To further support the intersection of design and cinema, 1 Director 50 Posters plans to launch a grant program that funds collaborations between independent filmmakers and graphic designers. The initiative will provide resources for filmmakers to commission original posters for their films—outside the constraints of studio marketing or distribution templates.
The grant aims to formalize the role of the designer in the storytelling process, offering both creative and financial support. Designers selected through the program will be matched with filmmakers based on shared aesthetics, thematic alignment, or narrative sensibilities, ensuring thoughtful and intentional partnerships.
By investing in original work at the source—during a film’s creation rather than after its release—the program positions poster design as a generative force in film culture. It also offers a sustainable way to continue the platform’s mission year-round, beyond the timeline of the annual exhibition.
Over time, the grant program will contribute to a growing archive of contemporary poster design, expand opportunities for designers, and embed design authorship more deeply within the independent film landscape.