FY 2026 American Film Showcase
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- DFOP0017868
- Agency
-
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Department of State
- Applications due
- Award size
- $1,540,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Other
- Eligible applicants
-
- Higher Education Inst. (Public)
- Higher Education Inst. (Private)
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Points of contact
-
- Catherine Collins collinscs@state.gov (202) 632-9301
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is seeking a single cooperative agreement recipient to implement the FY 2026 American Film Showcase (AFS), a cultural and commercial diplomacy initiative that elevates American creativity in film, television, gaming, and media arts on the global stage. The recipient must identify and recommend approximately 60-70 U.S. experts across 30-40 countries to lead 35-45 overseas programs lasting 7-10 days each, featuring lectures, masterclasses, residencies, screenings, and workshops. Key requirements include managing all expert travel logistics (including Fly America Act-compliant flights), arranging orientations, obtaining film rights and clearances, managing J-1 visa processes for 20-30 international participants traveling to the United States, and administering health benefits for all participants. Eligible applicants must be U.S. not-for-profit organizations, public or private educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum of four years of experience conducting international exchange programs; applicants must hold a Unique Entity Identifier and maintain active registration in SAM.gov. The application deadline is June 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with an anticipated award date of September 1, 2026.
The anticipated award is approximately $1,540,000 for a performance period of 24 to 28 months, running from September 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. The budget must include a summary with unit costs per participant, a detailed narrative, allowable expenses for participant travel, honoraria (minimum $300), translation and subtitling support, film distribution, cultural activities, and overhead costs, with monitoring and evaluation costs capped at five percent of the award. Program implementation will occur across multiple international locations in 30-40 countries, with U.S. embassy coordination in participating countries and in-country logistics support provided by U.S. missions. The initiative includes an expansion component, Made in America: Creative Capital, designed to equip an estimated 40-50 U.S. creators to succeed in international markets through activities such as business residencies, co-production labs, investment forums, and creative showcases.
Synopsis
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) intends to award one Cooperative agreement for approximately $1,540,000 to fund the FY 2026 American Film Showcase (AFS), a dynamic and adaptable initiative that combines and harnesses the power of cultural and commercial diplomacy to elevate American creativity as a driver of global influence and economic vitality. By highlighting U.S. leadership in film, television, gaming, and media arts, AFS opens new markets for American creative industries, attracts foreign investment, and reinforces the nation's reputation as a global center for innovation and storytelling.
U.S. embassies play a key collaborative role by identifying and submitting program ideas and nominating participants, allowing AFS to deliver tailored engagements, such as lectures, masterclasses, residencies, screenings, and workshops, led by top industry professionals. This flexible model not only advances U.S. foreign policy but also strengthens American global business and creative competitiveness and cultural influence by forging connections between U.S. and international entertainment professionals, creating lasting commercial and professional opportunities for American creatives.
Finally, the FY 2026 AFS award will also include Made in America: Creative Capital, an expansion component designed to further amplify program impact. This initiative will broaden activities by incorporating a commercial diplomacy focus, featuring activities such as business residencies, co-production labs, a Creative IP & Licensing Exchange, creative showcases, export-ready labs, global creative business accelerators, international fellowships, investment forums, and market access and distribution workshops. These activities will help equip an estimated 40-50 U.S. creators to succeed in international markets and forge long-term commercial partnerships. By integrating cultural initiatives with commercial strategy, Made in America: Creative Capital positions the United States as the premier destination for creative investment, fueling job creation, innovation, and sustained economic growth. Together, these efforts ensure that American public diplomacy remains agile and effective, advancing national prosperity and global influence through the transformative power of creativity.
Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
Update #1 ·
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) intends to award one Cooperative agreement for approximately $1,540,000 to fund the FY 2026 American Film Showcase (AFS), a dynamic and adaptable initiative that combines and harnesses the power of cultural and commercial diplomacy to elevate American creativity as a driver of global influence and economic vitality. By highlighting U.S. leadership in film, television, gaming, and media arts, AFS opens new markets for American creative industries, attracts foreign investment, and reinforces the nation's reputation as a global center for innovation and storytelling. U.S. embassies play a key collaborative role by identifying and submitting program ideas and nominating participants, allowing AFS to deliver tailored engagements, such as lectures, masterclasses, residencies, screenings, and workshops, led by top industry professionals. This flexible model not only advances U.S. foreign policy but also strengthens American global business and creative competitiveness and cultural influence by forging connections between U.S. and international entertainment professionals, creating lasting commercial and professional opportunities for American creatives. Finally, the FY 2026 AFS award will also include Made in America: Creative Capital, an expansion component designed to further amplify program impact. This initiative will broaden activities by incorporating a commercial diplomacy focus, featuring activities such as business residencies, co-production labs, a Creative IP & Licensing Exchange, creative showcases, export-ready labs, global creative business accelerators, international fellowships, investment forums, and market access and distribution workshops. These activities will help equip an estimated 40-50 U.S. creators to succeed in international markets and forge long-term commercial partnerships. By integrating cultural initiatives with commercial strategy, Made in America: Creative Capital positions the
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025.pdf | ||
| performance_monitoring_plan_mode_2.3_02.03.2025-4.docx | DOCX document | |
| FY26 AFS POGI.pdf | ||
| FY26 AFS NOFO.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity