- Up to ~USD 20,000Maximum Award Value
- ~3 Feature-Length GrantsNumber of Feature Grants
- ~5 Short-Form GrantsNumber of Short-Form Grants
- Film Production/Post-ProductionFunding Purpose
- Open WorldwideApplicant Nationality
- Focus on PsychedelicsThematic Area
At a glance
partial
Funding
—
Max amount
Oct 5, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
UC Berkeley
Provider
The Mycoskie – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship, established in partnership with UC Berkeley, aims to nurture a new cohort of filmmakers focused on the rapidly evolving field of psychedelics. This program offers grants up to $20,000 for feature-length documentaries (over 40 minutes) and up to $10,000 for short-form documentaries (40 minutes or less). The fellowship supports groundbreaking narratives that shed light on the science, policy, business, and cultural aspects of psychedelics, fostering diverse cinematic storytelling. Since its inception, the fellowship has sought to document a crucial and often misunderstood area of research and societal change. It encourages filmmakers globally to bring untold stories to audiences, emphasizing both academic rigor and compelling narrative. The initiative plays a vital role in enabling critical conversations through the powerful medium of documentary film. Two types of grants are available each cycle, typically awarding up to 3 feature-length grants and up to 5 short-form grants. The application deadline is typically in October, with funds intended to support production or post-production phases. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Feature-Length Documentary Grant — Up to ~USD 20,000 to support the production or post-production of documentaries exceeding 40 minutes in length.
- Short-Form Documentary Grant — Up to ~USD 10,000 for the production of documentaries 40 minutes or less in duration.
- Filmmaking Expenses — Funding is intended to cover direct costs associated with film production or post-production, such as equipment rental, editing, and crew salaries.
- Research Costs — Eligible expenses may include costs related to research and development for the documentary project.
- Travel and Logistics — Support can extend to travel expenses and logistical needs directly linked to the filming process.
- Post-Production Support — Specifically covers editing, sound design, color grading, and other post-production services.
How to apply
Applying for the Mycoskie – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship involves submitting a detailed proposal and supporting documents through the online application portal. Prospective fellows should prepare their project outlines carefully, ensuring all requirements are met before the deadline.
- Review Eligibility Criteria — Carefully read all eligibility requirements for both feature-length and short-form grants to ensure your project and academic status (if applicable) qualify.
- Prepare Project Proposal — Develop a comprehensive proposal outlining your documentary project, including its narrative, thematic focus on psychedelics, and production plan. Ensure it is written in English.
- Secure Faculty Support (if applicable) — If applying for the Short-Form Documentary Grant as a graduate student, obtain a letter of support from your faculty advisor that confirms their supervision of your film.
- Access Application Portal — Navigate to the designated application link on the official fellowship page. There are separate links for feature-length and short-form grants.
- Complete Online Application — Fill out all sections of the online application form accurately. Upload all required documents as specified.
- Submit Application — Submit your completed application by the stated deadline. Late submissions are not typically considered.
Eligibility
NationalityAll nationalities and citizenship statuses are eligible.
Study LevelFor the Short-Form Documentary Grant, only graduate school level films are eligible. Undergraduate films are not accepted.
Academic Standing (for graduate students)Student applicants must have a letter of support from a faculty advisor who will supervise the film's completion as part of their graduate program.
Film TypeOnly documentary films are supported; fiction films or films commissioned by NGOs or brands are not eligible.
Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted in English. Films can be in other languages but must include English subtitles for review.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2026/2027 Cycle2026-10-05
Selection
Recipients are selected based on the originality and cinematic potential of their documentary narratives exploring psychedelics, as well as the feasibility and impact of their proposed projects. The selection committee evaluates proposals written in English, prioritizing those that demonstrate a clear vision for shedding light on the science, policy, business, and culture of this emerging field. Diversity among filmmakers is also a stated consideration.
About the provider
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public research university established in 1868. It is one of the world's premier institutions, known for its extensive research and contributions across numerous fields. UC Berkeley collaborates on various initiatives, including this fellowship, to foster innovation and critical discourse.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Mycoskie – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship?
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This fellowship is a program offered by UC Berkeley, aiming to support documentary filmmakers who wish to explore the evolving field of psychedelics through cinematic storytelling, covering aspects like science, policy, business, and culture.
What does the fellowship cover?
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The fellowship provides grants to support the production or post-production phases of documentary films. It covers direct costs associated with bringing a documentary project to fruition.
What is the award value for the fellowship?
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The fellowship offers two types of grants: up to ~USD 20,000 for feature-length documentaries (over 40 minutes) and up to ~USD 10,000 for short-form documentaries (40 minutes or less).
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
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The fellowship is open to filmmakers from anywhere in the world. For the short-form grant, only graduate-level films are eligible, requiring a faculty advisor's letter of support.
Are there any country restrictions for applicants?
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No, the fellowship is open to all filmmakers worldwide, regardless of their nationality or citizenship status, fostering a diverse pool of talent.
Which study levels are eligible for the grants?
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Only graduate school-level films are eligible for the Short-Form Documentary Grant. The page does not specify academic requirements for feature-length grants beyond being a filmmaker.
When is the application deadline for the upcoming cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle is October 5, 2026. Applicants should ensure all materials are submitted by this date.
How do I apply for the Mycoskie – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship?
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Applications are submitted online through dedicated links for either the feature-length or short-form grants. You need to prepare a project proposal and gather any required supporting documents.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include a project proposal, a detailed production plan, a filmmaker's CV, and for graduate students, a letter of support from a faculty advisor. All application materials must be in English.
How are fellowship recipients selected?
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Selection is based on the quality and originality of the proposed documentary, its relevance to the field of psychedelics, and the filmmaker's ability to execute the project. The selection committee evaluates applications submitted in English.
What is the typical duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
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The fellowship provides project-based grants, not a continuous stipend or renewable term. The duration relates to the production or post-production timeline of the funded film project.
Where can I find more information and confirm current details?
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For more information, including FAQs and to confirm the most current details, please visit the official Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship website, accessible via the application portal.