Now Open for Submissions through January 31, 2025
RIBBON, in collaboration with Decentralized Pictures (DCP) and Kinotron Group, is proud to announce the launch of Full Short, an initiative aimed at empowering Ukrainian filmmakers through awarding essential funding, mentorship, and professional development to four recipients. Full Short invites Ukrainian filmmakers to apply to win $20,000 USD to produce a short film in Ukraine. A jury composed of DCP board members and prominent figures from Ukraine’s filmmaking community will evaluate the submissions.
Submissions can be made through the platform at:
https://app.decentralized.pictures/awards/674f1ea997ca1401db76.
As Ukraine continues its fight against the Russian invasion, Full Short offers an opportunity to amplify the voices of filmmakers who are at the forefront of shaping the nation’s contemporary artistic expression. By providing a platform for creative projects, this initiative aims to preserve Ukraine’s cultural legacies and showcase them on the global stage.
“Ukraine’s artistic community has long been a testament to resilience and ingenuity, and it is crucial that we ensure these creative voices are heard during this pivotal moment in history,” said Roman Coppola, Co-Founder, Decentralized Pictures. “Through Full Short, we seek to provide Ukrainian filmmakers with the financial support, creative freedom, and mentorship necessary to complete their projects, ensuring that their stories continue to resonate worldwide.”
The Full Short initiative invites Ukrainian directors to apply for funding and support with their new fiction, documentary or animation projects, along with supplementary pitch materials. These submissions should articulate the vision, potential, and artistic merit of the project, demonstrating its unique storytelling and creative ambition. The program is open to filmmakers at all levels, from emerging talent to established industry professionals.
“In times of war, there is a crucial need for storytelling at fast pace,” said Lyuba Knorozok, producer from Kinotron Group. “Short films enable artists to tell critical messages without undergoing a multi-year development and production process.”
The funding will be provided in accordance with industry standards. Importantly, no intellectual property (IP) ownership transfer will be required, allowing filmmakers to retain full ownership and creative control over their work. RIBBON, Decentralized Pictures, and Kinotron Group arecommitted to ensuring that filmmakers preserve their artistic integrity throughout the production process.
In addition to financial support, the selected filmmakers will benefit from mentorship provided by a distinguished team of industry experts from Decentralized Pictures, and Kinotron Group. The submission process is now open. Filmmakers are encouraged to visit the Decentralized Pictures platform to review submission guidelines and learn more about the application process.
Full Short represents a step toward democratizing the global film industry by supporting Ukrainian filmmakers and promoting diverse, underrepresented voices in cinema. This initiative not only supports the completion of individual films but also seeks to foster a sustainable ecosystem for Ukrainian talent to thrive in the international film industry.
Key Dates:
Submission Start: 12/3/2024
Submission End: 1/31/2025
Peer Review End: 02/07/2025
Jury Deliberation and Final Selection of Recipients: February 2025
Final Recipients Announced (target): 02/28/2025
Finished Films (target): 09/30/2025
About RIBBON
RIBBON is a platform supporting historic and contemporary Ukrainian arts and culture in the form of exhibitions, artist commissions, public programs and grants. RIBBON runs through Ukraine by way of its railway system. Marking nearly three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, RIBBON aims to provide support to the endangered legacies of Ukraine’s cultural and artistic heritage, as well as to artists, cultural producers, contemporary culture and institutions throughout Ukraine in their fight for cultural autonomy.
About Decentralized Pictures (DCP)
Decentralized Pictures (DCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization seeking to discover new and innovative filmmaking talent. We run a democratic film fund and opportunity pool that allows anyone with internet access to apply for financing or support and to have a say in deciding who is most deserving of our support.
About Kinotron Group
Kinotron Group is a collective of filmmakers based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Their films have been screened at film festivals and art institutions worldwide, including International Film Festival Rotterdam, Kurzfilmtage Oberhausen, Docudays UA the Institute of Contemporary Art (London) and e-flux (New York).
