Black Public Media (BPM) is giving independent documentary filmmakers an opportunity to secure funding and national exposure through its 2026 Open Call for feature-length nonfiction projects.
The Harlem-based nonprofit has opened submissions for its 10th PitchBLACK Forum & Awards, described by BPM as the nation’s largest pitch competition for independent filmmakers creating Black content. Five selected projects will each receive $20,000 to support their work, while the PitchBLACK winner will receive an additional $150,000 production award.
The submissions deadline is Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
BPM is seeking feature-length nonfiction projects across a range of formats, styles, subjects and genres. Projects may be in pre-production, production or early post-production, but must be suitable for public media distribution.
The organization is particularly interested in stories that explore critical issues, encourage cultural understanding and have the potential to engage audiences nationally or within local communities.
To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens and serve as the producer or director of the proposed project. Applicants must have at least three years of professional producing or directing experience, or have a senior producer attached to the project. They must also maintain artistic, budgetary and editorial control and own the copyright to the project.
The 2026 competition comes during a challenging period for documentary filmmakers and public media organizations. According to BPM, Congress’ 2025 decision to rescind federal funding for public media resulted in a $1.8 million loss to the organization’s budget. In response, BPM launched its Black Stories Production Fund to support the continued creation and distribution of Black stories.
Since PitchBLACK launched in 2015, BPM says it has awarded more than $2 million to film and immersive media projects. Previous PitchBLACK projects have premiered on PBS, WORLD, Create and PBS Digital, while program alumni have gone on to create film, television and immersive projects for outlets including CNN, Showtime, Netflix, HBO, BET, NBC and The CW.
Recent PitchBLACK alumni have also earned recognition at the BlackStar Film Festival. Zenón and the Rebel Boats received the festival’s Best Feature Documentary prize, while Finding Your Laughter received a Special Mention.
“As we prepare for our 10th PitchBLACK, we are looking for filmmakers with urgent, original stories that can deepen understanding of the Black experience and connect with audiences across the country,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director of Black Public Media.
BPM will also host a free informational webinar about the Open Call on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. ET, offering prospective applicants guidance on the application process and selection criteria.
For nearly 50 years, Black Public Media has supported independent creators and invested more than $18 million in documentaries and immersive media projects, helping stories about the global Black experience reach broader audiences.