Mario Cader-Frech Harvardwood Religion & Media Micro-Grant Fellowship
Application deadline: September 15th, 2025 11:59pm PT
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Are you a full-time Harvard University student interested in making a short film or executing a project at the intersection of religion and media? Are you passionate about elevating portrayals or exploring issues around the role of religion and faith in entertainment? This is your opportunity!
In collaboration with Harvardwood, the Harvard Divinity School Film Festival (HDSFF) invites students to apply for a grant for work at the intersection of religion and entertainment media.
To qualify for the grant, projects must fall in one of the following categories:
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(1) Short films: Applicants create an original short film (15 minutes or less) that aligns with HDSFF’s mission of exploring themes of religion, spirituality, or faith and their intersection with public life.
(2) Research: Applicants execute a research project thematically related to the intersection of religion and entertainment media.
(3) Event: Applicants plan and execute an original event that reflects HDSFF’s mission.
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Please note that all projects must have a public facing component: film, podcast, talk, panel, website, editorial, news article, etc.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a full-time enrolled Harvard University student during the 2025–2026 academic year. Harvard Divinity School students receive preference in the application process.
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Serve in a significant role in the HDS Film Festival Student Organization (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or designated Committee Chair) for the full academic year
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Create a short film, research project, or event that aligns with the HDSFF submission guidelines and HDS's approach to religious literacy
Grant Disbursement
50% of the grant will be disbursed in Fall 2025, upon:
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Completion of assigned festival leadership duties
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Submission and approval of a completed film script/storyboard or project outline.
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Active participation in meetings with film and/or academic advisors
50% disbursed in Spring 2026, upon:
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Continued fulfillment of festival leadership responsibilities
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Completion and timely submission of the short film to the HDS Film Fest or completion of the research project or event.
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About the Grant
This grant is made possible through the generous support of Mario Cader-Frech (MRPL’24) to Harvardwood, in collaboration with the Harvard Divinity School Film Festival, as part of a shared mission to deepen the public’s understanding of religion, faith, and spirituality through storytelling. The total amount of the grant program is $12,500 and applicants must specify the amount they are applying for.
This grant is for Harvard students involved in a project related to the intersection of religion and entertainment media: filmmakers, screenwriters, researchers, writers, educators, etc. No prior experience is necessary. Current HDS students and Harvardwood members will get preference. Once selected, grant recipients must become full members of Harvardwood for the year of their fellowship.
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For questions, please contact:
HDS Film Festival Committee