The Chimaera Project - Champions for Women and Non-binary Filmmakers

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The Chimaera Project - Champions for Women and Non-binary Filmmakers

Dedicated to empowering women and non-binary filmmakers to fearlessly create, inspire and lead!

09/28/2026

The Melissa Rucker Finishing Fund.

Your film is almost there. Apply now for the support you need to get it finished. The regular deadline is coming up this Wednesday, September 30th.

For info go to:
https://www.chimaeraproject.org/the-melissa-rucker-finishing-fund/

09/16/2026

⏰ JUST 2 WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY!

Your film is almost there. Now’s the time to get it across the finish line. 🎬✨🏁

The Melissa Rucker Finishing Fund, presented by The Chimaera Project in partnership with Madison Wells Forward, provides finishing support for U.S.-based women and nonbinary filmmakers.
If you’re 40+ or your project has a majority of crew members over 40 and your narrative or documentary is in post-production, this could be the support that helps you complete your film.

🎥 Feature films: Awards up to $6,000
🎥 Short films: Awards up to $2,500

REGULAR DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
APPLY HERE: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

09/08/2026

Nine.

That’s how many women were among the 111 directors attached to the 100 highest-grossing U.S. films of 2025.

Just nine.

After years of incremental progress, the percentage of women directing Hollywood’s biggest films fell to 8.1% in 2025 down from 13.4% the year before.

That’s not a lack of talent.
It’s a lack of opportunity.

The Melissa Rucker Finishing Fund is one small but meaningful way to help change that.

By supporting women and non-binary filmmakers in post-production, we're investing in the stories and storytellers the industry needs.

Deadline: September 30th, 2026
Apply: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

08/31/2026

THE MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND

🎬 What story will you tell?
Every film begins with a story worth telling. But getting that story across the finish line takes more than an idea - it takes time, resources, and support.

Created in memory of Melissa Rucker, a former Madison Wells producer and executive known for championing new talent and underrepresented voices, The Melissa Rucker Finishing Fund supports U.S.-based women and non-binary filmmakers (age 40+) completing narrative and documentary projects in both short and feature formats.

Whether you’re finishing a feature or short, your story deserves the chance to be seen.

Applications: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

Tell us about the project you’re ready to finish.🎥

08/21/2026

THE MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND

🎬 REGULAR DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30
There’s still time to get your film to the finish line! ✨

The Melissa Rucker Finishing Fund, presented by The Chimaera Project in partnership with Madison Wells Forward, is still accepting submissions from U.S.-based women and nonbinary filmmakers.
Eligible filmmakers must be 40+ or have a majority of crew members over 40, with narrative or documentary projects in short or feature-length formats.

✨ Up to $6,000 for feature-length films
✨ Up to $2,500 for short films
✨ Support for projects in post-production

The Earlybird Deadline has passed but the Regular Deadline is September 30, 2026.

Get your submission in and take the next step toward getting your film completed. ❤️

🎥 Submit through FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

08/13/2026

THE MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND Earlybird entry deadline is fast approaching!

If your film is ready…
Don't let this opportunity pass by.

Submit today.
https://www.chimaeraproject.org/the-melissa-rucker-finishing-fund/

08/06/2026

THE MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND

Filmmakers previously supported through The Chimaera Project have gone on to:

🏆 Premiere at major festivals
🌎 Secure worldwide distribution
🎬 Win major awards
🏅 Earn Emmy recognition

Could your film be next?

Apply here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

08/04/2026

THE MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND
We're looking for bold stories.

Not one genre.
Not one style.
We're excited to support:
🎥 Narrative
🎥 Documentary
🎥 Drama
🎥 Comedy
🎥 Sci-Fi
🎥 Action
🎥 Personal stories
🎥 Experimental voices

If your story is ready for the finish line…
We want to see it.

More info and application here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

07/30/2026

MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND

Already part of The Chimaera Project family?
Alumni are eligible for a submission fee waiver.

Have you participated in one of our programs such as:

• TO.GET.HER
• SUPPORT.HER
• IN HER DIRECTION
or have you been a
• Fiscal Sponsor partner?

If so, email [email protected] before submitting.

Find the application here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

07/29/2026

THE MELISSA RUCKER FINISHING FUND
This isn't just a finishing fund.
Selected filmmakers become part of The Chimaera Project community.
Awardees may receive:
• Promotion
• Screening opportunities
• Industry introductions
• Alumni network
• Continued support beyond funding

Because investing in filmmakers matters just as much as investing in films.

Apply Here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheChimaeraProject

Address

Los Angeles, CA

Telephone

+13233644810

Website

http://www.chimaeraproject.org/

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