Priority is given to projects addressing contemporary issues.
The goal of this program is to raise public consciousness about human rights abuses and restrictions of civil liberties, to give voice to the diverse speech which is crucial to an open society, and to engage citizens in debate about these issues. We do not fund series, historical documentaries or biographies. SDF was established in May 1996 under the guidance of an advisory board composed of prominent film and human rights experts. Application guidelines detail all requirements for both cateogies. All proposals are submitted to the program office in New York.