Expanding Access to Storytelling
Storytelling is strongest when it reflects a richness of voices and perspectives. From creators and directors to producers and industry leaders, representation across communities is essential to advancing film and television.
Adobe believes everyone has a story worth telling. When creators have access to training, tools, mentorship, and resources to showcase their work, the entire creative landscape becomes richer.
This philosophy drives the Adobe Film & TV Fund—a program that supports emerging and mid-career filmmakers by combining funding, fellowships, training, and Adobe product access to help them develop projects, build careers, and tell next-generation stories.
$10 Million Committed to Direct Creator Funding
In 2026, Adobe is committing $10 million in grants and donated products to unlock creative opportunities and career advancement for filmmakers worldwide.
A significant evolution: the fund is scaling to direct more money to the production of filmmakers' stories. For the first time, creators of all backgrounds can receive funding and product donations directly from Adobe, not just through established partners.
The new direct-to-creators pathway will initially solicit nominations from industry and community organizations, supporting projects built on Adobe's industry-leading tools such as Premiere Pro and Adobe Firefly. More details will be available later this year; interested filmmakers can contact Adobe to sign up for future updates.
Building on Three Years of Impact
To date, the Adobe Film & TV Fund has supported more than 1,000 creators as they grow and develop their careers.
Four creators backed by the fund have projects premiering at Sundance Film Festival 2026:
- Stephanie Ahn, writer-director, "Bedford Park" (supported via Gold House)
- Daniel Chavez, editor, "American Pachuco" (supported via Rideback RISE)
- Monica Salazar, editor, "Marga en el DF" (supported via Rideback RISE)
- Anooya Swamy, director, "Pankaja" (Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellow)
Additionally, four previous Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellows have films premiering this year:
- Giselle Bonilla, director, "The Musical"
- Gerardo Coello, co-writer and producer, "Albatross"
- Maliyamungu Muhande, associate producer, "Once Upon a Time in Harlem"
- Matthew Puccini, director, "Callback"
Expanding the Partner Network
As the Film & TV Fund enters its third year, Adobe continues expanding its network of partners committed to supporting the next generation of storytellers.
Alongside ongoing collaborations with Group Effort Initiative, USC Annenberg School of Communications, NAACP, and Gold House, Adobe is launching partnerships with:
Rideback RISE empowers mid-career artists of color to make commercial film and television projects through their RISE Fellowship. The organization provides creative and financial support, mentorship, and masterclasses for emerging creative talent.
Dimz, Inc. Academy, founded by Amelia Dimoldenberg (creator of the beloved interview series "Chicken Shop Date"), transforms creative opportunities for 18–24-year-olds from underrepresented backgrounds interested in digital media careers.
Dimoldenberg explains: "I feel really fortunate that my experience in a youth-run project laid the foundation for the career I have today. That's what I hope to do for others with Dimz Inc. Academy. With Adobe's support, the program will expand from a one-week pilot to a four-week hands-on workshop paired with long-term support to create clear pathways into creative careers. Adobe is a dream partner because they truly understand the importance of supporting creatives."
Adobe is also expanding support for the Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship by introducing a new short film fund available to Ignite alumni.
Building an Inclusive Creative Ecosystem
The Film & TV Fund builds on Adobe's broader commitment to fostering greater access, opportunity, and creativity for all. By expanding to support creators directly, Adobe champions a more inclusive, innovative, and creator-driven entertainment ecosystem.
When technology helps unlock limitless creativity, everyone benefits.
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TL;DR
- $10 million in direct funding: Adobe Film & TV Fund now grants money directly to filmmakers, not just through established partners- 1,000+ creators supported: Fund has backed emerging and mid-career filmmakers with grants, training, and Adobe tool access
- New partnerships with emerging ecosystems: Rideback RISE and Dimz Inc. Academy expand pathways for underrepresented creators