FILMD Grants
Meet the FILMD Grants Winner!
We’re delighted to announce that the winner of our 5th FILMD Grants screenwriting award of £1000, for her short film submission ‘Solstice’, is director, producer, and writer Maya Avidov!
Maya describes herself as a filmmaker who lives in London, loves art, and despises tomatoes. She’s passionate about creating films across genres, blending fiction and documentary styles to explore new storytelling approaches. Before focusing on directing, Maya worked as a cinematographer on several award-winning shorts. Most recently, she was selected for the 2022 Reykjavik Film Talent Lab and the Wonder Women TV mentorship program. Maya is also a proud member of Directors UK and BECTU.
‘‘‘Solstice’ is a mockumentary following Guinevere, a cancer survivor, her teenage son, and a lively group of modern-day Druids as they celebrate the Winter Solstice. As the ceremony spirals into comedic chaos, the characters embody an ancient message of resilience: no matter how dark the winter, the sun will rise again. With both heartfelt and humorous moments, Maya’s script showcases her unique voice and vision, capturing the spirit of community, humor, and hope.’’
Craig Heyworth, FILMD Co-Founder.
£1,000 Grant Winner
‘Solstice’ by Maya Avidov
Maya describes herself as a filmmaker who lives in London, loves art, and despises tomatoes. She’s passionate about creating films across genres, blending fiction and documentary styles to explore new storytelling approaches. Before focusing on directing, Maya worked as a cinematographer on several award-winning shorts. Most recently, she was selected for the 2022 Reykjavik Film Talent Lab and the Wonder Women TV mentorship program. Maya is also a proud member of Directors UK and BECTU.
‘‘‘Solstice’ is a mockumentary following Guinevere, a cancer survivor, her teenage son, and a lively group of modern-day Druids as they celebrate the Winter Solstice. As the ceremony spirals into comedic chaos, the characters embody an ancient message of resilience: no matter how dark the winter, the sun will rise again. With both heartfelt and humorous moments, Maya’s script showcases her unique voice and vision, capturing the spirit of community, humor, and hope.’’
Craig Heyworth, FILMD Co-Founder.
About FILMD Grants
We recognise that securing funding is a critical hurdle for filmmakers at every stage of their creative journey. That's why we're dedicated to supporting our members by providing avenues to seek, secure, and excel in applying for film funding.
We're actively exploring grant and funding opportunities tailored to the needs of filmmakers with partner organisations. While these discussions are ongoing, our immediate focus is to empower FILMD members with accessible grants.
How to apply
Submitting your screenplay is a simple – just provide a few details and upload your script. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email. Plus, in our latest update for 2024, you'll unlock access to a comprehensive production suite of tools for your production. This suite empowers you to do it all: view your script, upload production documents, manage job roles for your cast and crew, engage in private discussions with your team, access a shared calendar, and fine-tune project details.
FILMD Grants Winners
£1,000 Grant Winner
Maya is a London-based filmmaker blending fiction and documentary styles. Formerly a cinematographer on award-winning shorts, she now focuses on directing. Recently, she was selected for the 2022 Reykjavik Film Talent Lab and the Wonder Women TV mentorship program.
‘Solstice’ by Maya Avidov
£1,000 Grant Winner
Katie discovered a passion for creating her own work and characters, initially writing the award-winning web series 'Match Not Found' leading to her writing the feature film 'Firecracker' (in post-production), and 'While it Lasts', which she's incredibly excited to bring to life.
‘While it lasts’ by Katie Sheridan
£1,000 Grant Winner
Matt is a writer and director of commercials, content and short films known for Lobsters (2018), This Is England (2006) and Trimming the Fat (2008).
‘The Winners’ by Matt Huntley
£1,000 Grant Winner
Carl is a London-based British-Ghanaian writer and director, with a longstanding passion for film and storytelling. He was also a member of the BFI Network x BAFTA Crew professional development programme (2021 cohort).
‘Sleep Awake’ by Carl Earl-Ocran
£1,000 Grant Winner
Francesca de Bassa is a Film Director and Artist who works across mixed media, moving images and experimental animation. Her art practice explores the themes of femininity, women in society and mental health. Her visual approach is always evolving, maintaining a fun and surreal style of storytelling.
‘Nothing We Say’ by Francesca de Bassa
£1,000 Grant Winner
‘Solstice’ by Maya Avidov
Maya is a London-based filmmaker blending fiction and documentary styles. Formerly a cinematographer on award-winning shorts, she now focuses on directing. Recently, she was selected for the 2022 Reykjavik Film Talent Lab and the Wonder Women TV mentorship program.
£1,000 Grant Winner
‘While it lasts’ by Katie Sheridan
Katie discovered a passion for creating her own work and characters, initially writing the award-winning web series 'Match Not Found' leading to her writing the feature film 'Firecracker' (in post-production), and 'While it Lasts', which she's incredibly excited to bring to life.
£1,000 Grant Winner
‘The Winners’ by Matt Huntley
Matt is a writer and director of commercials, content and short films known for Lobsters (2018), This Is England (2006) and Trimming the Fat (2008).
£1,000 Grant Winner
‘Sleep Awake’ by Carl Earl-Ocran
Carl is a London-based British-Ghanaian writer and director, with a longstanding passion for film and storytelling. He was also a member of the BFI Network x BAFTA Crew professional development programme (2021 cohort).
£1,000 Grant Winner
‘Nothing We Say’ by Francesca de Bassa
Francesca de Bassa is a Film Director and Artist who works across mixed media, moving images and experimental animation. Her art practice explores the themes of femininity, women in society and mental health. Her visual approach is always evolving, maintaining a fun and surreal style of storytelling.
If you were unable to find the answer you were looking for, please feel free to contact us!
To apply for a FILMD Grant, you must be a FILMD Pro member and you need to create a Production on FILMD prior to submitting your script through the provided form. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email.
Grant submissions require scripts to be no longer than 10 minutes in duration and produced in the United Kingdom. Additionally, applicants must reside in the UK. You can find our more in our Grant section of our Terms and Conditions.