Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation - Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation Talent Scholarship-Documentary Cinematography

What you get

You will receive a one-off grant of 15,000 EUR towards the production of a documentary film, regardless of whether you shoot it in France or abroad. The money will be paid directly into your bank account and will help you to produce or co-finance the project you have submitted. You have five years to complete the film. If your project deals with an environmental or social issue and you do not receive the main grant, it may automatically be considered for a separate prize of 10,000 EUR. The grant is provided by the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation, which is part of the Lagardère media group and has been supporting young talent in the fields of culture and media every year since 1990.

Who can apply

• Your project: You wish to make a documentary film with a social, historical, economic, political, scientific or cultural focus. This may be a single film (52 or 90 minutes) or a series intended for television, cinema or a digital platform.
• Experience: You have already written or directed a documentary or feature-length report lasting at least 15 minutes. This must have been shown on television, at a festival, in a cinema or on a streaming platform. For this previous film, you must also have signed a screenwriting or directing contract with a producer, unless it was screened at one of the recognised festivals.
• Age: On 31 December 2026, you must be 30 years old or younger. If you are applying as a team (up to three co-authors), every member must meet this age limit.
• Language: You will present your project in French, both in writing and orally.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. French nationality is not required.
• One project only: You may submit a single project. A rejected project may only be resubmitted if it has been substantially amended.

How to apply

Please submit your complete application free of charge online via the Foundation’s website by 14 June 2026, 23:59. Only the first complete submission will be considered. Shortlisted applicants will be invited by email to present their project in French to a panel of judges, which will meet between September and October 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one scholarship is awarded each year, so competition is fierce. However, the eligibility criteria severely limit the pool of applicants: you must already have a documentary film to your name, be under 30 years of age, and present your project in French. This rules out most casual applicants. If you clearly meet these conditions and submit an original, well-prepared project, your chances are good. The jury may also decide not to award the scholarship if no one meets their requirements.