The American Revolutionary War began in April of 1775, at a time when Americans were unhappy with the British ruling of the colonies, and started wanting independence from Great Britain. This hostility towards the country was furthered in 1776 with the publication of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet titled “Common Sense”.

From the beginning, fourth of July celebrations have taken the shape of concerts, bonfires and parades, as well as the public readings of the Declaration of Independence. The first annual Independence Day celebrations were held in Philadelphia on July 4th 1777, even though the war was still taking place.

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Earlier this month, SAG-AFTRA members approved a new TV/Theatrical Agreement with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers). So, what are the major changes for low-budget filmmakers? Let us tell you!

Approach auditioning without overthinking.

In this episode, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is joined by television and commercial actor, acting coach and SAG-AFTRA Professional Representatives Committee Chair Rob Brownstein, who shares what works when preparing for auditions and honing your craft. Listen Now

Asian Film Festival Dallas | July 23-26

The 2026 Asian Film Festival of Dallas (AFFD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting emerging and established Asian and Asian-American filmmakers and sharing the rich diversity of Asian culture through the medium of cinema.

Since its creation in 2002, the annual film festival has grown to become the South’s largest showcase of Asian and Asian American cinema. See You There! Learn More

Look Closer at the first films from MIFF 2026.

Here is your first look at the bold and brilliant films coming to Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. Our First Glance line-up offers an early glimpse of what’s to come before the full program drops on July 6th.

With more than 250 films from Australia and across the globe, MIFF promises extraordinary storytelling and unforgettable cinematic experiences. Learn More

STUDIO ULSTER’S GROUNDBREAKING £72 MILLION VIRTUAL PRODUCTION FACILITY This state-of-the-art facility, home to the world’s most advanced Virtual Production technology, sets the precedent in creative ambition and innovation within the entertainment industries and positions Northern Ireland as a leading centre of excellence in virtual production.

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Check out the current opportunities open for application July 2026. This does not include perpetual opportunities (or always open).

For a full list of grants, initiatives and opportunities currently open for application please see our smarty grants page. Learn more!

Scotland Funding updates

Our National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Program Fund is now open for applications. The revised fund aims to support organizations that want to produce film festivals and screening programs in Scotland for a public audience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with deadlines for submission depending on when your activity takes place.

Please visit the Creative Scotland website.

FUND YOUR FILM

Vision Maker Media funds Native American and Alaska Native media at all stages of development. See the programs.

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iNative Shorts for Kids

This month’s iNative Shorts for Kids theme is Living Legacies, celebrating the lives and contributions of Indigenous leaders from diverse backgrounds. Each short video introduces young viewers to individuals who have made lasting impacts in their communities and beyond. Watch Now

WORLD FILM FEDERATION members, we just wanted to take a minute to have all members update their information on the site. The members section will host your picture and contact info, job category, etc., so if there is nothing there, then there is nothing there.

Roy W. Dean Film Grants

There are three Roy W. Dean Film Grants available each year for documentaries, narrative features, web series, and short films.  

Roy W. Dean Film Grant Submission Deadlines:

Roy W. Dean Film Grant – Fall – June 30th

CHECKOUT FOR ALL GRANTS

NATION ENDOWMENT FOR HUMANITIES

Creative Industries Film Lab and Residency - American Film Showcase 2026, U.S. Mission to Indonesia The Creative Industries Film Lab and Residency – American Film Showcase 2026 is a five-day public diplomacy program aligned with the American Film Showcase 2026 Envoy visit and scheduled during the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival Market 2026. Learn More

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State offers exchange programs that cover a wide range of interests, including arts and culture, technology and youth focused programs. The programs listed offer opportunities in specific areas, but many of our general-focus programs also allow participants to focus on a specific subject. 

For a full list of programs for U.S. residents, visit Find Programs.

SFFILM Documentary Film Fund

The SFFILM Documentary Film Fund (DFF) supports engaging documentaries in post-production which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters, and an original, innovative visual approach. Since its launch in 2011, the SFFILM Documentary Film Fund has distributed more than $900,000 to advance new work by filmmakers nationwide.

Final Deadline: Mon, Jul 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm (PST)   LEARN MORE

Check out these upcoming 2026 Texas events;