In Brief

  • In collaboration with Fire Escape Films, Human Rights Majors and other University of Chicago affiliates 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 November 21, 2025.

The Pozen Family Center for Human Rights—in collaboration with Fire Escape Films—invites Human Rights Majors, and other UChicago affiliates 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 affiliated with the University of Chicago.
  • Has existing research related or relevant to Human Rights.
  • Passion for documentary storytelling (no filmmaking experience required).

Timeline

  • Now – December 2025: Develop your story and create a documentary treatment (2 to 3 pages) in collaboration with your FE counterpart. This helpful resource for writing a documentary treatment can walk you through it.
  • January – February 2026: Pre-production
  • February – March 2026: Principal Photography
  • March – April 2026: Post-production
  • May 2026: Screening

Time Commitment

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

  • 4-5 pre-production meetings — Story & treatment development, planning, logistics.
  • 4-5 shoot days — Filming on location or in studio, interviews, B-roll.
  • 3 workshops — Ethics, Technical Skills, Documentary Basics (2 hours each)
  • 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 November 21, 2025

 

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

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