Apply by September 15, 2026
The Women and Film History International (WFHI) Student Project Award recognises exceptional scholarly or creative work engaging women’s labour in historical cinema industries and cultures worldwide. We define “women” from a broad, anti-racist, trans-inclusive perspective. Sponsored by the San Francisco Film Preserve, the award consists of a $600 USD prize and publication of the winning project by a professional feminist or film and media outlet (subject to revision and with strategic editorial support). A committee of at least two WFHI steering committee members will evaluate submissions, and the winner will be announced in November at Entr’acte 2026.
The annual WFHI/SFFP Student Project Award aims to advance WFHI’s mission of promoting the intersectional research, preservation, exhibition of—and creative engagement with—women’s global film history across all periods; to raise public awareness of women’s participation in historical cinema industries and cultures; and to further historical, theoretical, political, and aesthetic evaluations of film culture that treat that participation as a defining feature.
WFHI is a gender-diverse, anti-racist, and trans-inclusive organisation that seeks to intervene in dominant historical narratives that have largely excluded women, LGBTQIA+ people, and other marginalised communities. We are committed to fostering scholarly, archival, and creative work that deepens our understanding of the past—the better to meet the challenges of the present.
They welcome innovative, thought-provoking feminist projects in the following categories:
Project Award Categories
- Essays under 7,000 words
- Video essays and other videographic work under 7 minutes
Criteria
Projects will be evaluated on critical engagement and originality.
All entrants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of submission, or have received a degree no earlier than January 2025. Non-degree students and those not currently enrolled who wish to submit should reach out in advance to WFHIAwards@gmail.com.
Work prepared to fulfil course requirements may be self-submitted or nominated by professors with the student’s permission. Each student may enter only one project. Previously published or distributed work is not eligible. Submissions must be in English.
How to Submit
Essays: Submit as a PDF to WFHIAwards@gmail.com with your name and institutional affiliation in the header, a 250-word abstract, and a 50–75 word bio.
Video essays: Submit a PDF to WFHIAwards@gmail.com containing a 300-word statement, a 50–75 word bio, your name and institutional affiliation in the header, and a link to a YouTube or Vimeo file. Set the video to unlisted or provide a password with the link.
Deadline: September 15, 2026
The winning student will receive $600 USD, publication of their project by a professional feminist or film and media outlet (subject to revision and with strategic editorial support), and a WFHI membership. Learn about WFHI membership here.
Visit the award’s dedicated page on the WFHI website for more.
WFTHN 