Canon has opened entries for the 2025 edition of its annual Video Grant – Short Film Documentary, offering a €8,000 grant to support the creation of a short documentary project. The award recognises emerging talent in global documentary filmmaking, encouraging powerful storytelling through visual journalism.
First launched in 2020, the Canon Video Grant was created in response to the evolving media landscape where video has become an essential tool for photographers and journalists. Sponsored by Canon in association with Images Evidence, the grant has since supported filmmakers who use their craft to highlight real-world issues.
Winners of the 2025 grant will also receive access to professional Canon video equipment on loan to complete their projects. A teaser version of the film will be presented at the 2025 Photojournalism Festival in Perpignan, France. The final completed film will be screened at the 2026 edition of the same festival, offering valuable international exposure.
Canon’s initiative continues to support visual storytellers and photojournalists aiming to produce impactful, socially relevant films. Past recipients have tackled a wide range of important global topics and used the platform to amplify underrepresented voices.
The deadline to apply for the Canon Video Grant 2025 is May 27, 2025. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal including a project synopsis, concept, timeline, and a sample of past work. The grant presents a unique opportunity to gain funding, professional tools, and a global audience.
What is the applicant criteria for the Canon Video Grant?
The Canon Video Grant is open to individual professional photojournalists or documentary video makers with at least one video reportage project under their belt. They can be based anywhere in the world but need to have a proficient grasp of French or English, spoken and written. Their proposed short documentary must cover a social, economic, political or cultural subject in a journalistic manner.
Entry is free and applications for the 2025 Canon Video Grant open 25 March 2025 and close 27 May 2025.
To find out more about the Canon Video Grant – Short Film Documentary and to apply, visit the Visa pour l’Image Awards & Grants page or email canon-videogrant@orange.fr.
