October 6th, 2025

TRIBECA FESTIVAL AND AT&T ANNOUNCE EXPANDED PRIZE FOR UNTOLD STORIES PROGRAM AND OPEN SUBMISSIONS AHEAD OF FESTIVAL’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Prize Increases to $1.2 Million — Cementing AT&T Untold Stories as the Largest Film Production Award of Its Kind

New York, NY — October 6, 2025 — Tribeca Festival and AT&T today announced a significant expansion of the AT&T Untold Stories program, a groundbreaking initiative that empowers emerging filmmakers with funding and support to bring their visions to the screen. Beginning with the 2026 Tribeca Festival—the Festival’s 25th anniversary—the top production prize will increase from $1 million to $1.2 million, reinforcing its status as the largest unrestricted film production award of its kind in the world. Submissions for the 2026 cycle are now officially open through February 6.

 

Established in 2017, AT&T Untold Stories has become a cornerstone of Tribeca’s artist development efforts and a transformative force in the film industry. Each year, the program awards one emerging filmmaker full funding to produce a feature film, along with mentorship, industry support, and a guaranteed premiere at the Tribeca Festival. 

 

Since its launch, the program has supported 40 projects, produced eight winning films, and helped launch the careers of dozens of emerging filmmakers. Winning films celebrate their world premieres at the Tribeca Festival and have been distributed across all major platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max, averaging 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

Previous winners include:

• 2018: Nigerian Prince directed by Faraday Okoro
• 2019: Lucky Grandma directed by Sasie Sealy
• 2020: Marvelous and the Black Hole directed by Kate Tsang
• 2021: Land of Gold directed by Nardeep Khurmi
• 2022: Smoking Tigers directed by So Young Shelly Yo
• 2023: Color Book directed by David Fortune
• 2024: Honeyjoon directed by Lilian T. Mehrel
• 2025: Take Me Home directed by Liz Sargent

 

“Independent filmmaking has never been tougher, and too many vital stories never make it to the screen. Untold Stories changes that,” said Jane Rosenthal, CEO and Co-Founder of Tribeca Enterprises. “It doesn’t just give filmmakers the means to create—it helps ensure their work is seen. With funding, mentorship, and distribution support, the program opens doors that might otherwise stay shut. This expanded prize will give bold storytellers the chance to dream bigger, go further, and reach the audiences their stories deserve.”

 

“Through AT&T's Untold Stories program, we’ve been able to build and connect a vibrant community of creators who are reshaping the future of cinema,” said Kellyn Smith Kenny, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, AT&T. “This expanded prize underscores our commitment to helping emerging filmmakers not only connect to greater possibilities but provide them with the platform and resources they need to continue inspiring others through their authentic storytelling.”

 

Submissions for the 2026 AT&T Untold Stories program open today. One filmmaker will be awarded the $1.2 million grant at next year’s Tribeca Festival, along with year-round mentorship and a guaranteed Tribeca premiere.

 

As Tribeca marks its 25th year, AT&T Untold Stories remains a defining program, demonstrating that when artists are given resources, mentorship, and a platform, they can create work that resonates globally.

 

Filmmakers can apply now at tribecafilm.com/untoldstories.

 

About Tribeca Festival:

The Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games, and immersive. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is synonymous with creative expression and entertainment. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning talent, curates innovative experiences, and introduces new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations, and live performances.

 

The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The annual Tribeca Festival will celebrate its 25th year from June 3–14, 2026 in New York City.

 

In 2019, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems bought a majority stake in Tribeca Enterprises, bringing together Rosenthal, De Niro, and Murdoch to grow the enterprise.

 

Press Contact:
Annie Davis – adavis@tribecafilm.com