About Organisation
Earthrise is a documentary studio and storytelling platform producing films and multimedia content focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, and the relationship between people and nature. The organisation uses creative storytelling to raise awareness of environmental challenges and encourage public engagement with sustainability issues.
Bupa is an international healthcare company working across health insurance, healthcare services, and wellbeing. Through its partnership with Earthrise, Bupa aims to explore the connections between human health and environmental health through documentary filmmaking and creative storytelling.
The Planet Health Film Fund is supported by BAFTA Albert as Sustainability Partner, alongside SXSW London, YouTube, Together Films, and Screen Language as programme partners.
About the Grant
The Planet Health Film Fund 2026 is a new international funding initiative launched by Earthrise and Bupa to support independent documentary filmmakers exploring the relationship between human health and the health of the environment.
The programme will select five filmmakers from around the world, with each recipient receiving £20,000 in production funding to create an original short documentary of approximately 10 minutes. The films should explore how relationships with nature, place, and community influence human wellbeing and how protecting the environment can contribute to healthier futures.
In addition to financial assistance, selected filmmakers will receive creative mentorship, industry workshops, and professional support from programme partners. The initiative will also provide guidance on sustainable filmmaking practices and audience engagement strategies.
The completed documentaries are scheduled to receive their world premiere at SXSW London 2027, followed by a global digital release. Filmmakers retain ownership of their work.
Who can Apply?
The opportunity is open to documentary filmmakers worldwide who are at least 18 years old. Applicants must have previously directed at least one completed documentary film or comparable authored nonfiction work that has been selected for a recognised film festival, commissioned by an established broadcaster, or distributed through an established editorial or documentary platform.
The lead applicant must be the director of the proposed film, and each applicant can submit only one entry, either as a lead director or co-director. Applicants must also have access to a legally registered production company at the time of application, as the funding cannot be paid directly to an individual.
Proposed films must be original documentary or nonfiction projects rather than scripted fiction. Projects already in development may be considered, but they must not have entered production or post-production when the application is submitted.
International filmmakers, including eligible applicants from India, can apply provided they satisfy the professional experience, production company, and other eligibility requirements.
How to Apply?
Interested filmmakers should visit the official Planet Health Film Fund application page and download the creative brief and application guidelines. Applicants should develop an original documentary concept exploring the relationship between human health and environmental wellbeing.
The application should explain the proposed story, its creative approach, access to the subject and principal contributors, and how the documentary will communicate the connection between people and the natural environment. Applications must be submitted in English through the official application process.
Applicants should also review the production requirements, delivery specifications, eligibility conditions, and terms and conditions before submitting their proposals.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 16 November 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
