2023 SFA Film Residency
June 3–July 29, 2023
Oxford, MS
Program Overview
Are you right for the prototype? In 1995, Andre 3000 from the hip hop group Outkast proclaimed, “The South got something to say.” The SFA wants to hear what you have to say about the South and its foodways. As part of the Southern Foodways Alliance’s mission, we are inviting filmmakers to apply to be part of a four-member cohort for our 2023 Prototype Film Residency. By the end of the 8-week residency, each member of the cohort will have produced a high-quality film that is ready to share at film festivals.
Submit your application by March 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. CT via this link.
Members of the Prototype will receive the following:
- Two-month stay at the University of Mississippi in Oxford
- Shared studio workspace
- Editing lab
- Filmmaking stipend
- Weekly Lunch-and-Learns
- Cohort activities and field trips
- SFA Film Summer Showcase
The Prototype is free for accepted applicants.
Application and Event Timeline
February 16, 2023
Announce Residency Application
March 31, 2023
Deadline for receiving applications
April 21, 2023
Public Announcement of the Prototype Film Cohort
April 28, 2023
Virtual Welcome and Workshop to Prepare for Summer
June 3, 2023
Move-In
June 5, 2023
Orientation Week
July 27, 2023
Summer Film Showcase
July 29, 2023
Move-out
Application | Submission Materials
Please fully review the FAQs before applying to the residency.
Submit all application materials via this link.
- Short Bio [who you are, your mission, and some things you’re proud of]
- Headshot
- Three Work Samples [one must be a film/video of any length or genre]
- Film proposal
Film Proposal
- Title of Film
- Logline and Synopsis
- Treatment that includes the expected narrative arc [beginning, middle, and end]
- Description of the style and approach of the film
- Mood board | One page of visual references
- Additional materials the filmmaker wants to include to convey the vision
In this application, you’ll be submitting a film proposal. Tell us why the film you want to make matters—to you, to the audience, to the larger filmmaking community. Why is it urgent?
What do you want to learn from the residency? What skills will you gain or polish?
F.A.Q.
SFA Film Residency | FAQ
Please fully review the FAQs before applying to the residency.
About Us
The Southern Foodways Alliance documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South. A member-supported institute based at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, we collect oral histories, produce films and podcasts, publish great writing, sponsor scholarship, mentor students, and stage events that serve as progressive and inclusive catalysts for the greater South.
Residency Dates
Filmmakers are expected to be in Oxford for the entire duration of the residency. We have curated a program that will encourage filmmakers to explore their interests, connect with their cohort, and travel and experience the South. Altering the schedule will be difficult. We understand that there may be unforeseen circumstances but please know that we’ve designed this experience to maximize both cohort building and experiential learning.
Artist Package
- Two months stay at the University of Mississippi in Oxford | Private Bedroom and Bathroom
- Shared studio workspace
- Editing lab
- $5,000 Filmmaking stipend
- Weekly Lunch and Learns | 7-8 Total
- Two [2] Cohort activities and Two [2] field trips
- SFA Closing Film Summer Showcase
Program Expectations
- Spend 8 weeks in residence
- Be responsible for their own transportation to and from the residency
- Attend mandatory orientation
- Participate in residency programming including a short documentary-style film about the program
- Complete short film for SFA’s Summer Film Showcase
Stipend
The $5,000 filmmaking stipend will be dispersed in two payments—one at the start of the residency and the final when the film is completed before the SFA Summer Film Showcase on July 27, 2023.
Who is Eligible?
Artists who are 21 and older are welcome to apply. We are looking for emerging to established filmmakers and visual storytellers who are interested in creating a film about the South and its foodways this summer.
How many residents will be selected?
There will be four (4) residents selected for the 2023 SFA Film Residency.
Selection Process
A jury will review and rank the applications based on the following criteria:
- Creative and Ethical Integrity of Proposal
- Feasibility of film completion
Film Proposal
- Title of Film
- Logline and Synopsis
- Treatment that includes the expected narrative arc [beginning, middle, and end]
- Description of the style and approach of the film
- Mood board | One page of visual references
- Materials filmmaker wants to include to convey the vision
Space
- Living Space. Each resident will have a private bedroom and bathroom with a shared common space with a kitchen and living room.
- Work Space. There will be a shared studio space that can house all residents comfortably.
- Facilities. There will be a dedicated editing lab and other facilities that will be available to each resident.
Location and Transportation
If you have a car, bring it! While Oxford has limited public transportation plus Uber and Lyft, like many small cities, the restaurants, stores, and activities to enjoy aren’t centralized. Plus, if you have a car, you’re set to explore Tupelo, Memphis, and the Mississippi Delta, all just short drives from here.
Equipment
If you have a camera and/or camera kit, bring it! We also have limited kits to loan for fieldwork during the residency.
Pandemic | COVID 19
We will adhere to the safety guidelines of the CDC and the University of Mississippi.
