Kansas City PBS is proud to announce the launch of the Kansas City PBS Film Fellowship, a transformative new initiative designed to support and elevate the voices of emerging filmmakers in the Kansas City region. This yearlong program blends hands-on training, professional development and access to state-of-the-art production resources to help early-career filmmakers build sustainable careers in the film industry.
“Kansas City PBS has a long-standing commitment to education and storytelling, making us a natural home for this fellowship,” said Kliff Kuehl, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS. “We’re proud to support emerging filmmakers and help amplify creative voices through stories rooted in lived experience.”
The program is a direct investment in the region’s creative economy, offering fellows mentorship from award-winning production staff, access to studio space and equipment and monthly workshops with industry professionals. Fellows will develop their own short-form or documentary projects from pitch to final cut, with completed films premiering on Kansas City PBS Channel 19.1 and available to stream on the PBS app. The program also provides invaluable networking opportunities within the PBS system and the local film community, helping participants forge lasting connections and open doors to future collaborations.
Building on the groundwork laid by the station’s Content Excellence Fund — an initiative developed during the recent ‘’Picture This capital campaign that also enabled a renovated facility and upgraded technology — this fellowship represents the next step in Kansas City PBS’ commitment to local storytelling and documentary production. With this fellowship, Kansas City PBS aims to strengthen the region’s creative pipeline, foster diverse perspectives, and ensure that Kansas City remains a beacon of innovation in the film industry.
Applications are now open; two fellows will be selected to begin the program in July.
For more information about the program, visit kansascitypbs.org/filmfellowship