In Brief

  • In collaboration with Fire Escape Films, UChicago students with an interest in Human Rights are invited to turn their research into a short documentary film—no filmmaking experience required.
  • If awarded, all equipment and production resources—cameras, sound gear, editing software, and support from experienced filmmakers—will be provided.
  • Applications are due by October 25, 2026.

The Pozen Family Center for Human Rights—in collaboration with Fire Escape Films—invites UChicago students with a special interest in Human Rights to apply for an exciting opportunity to transform your research into a short documentary film. You’ll be paired with experienced student filmmakers from Fire Escape Films to bring your human rights story to life.

Eligibility

  • Must be a student at UChicago with an interest in Human Rights
  • Passion for documentary storytelling
  • No filmmaking experience required

Timeline

  • Now – November 2026: Develop your story and create a documentary treatment (2 to 3 pages). (Helpful resource: How to Create a Compelling Documentary Treatment)
  • December 2026 – January 2027: Pre-production
  • January – March 2027: Principal Photography
  • March – April 2027: Post-production
  • Submit your documentary by April 29, 2027.
  • May 2027: Documentary screening followed by Q&A with the creators

Time Commitment

Documentary production can be time-intensive, and we want applicants to plan accordingly. The expected time commitment for this project includes::

  • 3 workshops — Documentary Basics, Ethics, Technical Skills (2 hours each)
  • 4-5 pre-production meetings — Story & treatment development, planning, logistics.
  • 4-5 shoot days — Filming on location or in studio, interviews, B-roll.
  • 1 mid-production check-in meeting — quick check-in on the status of the production and next steps
  • Additional independent work time for research, writing, and collaboration with your filmmaking partner

If awarded, all equipment and production resources (cameras, sound gear, editing software, and support from experienced filmmakers) will be provided.

We encourage you to consider this schedule and ensure you can dedicate the necessary time to fully engage with the process.

APPLY

Applications are due by October 25, 2026

 

For questions on the filmmaking aspect, please contact: fecommittee@gmail.com.

For substantive Human Rights questions, please contact: ewabuke@uchicago.edu.