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Four Stories Fellowship: Boston

Summer 2026

Apply Today
Apply Today

This is a 10-week fellowship for Young storytellers ages 16–25 who want to make short PSA-style films tackling the civic and social issues their communities live with.

❋ Authored Short Films

Selected fellows create short PSA films grounded in lived real experience, driven by personal voice and cinematic point of view.

❋ Screenings For Dialogue

Films premiere through public screenings where filmmakers and city leaders engage in direct dialogue about what the work raises.

❋ Funding & Mentorship

Fellows receive stipends, production support, and mentorship from both a filmmaker and a city mentor, strengthening craft while preserving creative independence.

Films are positioned for festivals, digital distribution, and screenings—supporting fellows’ future and continuing to spark conversation beyond release.

❋ Distribution + Pathways

In collaboration with the Good Services Lab, with support from Emerson College, Sundance Institute, and an advisory committee of creative leaders from Sony, Netflix, and beyond.

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The image features a black background with a white silhouette of a wolf howling at the moon, which is depicted as a large white circle above the wolf's head.
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Netflix logo with red text on black background

Applications are open

🎬

Closing May 24th at 11:59 pm EST

🎬

Applications are open 🎬 Closing May 24th at 11:59 pm EST 🎬

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Four Stories is for young storytellers ages 16–25 who have an idea they care about and want to bring it to life through film. You don’t need prior experience, we’re looking for perspective, creativity, and a willingness to learn.

  • We look for clear, meaningful story ideas rooted in real experiences or issues. Strong applications show a unique voice, a sense of purpose, and potential for impact, not technical skill or polished filmmaking experience.

  • That’s completely okay. Four Stories is designed for both beginners and emerging creatives. We’re here to support you through the full process.

  • Fellows will develop and produce a short PSA film from idea to final cut while working with mentors and industry professionals. The program also provides hands-on experience, creative development, and exposure to opportunities in film, media, and storytelling.

  • The program runs for 10 weeks and includes weekly sessions, workshops, and independent work time. Fellows should expect to actively work on their film each week, especially during production and editing phases.

  • Yes. Fellows receive a stipend and production support to create their films.

  • Fellows create short-form PSA-style films that explore real experiences and issues, including mental health, safety, identity, and community. These can be documentary, narrative, or mixed media, but all are grounded in storytelling that aims to inform, connect, and inspire.

  • We still want to work with you. Applicants may be invited to join our creative roster and participate in production support, networking opportunities, and on-set experiences with selected fellows. Four Stories is about building a creative community, not just selecting a cohort.

  • Yes. Four Stories is designed as a launch point, with opportunities for continued collaboration, mentorship, and involvement in future productions, workshops, and storytelling initiatives.

  • Films will be showcased at a final premiere and may be shared through digital platforms, partner networks, and potential festival or media opportunities.

  • Applications are submitted individually. However, if you already have collaborators in mind, you’re welcome to mention them in your application. If selected, you’ll also have the opportunity to build and work with a creative team throughout the fellowship.

If you have any questions, please contact us here.