Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Expands Support for Indie Filmmakers to Postproduction and Distribution

Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund Expands Support for Indie Filmmakers to Postproduction and Distribution

SZIF Adds New Fellowship Seat, Awards and Training for Baltimore Filmmakers

SZIF’s story-first mission to support Baltimore-based indie filmmakers expands range of resources, from first pitch through final cut and distribution.

The Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund in Film and Media (SZIF) at Johns Hopkins University announced that applications are open for its eleventh cohort of Fellows. This year's application cycle marks the program’s expansion into new territory and new collaborations, including a newly created postproduction award, and a new fellowship slot for a journalistic filmmaker, in partnership with Evident Media.

Filmmakers interested in applying for the new cohort can find eligibility details and the application at www.zaentzfund.com/apply. Applications close September 22, 2026.