ISFI Partners with the Academy’s Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

Published: 16.05.2025

International Sámi Film Institute Partners with the Academy’s Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

The International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) is proud to announce a collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, through its world-renowned Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program.

This partnership represents an opportunity for emerging Sámi and Indigenous screenwriters to compete for the most prestigious fellowships in the global film industry.

The Academy’s Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is an international program that identifies and nurtures talented new screenwriters. Each year, the Academy awards up to five fellowships, which includes a $35,000 USD grant and mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year. Fellowships are awarded with the understanding that recipients will complete feature-length screenplays during their fellowship year.

As an official Nicholl Partner, ISFI can now recommend Sámi or other Indigenous screenwriters to the Academy for consideration to the fellowship. This fellowship offers screenwriters a unique pathway into international networks, mentorship, and career-building opportunities.

We are thrilled to collaborate with the Academy as an official partner of the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. This partnership allows us to open doors for our talents in the Sámi and Indigenous film communities,” says Anne Lajla Utsi, Managing Director of the International Sámi Film Institute. “If selected, our writers will gain access to a world-class fellowship that can be life-changing for their careers.”

How to enter the program

Sámi and Indigenous screenwriters interested in being considered for recommendation must submit their applications to ISFI no later than June 11, 2025. The submission process, and where to send the application will soon be published on our website. Follow our website for more information about eligibility and the recommendation process.

The Nicholl Fellowships Executive Committee selects fellows from the partners’ recommendations. Up to five fellowships are awarded each year. The selected writers receive financial support, mentorship, and an opportunity to advance their careers in screenwriting.

Fellowship Highlights:

• Up to five $35,000 USD fellowships awarded annually
• Open to writers worldwide
• Fellowship recipients are expected to complete at least one original feature-length screenplay during the program’s duration.
• Industry mentorship, exposure, and networking opportunities
• Fellows selected by the Nicholl Fellowships Executive Committee
• Many former fellows have gone on to write for major studios, receive film production deals, and build lasting careers in film and television.