FY 2026 American Film Showcase

Key Facts

Status: Forecasted

Posted date: March 3, 2026

Archive date: July 1, 2026

Close date: June 1, 2026

Opportunity ID: 361402

Opportunity number: DFOP0017868

Opportunity category: Discretionary

Agency name: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Agency code: DOS-ECA

Award floor: $1,540,000

Award ceiling: $1,540,000

Cost sharing required: No

Funding Instrument Types
  • Cooperative Agreement
Category of Funding Activity
  • Other
Eligible Applicants
  • Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • Others
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Tools
Categories (use these for quoted searches)
  • agency_code:dos_eca
  • category_of_funding_activity:other
  • cost_sharing_or_matching_requirement:false
  • eligible_applicants:nonprofits_having_a_501_c_3_status_with_the_irs_other_than_institutions_of_higher_education
  • eligible_applicants:others
  • eligible_applicants:private_institutions_of_higher_education
  • eligible_applicants:public_and_state_controlled_institutions_of_higher_education
  • funding_instrument_type:cooperative_agreement
  • opportunity_category:discretionary
  • status:forecasted
Description

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) intends to award one Cooperative agreement for approximately $1,540,000 to fund the FY 2026 American Film Showcase (AFS), a dynamic and adaptable initiative that combines and harnesses the power of cultural and commercial diplomacy to elevate American creativity as a driver of global influence and economic vitality. By highlighting U.S. leadership in film, television, gaming, and media arts, AFS opens new markets for American creative industries, attracts foreign investment, and reinforces the nation’s reputation as a global center for innovation and storytelling. U.S. embassies play a key collaborative role by identifying and submitting program ideas and nominating participants, allowing AFS to deliver tailored engagements, such as lectures, masterclasses, residencies, screenings, and workshops, led by top industry professionals. This flexible model not only advances U.S. foreign policy but also strengthens American global business and creative competitiveness and cultural influence by forging connections between U.S. and international entertainment professionals, creating lasting commercial and professional opportunities for American creatives. Finally, the FY 2026 AFS award will also include Made in America: Creative Capital, an expansion component designed to further amplify program impact. This initiative will broaden activities by incorporating a commercial diplomacy focus, featuring activities such as business residencies, co-production labs, a Creative IP & Licensing Exchange, creative showcases, export-ready labs, global creative business accelerators, international fellowships, investment forums, and market access and distribution workshops. These activities will help equip an estimated 40-50 U.S. creators to succeed in international markets and forge long-term commercial partnerships. By integrating cultural initiatives with commercial strategy, Made in America: Creative Capital positions the United States as the premier destination for creative investment, fueling job creation, innovation, and sustained economic growth. Together, these efforts ensure that American public diplomacy remains agile and effective, advancing national prosperity and global influence through the transformative power of creativity. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.

FY 2026 American Film Showcase
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) intends to award one Cooperative agreement for approximately $1,540,000 to fund the FY 2026 American Film Showcase (AFS), a dynamic and adaptable initiative that combines and harnesses the power of cultural and commercial diplomacy to elevate American creativity as a driver of global influence and economic vitality. By highlighting U.S. leadership in film, television, gaming, and media arts, AFS opens new markets for American creative industries, attracts foreign investment, and reinforces the nation’s reputation as a global center for innovation and storytelling. U.S. embassies play a key collaborative role by identifying and submitting program ideas and nominating participants, allowing AFS to deliver tailored engagements, such as lectures, masterclasses, residencies, screenings, and workshops, led by top industry professionals. This flexible model not only advances U.S. foreign policy but also strengthens American global business and creative competitiveness and cultural influence by forging connections between U.S. and international entertainment professionals, creating lasting commercial and professional opportunities for American creatives. Finally, the FY 2026 AFS award will also include Made in America: Creative Capital, an expansion component designed to further amplify program impact. This initiative will broaden activities by incorporating a commercial diplomacy focus, featuring activities such as business residencies, co-production labs, a Creative IP & Licensing Exchange, creative showcases, export-ready labs, global creative business accelerators, international fellowships, investment forums, and market access and distribution workshops. These activities will help equip an estimated 40-50 U.S. creators to succeed in international markets and forge long-term commercial partnerships. By integrating cultural initiatives with commercial strategy, Made in America: Creative Capital positions the United States as the premier destination for creative investment, fueling job creation, innovation, and sustained economic growth. Together, these efforts ensure that American public diplomacy remains agile and effective, advancing national prosperity and global influence through the transformative power of creativity. Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information.
[Forecasted] FY 2026 American Film Showcase
Forecasted
Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Other
Cooperative Agreement
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others
2026-03-03