Indie Grants opens 2026 funding cycle

Partnership funds S.C. short films with up to $45,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, August 3, 2026


The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College invite South Carolina filmmakers to apply for Indie Grants—production grants for narrative short film projects.

Indie Grants creates high-quality, inventive short films with professional filmmakers. Founded as a partnership between the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College, Indie Grants films have been official selections at film fest like Sundance, Tribeca, American Black Film Festival, Palm Springs, Austin, FantasticFest, Slamdance, Stiges, Oxford, Atlanta, Indie Memphis, DragonCon, and hundreds more.

Indie Grants funding can range from $25,000 to $45,000 to cover the full production of short film projects, including post-production. Selected grant recipients are expected to manage their productions with a high level of professionalism, quality, and practicality throughout the process. Creative thinking, cost-efficiency, smart management of funds, and pooling of resources are key.

The 2026 funding cycle is open until Monday, Aug. 3.

Decorate graphic for Indie Grants