission to share your project to be viewed by these external parties
The rights holders to the film must consent to SMI acting as the Impact Producer/Distributor for the film for the duration of the STORY TO ACTION program
All rights restrictions for the content must be disclosed in the application package
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE
June 22nd, 2026, 11:59pm PT. This allots your film more time in consideration and discussion with our screening committee. Our application form is short to make it more accessible to busy filmmakers.
Early bird applicants will have access to the option of a feedback session with SMI with notes from the screening committee should your project not be accepted.
PROCESS
Shortlisted projects will be asked to complete a more detailed questionnaire so we can understand more about the film. Additionally, applicants may be invited to a virtual meeting to discuss impact ideas with SMI.
DIVERSITY
Filmmakers and producers with present and historic barriers to access are especially encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited, to Indigenous Peoples, people of colour, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+. If the application form is itself a barrier, please email anthony@storymoneyimpact.com to explore an alternative approach.
APPLY
Please note that you will not be able to save content on the form, so work offline until you are ready! You can find the application questions and character count limits in the Google Document link below. You are able to make a copy of this document to save your progress before uploading all material to the application form.
