PWIFT Palmer Enfield Grant for First-Time Female Directors
Empowering Emerging Female Directors in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Women in Film and Television (PWIFT) is excited to announce the launch of the PWIFT Palmer Enfield Grant for First-Time Female Directors, an initiative designed to empower emerging female directors as they take the helm of their first directing project.
This grant honors the legacy of Palmer Enfield, a pioneering local director and founding PWIFT board member who worked tirelessly to advocate for gender equality in the media industry. By providing funding the grant aims to break down barriers and support women pursuing directing as a career.
More About Palmer Enfield
Palmer Enfield was a trailblazer for women in film. Her commitment to gender equality, both on and off screen, inspired many. Palmer overcame many obstacles with determination and grace on her path from producer to full-time director. She believed one of the greatest challenges for female directors was securing financing for their directorial debut. This grant is a tribute to her impact on the Philadelphia film community and beyond.
Grant Details & Eligibility
The PWIFT Palmer Enfield Grant is open to first-time female directors working on a variety of projects:
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Narrative Films – Any length, including pilots, series, proof of concept sizzles/teasers
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Documentary Films – Any length, including pilots, series, proof of concept sizzles/teasers
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Spec Commercial(s) – Director’s spot reel
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Experimental Films – Innovative or unconventional works
Eligibility Criteria:
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You must identify as female.
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You should have a clear intent to pursue directing as a career.
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You must be based in the Greater Philadelphia Area (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania).
Application Timeline & Selection Process
Application Open Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Submission Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:59PM EST
Grant Recipient Announcement: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals who will assess candidates based on:
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Creative Vision
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Project Feasibility
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Impact
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Career Advancement Potential
Why This Grant Matters
Women are still underrepresented in the director’s chair, and PWIFT is committed to changing that.
The PWIFT Palmer Enfield Grant offers more than just funding—it’s a vital stepping stone for emerging directors. This grant, together with networking opportunities in the PWIFT community, is designed to support the next generation of female directors from the Philadelphia region.
How to Apply
If you’re an emerging female director in the Greater Philadelphia area and ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply for the PWIFT Palmer Enfield Grant for First-Time Female Directors.
Apply Now and download our grant document and grant checklist to learn more.
For Media Inquiries & Sponsorship Opportunities
For additional information, media inquiries, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Email: info@pwift.org
Website: www.pwift.org