Vimeo launches short film grant in partnership with Nikon and RED (five $30,000 grants)

The grant will award five filmmakers with $30,000 each in funding to produce a short film, along with one-on-one mentorship opportunities with the selection jury and the Vimeo Curation Team. Additionally, recipients will gain access to:

• The latest Z CINEMA line of professional video equipment, including the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X cinema cameras, which feature all-new Z mount options, as well as Nikon’s collection of award winning mirrorless cameras including the Z9, Z8 and Z6III – all powered by the innovative technology from Nikon and RED to ensure films are produced to the highest technical standards.^[1]
• A Vimeo Standard subscription, and distribution support on Vimeo.com –including dedicated promotion of their work at in-person screenings in NYC and LA hosted by Vimeo.

Winning projects will be selected by a prestigious jury of filmmakers, industry professionals, and Vimeo executives based on originality, artistic merit, and feasibility of project execution. The jury will be composed of celebrated Vimeo Staff Picks alumni, including filmmakers David Lowery, Charlotte Wells, Sean Wang, Savanah Leaf and cinematographer Adam Bricker, ASC.

“For two decades, Vimeo has served and inspired millions of filmmakers and film enthusiasts around the world,” said Philip Moyer, CEO of Vimeo. “We are incredibly proud to partner with industry leaders, Nikon and RED, on this new grant program to accelerate the future of storytelling and launch a new generation of filmmakers. Together we will provide filmmakers with resources, mentorship, and a trusted platform to create exceptional short films and connect with a global audience.”

“Short films are a form of their own, but they’re also an essential entryway into the feature film industry — a way many filmmakers begin to figure out what they’re doing and who they’re doing it with,” says filmmaker Charlotte Wells. “For years, Vimeo has given an impressive platform to short form work, supporting emerging filmmakers (including me), and in turn, I’m grateful to be able to support their inaugural short film grant — broadening access to this undeniably expensive art form.”

Filmmaker and grant program mentor Savannah Leaf added, “As a writer and director, the journey can often feel lonely and nerve-wracking. Mentorship is a powerful way to navigate those challenges, offering the support and confidence to create. From the start of my career, Vimeo has helped me build a community of peers and mentors. I’m excited to collaborate with Vimeo and emerging filmmakers to continue fostering the community that first gave me the courage to direct.”

“Nikon and RED are thrilled to partner with Vimeo on this important initiative, which recognizes the visions and talent of emerging filmmakers, while enabling them to create with the best tools available and expand to a broader audience than ever before,” said Naoki Onozato, President and CEO, of Nikon Inc. “We’re excited to see the incredible films that will be created through this grant.”

Keiji Oishi, CEO of RED Digital Cinema added, “Independent filmmaking is a vibrant community that amplifies fresh voices and unique stories, igniting creativity and innovation from emerging filmmakers. RED is excited to partner with Vimeo and Nikon in supporting these promising artists at the beginning of their cinematic journey, and we can’t wait to see what they create.”

Submissions for the “Vimeo Short Film Grant presented by Nikon | RED” will open on March 10, 2025. Winners will be notified by July 7, with projects to begin by July 2025.  Filmmakers are encouraged to visit www.vimeo.com/shortfilmgrant for official rules, including eligibility, conditions, prize descriptions, and complete details.

Officially announced: RED V-RAPTOR [X] and Komodo [X] cinema cameras with Nikon Z-mount