Films for impact,
education, and change.
The Non Fiction Film Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that commissions original nonfiction films and serves as a fiscal sponsor for filmmakers documenting land, culture, wildlife, and lived experience. Fiscal sponsorship is provided on a project-by-project basis and is subject to review and approval to ensure alignment with the organization’s charitable mission and compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations.
The NON FICTION Film Association supports filmmakers who work in the real world—on the ground, in communities, across landscapes shaped by history, ecology, and lived experience. A commitment to showing the world as it is—complex, fragile, and REAL. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
EXCERPTS FROM FILMMAKERS WE WORK WITH
Advancing nonfiction storytelling for public benefit
Across communities, cultural traditions, and the natural world, well-told nonfiction stories don't just document — they advance the public benefit by safeguarding living arts, amplifying voices, and building understanding.
WHY IT MATTERS
Commissioned projects are developed in collaboration with the organization, while fiscally sponsored projects retain independent authorship and are supported through our 501(c)(3) status. Eligible projects are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
Well-made nonfiction films frequently partner with nonprofits, researchers, and grassroots organizations. The result is not just visibility, but measurable impact: funding for habitat protection, policy attention, legal defense funds, or increased public support for conservation initiatives.
FROM THE FIELD
FOR FILMMAKERS
What Is Fiscal Sponsorship?
Fiscal sponsorship is a partnership for filmmakers and creators actively fundraising who need access to 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt status. Through this relationship, your project becomes aligned with Nonfiction Film Association, allowing you to seek tax-deductible donations and grants while advancing films that document land, culture, wildlife, and lived experience.
FOR ORGANIZATIONS
What Is a Commissioned Film?
A commissioned film is a project initiated by an organization or cause that partners with Nonfiction Film Association to develop and produce a nonfiction film aligned with a specific mission, issue, or story. Through our board members' access to accomplished filmmakers, producers, and creative advisors, we assemble the right talent and expertise to shape the concept, build a realistic budget, and guide production—delivering a high-quality short or full-length film that serves both artistic integrity and impact goals.
PRESIDENT & BOARD MEMBER
Holds a PHD in English Literature from Durham University in the UK. She has produced, co-written and been the narrative consultant on several award winning films over the last 15 years. Her CV is here.
Dr. Anna Kirsch
VP, TREASURER & BOARD MEMBER
Jay is a television producer, director, video journalist and filmmaker whose work has been featured on many national networks and has more than 20 years of experience as a television producer, director and video journalist. He was a founding producer of E! Entertainment Television and a founding member of the Alliance for Community Media.
Jay April
SECRETARY & BOARD MEMBER
Colin Dalvit is a writer, producer, director, and occasional adjunct professor of motion design at Western Washington University.
Colin Dalvit
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