Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship 2026

Applications are open for the Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship 2026, an international documentary filmmaking opportunity designed to support filmmakers telling compelling stories about the rapidly developing field of psychedelics. The fellowship seeks original, cinematic narratives that explore the science, policy, business, culture, and social dimensions of psychedelics.

Administered by the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and connected to the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, the programme aims to support a diverse group of filmmakers whose work can contribute thoughtful and engaging perspectives to public conversations about psychedelics. The fellowship is open to filmmakers worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.

For 2026, the fellowship offers two distinct grant opportunities. Three filmmakers will receive up to USD 20,000 each for the production or post-production of feature-length documentaries longer than 40 minutes. Up to five filmmakers will receive up to USD 10,000 each for short-form documentaries of 40 minutes or less.

About the Fellowship

The Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship was created to encourage filmmakers to investigate the emerging world of psychedelics through documentary storytelling. The field encompasses a wide range of subjects, including scientific research, therapeutic applications, public policy, cultural practices, business developments, regulation, and the changing social understanding of psychedelic substances.

The fellowship does not simply seek films about psychedelics as a subject. It seeks groundbreaking narratives that are suitable for cinematic storytelling. Applicants should therefore have a clear story, compelling characters or communities, strong access to their subject matter, and a well-developed vision for how the documentary will engage an audience.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Up to USD 20,000 for selected feature-length documentary projects.
• Up to USD 10,000 for selected short-form documentary projects.
• Financial support for documentary production or post-production.
• International recognition through association with UC Berkeley.
• Participation in a cohort of filmmakers exploring psychedelic-related stories.
• Opportunities for professional development and peer exchange.
• Virtual cohort meetings with other fellowship recipients.
• The opportunity to develop a documentary addressing important contemporary questions.
• A platform for contributing original storytelling to discussions about psychedelics.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to filmmakers worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Individual filmmakers must apply, as organizations, universities, foundations, and nonprofit businesses cannot apply on behalf of a project.

Applicants should also note the following requirements:

• Only documentary projects are eligible.
• Fiction films are not supported.
• Films commissioned by NGOs or brands are not eligible.
• Only one story pitch may be submitted per applicant.
• Applicants cannot apply to both the Feature-Length and Short-Form grants during the same year.
• Previously publicly distributed films are not eligible.
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Films in languages other than English are eligible if they will include English subtitles.

The fellowship does not charge an application fee.

Special Eligibility for Student Filmmakers

Graduate students can apply for the Short Form Documentary Grant, provided the film is being completed as part of their graduate-level programme.

Student applicants must have a faculty advisor who will supervise the completion of the film. A letter of support from the faculty advisor must be submitted by the application deadline.

Current students are not eligible to apply for the Feature Length Documentary Grant.

Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the materials requested through the official application platform. These may include:

• Documentary project proposal.
• Story or project description.
• Filmmaker biography.
• Production or post-production plan.
• Project budget in U.S. dollars.
• Work samples or previous filmmaking experience.
• Film materials required by the relevant grant category.
• Faculty advisor letter for eligible student applicants.

How to Apply

To apply for the Mycoskie UC Berkeley Psychedelic Documentary Fellowship 2026:

1. Review the official fellowship requirements.
2. Decide whether your project is better suited to the Feature-Length or Short-Form Documentary Grant.
3. Develop a compelling documentary story and project proposal.
4. Prepare the required application materials and project budget in U.S. dollars.
5. If you are a graduate student applying for the Short-Form Grant, obtain the required faculty advisor letter.
6. Submit the application through the official Submittable application portal.
7. Review all information carefully before submitting.
8. Submit your application before the October 5, 2026 deadline.

Applicants should not submit more than one story pitch, and they cannot apply to both grant categories in the same year.