So much of a documentary's potential impact is determined by whether it actually reaches audiences. As traditional distribution pathways disappear and dedicated funding for distribution and impact remains scarce, this continues to be one of the most under-resourced areas of a film's lifecycle. This refreshed iteration of Project: Hatched considers the reality of how filmmakers are currently navigating the full arc of their film’s completion and release. 

The grant program will award six documentary projects in late 2026 with a $35K USD late-stage grant each. This funding can be used to support festival launch and direct distribution needs as well as impact campaigns. Each grantee will also collaborate with Chicken & Egg Films on a case study that documents their overall release strategy and contributes to shared learning about what it takes to launch a film in our field. 

Project: Hatched is for completed or near-completed feature-length documentaries (no shorts, series, or episodic work) directed by a woman or gender-expansive filmmaker and is open to both U.S. and international projects.

We recognize that access to funding in the later stages of the filmmaking process is critical to ensuring that a film will be finished, have a successful launch, and engage the right partners and audiences. Given our current resources and the often tight turnaround for securing finishing funds ahead of a film’s release, Project: Hatched will be administered through an invitation-only process for the 2026 cycle. 

We are not able to accept any unsolicited recommendations or inquiries. Projects in consideration for Project: Hatched are drawn from the many connections our team has made at pitch forums, markets, and festivals around the world, applicants through our existing open calls, and suggestions from trusted colleagues in the field. 

Chicken & Egg Films is looking for additional funders to support this program and increase our grant making. Please contact Development Director Amber Sasse at amber@chickeneggfilms.org if you’re interested in supporting Project: Hatched.