Since 2023, Frameline has worked in collaboration with the Colin Higgins Foundation to present Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grants to emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers. In addition to receiving up to $15,000 in cash prizes, the grantees are given the opportunity to attend the 11-day San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

The Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant is named after the late Colin Higgins, an acclaimed screenwriter and director responsible for such classic films as Harold and Maude, 9 to 5, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, among others.

After being diagnosed with HIV in 1985, he founded the Colin Higgins Foundation as a means of supporting LGBTQ+ youth in underserved communities by helping to fund programs and organizations that foster and build their leadership skills and empowerment. Since 1988, the Foundation has awarded over 660 grants worth over $6 million to further the humanitarian vision of its founder.

The Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grants program is open to all LGBTQ+ filmmakers who are:

• Under the age of 25, and
• Currently residing in the U.S.

To apply, submit your film to Frameline50, the 50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Filmmakers who meet the qualifications will be automatically considered for the grant program.

• AJ Dubler & Carmela Murphy for A Bird Hit My Window and Now I’m a Lesbian
• Remi Gabriel for Barbie Boy

Learn more about our 2025 grantees.

• Farah Jabir for Kasbi
• Leaf Lieber for Burrow

Learn more about our 2024 grantees.

• Karina Dandashi for Cousins
• Daisy Friedman for As You Are
• Emilio Subia for Ñaños

Learn more about our 2023 grantees.