The whickers awards film & TV awards 2026 is open
Deadline: 30th January 2026
June 2026: Finalist pitch their projects at Sheffield Doc Fest
What’s on offer
The Film & TV Funding Award is awarded annually to an emerging filmmaker from anywhere in the world with the most promising pitch for a director-led documentary which fulfils the core criteria detailed below. With a main award worth £120,000 and a development award for the runner-up of £25,000, The Whickers Film & TV Funding Award is one of the most significant documentary awards in the world.
What they are looking for
Director-Led Story
For a definition of what we mean by ‘director- led’ please see our FAQs by clicking HERE.
The director does not have to present the documentary, their ability to tell the story relies on their unique access and vision.
Demonstrates passion for the subject whilst retaining fair-mindedness.
Demonstrates a real sense of independence.
Engagement
Unique access to engaging characters in unusual or inaccessible locations.
Allows contributor’s story to emerge in their own words.
Demonstrates a flair for coaxing the human spirit into revealing itself.
The author demonstrates intimacy with but does not overshadow the subject.
Curiosity
Spirit of inquisitiveness that leaves viewers wanting more.
Tells us about something new and unexpected about the world.
Excites wonder.
Understands how wit can illuminate the toughest or most nuanced real life drama.
Original use of technology
Playful with storytelling means – breaking new ground and/or using old ground to re-invent new style
Not Partisan
No campaigning, pre-set agendas or political theories.
Who can apply
Must be the filmmaker or filmmakers’ first 50+ minute documentary film where they own the director or co-director credit
Open to filmmakers from anywhere in the world. We encourage international filmmakers to apply
Projects must be at the late development to early production stage at the time of applying – this is not a finishing fund
Award money cannot be paid to an individual. Therefore applicants must either: provide proof of company viability; have a fiscal sponsor on board; have a nominated production company on board to create a dedicated project account for their film; or confirm that they are willing to set up a limited company and dedicated project account if shortlisted.
Up to six minutes of original taster footage is required at the time of applying
Must be accessible for an English-speaking audience – whether in the English language, or subtitled in English
Applicants must have an executive producer on board at the time of applying.
Should they be shortlisted, applicants must be available to travel to the UK in June to pitch their project at Sheffield DocFest (reasonable travel and accommodation covered by The Whickers)
We ask that the budget for your 50+ minute documentary film does not exceed £500,000 at the time of application
If your project is animated you may exceed the £500,000 threshold so long as your budget makes it clear where the money would be spent
Applicants who at the time of application have other funding sources over the value of £350,000 are not eligible.
How to Apply
This submission is via paperform link here.
Free to enter
Any questions please email info@whickersawards.com
Deadline 30th January
Important Notes
It’s FREE to create and submit a SMASH Pitch.
Selected participants must attend both the pitching prep session and the live pitching event in London on 16th Jan 2026
Industry experts may not commission your project directly but will provide feedback, connections, and guidance.
Questions? Contact: cupid@mysmash.media
About The Whickers
The Whickers were established in 2015 to fund and recognise original and innovative documentary. We seek to use the generous legacy of our namesake, pioneering broadcaster Alan Whicker, to support emerging film and audio documentary-makers in the funding and production of director led programmes. The Whickers are comprised of two annual awards: the Film & TV Funding Award and The Podcast Pitch Award. We also run a Bursary Scheme in four regions of the world where funding for documentary is limited for socio-political or economic reasons.
For more information, please visit our website.
About My SMASH Media
SMASH is the pitch builder and pitch protector for creators. It helps you build a professional, shareable pitch deck that can be discovered by industry decision-makers. SMASH is free for creators. Upgrade to SMASHPro for SMASHCupid support & advanced tools to make your pitch perfect.