The new funding session for STEPdoc is now open. Applications are accepted until 15 September 2010 (postal mark).

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Applications are now accepted until 15 October 2010 (postal mark).

STEPdoc mobility grant is a Ratiu Foundation programme which aims to help reinvigorate Romanian documentary film, stimulating artistic innovation. STEPdoc consists of a mobility grant per year, worth £1,500, which allows a Romanian film maker at an early stage of his or her career one month of immersion in the UK documentary culture. The STEPdoc mobility grant is to be used for the individual research of a specific project set in the UK and / or for networking with a UK-based company in view of developing of a common film project. The call for applications for STEPdoc mobility grant is launched in the spring of every year. The process of application for STEPdoc is open to documentary film-makers of Romanian nationality working on creative documentary projects that relate to Romania or involve Romanian subjects – without necessarily being shot in Romania. Preference is generally given to applications submitted by individual film-makers or independent producers. A proven commitment of the applicant to documentary form is desirable but not compulsory. The selection of the winning project is made by the Ratiu Foundation Board of Advisors. The successful applicant is personally notified in writing, and announced publicly through press releases before the end of the year. The application for STEPdoc consists of the following documents (in English): • Letter of intention (see details below) • Curriculum vitae and filmography of the applicant (max. 1 page each) • When available, evidence of previous work (DVD) • Documentation of the proposed project in development: – synopsis (max. 1 page) – treatment (max. 2 pages) – argument / motivation letter (max. 1 page) – research / networking plan for the duration of the mobility grant (max. 2 pages) – further funding envisaged for the production of the film (max. 1 page) Whilst in the UK, the grant recipient make their own accommodation and living arrangements. Advice, directions and suggestions on networking with UK-based film organisations and/or professionals is freely given to the grant recipient by the Board of Advisers. The Ratiu Foundation and STEPdoc are acknowledged by displaying the logo of the Ratiu Foundation in the credits of the films. The grant recipient will be expected to submit a report upon the completion of the mobility grant. Please send applications by post to the following address: Nicolae Ratiu Chairman The Ratiu Foundation Manchester Square 18 Fitzhardinge Street London W1H 6EQ, England, UK IMPORTANT Please specify in your letter of intention the following: - Name, Surname, Date of birth, Nationality, Address, Telephone, E-mail, Professional status, Work address (if applicable). Also, please include the answer to the following questions: - Have you been to the United Kingdom on a professional visit before? If yes, please give details. - How did you find about STEPdoc? The grant recipients, from the establishment of the grant in 2007 up to the present, are: Adina Pintilie and Corina Radu (2007), Matei Alexandru Mocanu (2008), and Miruna Boruzescu (2009). For any further information about the STEPdoc mobility grant, please contact: Ramona Mitrica Director, Ratiu Foundation e-mail: mail@ratiufamilyfoundation.com or go to www.ratiufamilyfoundation.com