This is a paid press release. Contact the press release distributor directly with any inquiries.
Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Expands Support for Indie Filmmakers to Postproduction and Distribution
SZIF Adds New Fellowship Seat, Awards and Training for Baltimore Filmmakers
SZIF’s story-first mission to support Baltimore-based indie filmmakers expands range of re
BALTIMORE, August 25, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund in Film and Media (SZIF) at Johns Hopkins University announced that applications are open for its eleventh cohort of Fellows. This year’s application cycle marks the program’s expansion into new territory and new collaborations, including a newly created postproduction award, and a new fellowship slot for a journalistic filmmaker, in partnership with Evident Media.
Filmmakers interested in applying for the new cohort can find eligibility details and the application at www.zaentzfund.com/apply. Applications close September 22, 2026.
“The filmmaker’s story always comes first,” said Annette Porter, director of the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund. “We don’t start by asking what’s marketable. We start by listening to the ideas our filmmakers have for the stories they need to tell. For the last ten years, we’ve been supporting Baltimore filmmakers in the development and production of these ideas and are proud of the creative filmmaking talent flourishing in Baltimore.”
“That said, indie filmmaking is a tough industry and it’s not unusual for the journey from idea to film to take three to five years – or more, not counting the time and effort to get a finished film in front of an audience. In response, we’ve strengthened our production assistance for filmmakers and expanded our program to include new editorial support, a new postproduction award, and additional industry partnerships to help filmmakers find their people.”
“Too many important films get made and then disappear – because a distribution system built around algorithms and consolidation decides they’re not worth the reach. A great story deserves to find people who want to see it, not get lost.” Porter said. “One of the ways we’re pushing back this year is by partnering with Evident, an Emmy-winning nonprofit newsroom for visual journalism. Together, we’re rolling out a special fellowship category with a guaranteed distribution platform, for an emerging visual journalist to produce an investigative documentary rooted in rigorous journalistic practice and cinematic storytelling.”
This year, the program also adds important new support tools including a training lab for indie film distribution, developed in collaboration with Amy Hobby, co-founder of Distribution Advocates along with editing and producing workshops led by professional advisors rarely available to early-career filmmakers outside New York or Los Angeles.
