The Robert E. Pristo Filmmaking Awards

An Opportunity for Student Filmmakers at Duke

The Robert E. Pristo Filmmaking Awards provide funding for film project production and/or post-production expenses proposed or in progress by Duke undergraduate and graduate students. The awards are named in honor of Robert E. Pristo and The Robert E. Pristo Foundation gift supports student filmmaking and encourages film students to create, innovate, explore and achieve.

Purpose

The Pristo Filmmaking Awards cover film production and/or post-production expenses. One to three awards are made each year and typically provide up to $1,500, in funding.

Nature of the award

Pristo Award funds may not be used for donations or tuition. The project must be film-related, and completed within one year of the award date. Award recipients will be asked to provide a short report on the use of funds and the film-making experience at the completion of the funding year.

Eligibility

Current undergraduate and graduate students in good standing with their college or school may apply for a Robert E. Pristo Filmmaking Award.

Selection process

The selection committee is overseen by the Schiff Family Dean of the Humanities & the Arts and is comprised of arts department faculty. The selection committee will look for evidence of academic preparation, and strong indicators for timely completion of the project. Each project will be evaluated on its merits.

Apply Online

Application components

• brief description of the project (1-page maximum)
• timetable for project management and completion (1-page maximum)
• detailed budget (1-page maximum)
• current Duke transcript
• Letters of recommendation (2 letters, one of which must be from a Duke faculty member)

Personal equipment (e.g., cameras or computers) should not be included in the budget.

Timeline 

• Application released: September 25, 2024
• Application deadline: November 25, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST
• Decisions communicated by December 6, 2024

Contact 

For substantive questions about proposals, contact the Schiff Family Dean of Humanities & the Arts (humanitiesdean@duke.edu). For logistical questions, contact Amy Feistel (amy.feistel@duke.edu).

Previous Award Winners