Yahoo Media Group and The Nonfiction Hotlist are teaming up to create a new pathway for nonfiction filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience. Through this partnership, Yahoo will promote and distribute 20 short documentary films curated from open call submissions.

The Nonfiction Hotlist, a leading documentary content curation and distribution platform known for identifying exceptional stories and connecting filmmakers with major distribution opportunities, will oversee the entire curatorial process.

Opportunity

  • Global Distribution - Films will be distributed across Yahoo properties, including yahoosports.tv, Yahoo Sports Network, and Yahoo Finance FAST channels

  • Compensation - Selected filmmakers will be paid for their work, ensuring fair compensation for creators

  • Promotional Support - Yahoo will further amplify the films with additional content including filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and in-depth companion articles

  • End date of submission March 6, 2026

Categories:

1. Sports and Athleticism

2. Business and Economics

3. Science, Innovation and Technology

4. Nature and Environment

5. Arts and Culture

6. Biography and Lifestyle

Films will be selected based on artistic merit, powerful storytelling, and cultural relevance.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, submitted films must meet the following requirements:

  • Completed short documentaries

  • 8 to 40 minutes in length

  • Films must have been finished between January 2023 and March 2026

  • English Spoken or English Subtitled.

  • January 13, 2026 to March 6th, 2026

Submission

submissions closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

  • No, this is a separate initiative created specifically in partnership with Yahoo for completed short documentaries. The Nonfiction Hotlist Version 2 will launch later in 2026 with a different focus and structure—stay tuned for details.

  • No, submission is completely free.

  • Unfortunately no. Films must have been completed between January 1, 2023 and March 2026 to be eligible.

  • We're only able to consider films between 8-40 minutes in length for this partnership. If your film falls outside this range, we encourage you to watch for future Nonfiction Hotlist initiatives that may be a better fit.

  • Please wait to submit until your film is fully finished. We're only reviewing completed films for this partnership.

  • Yes. You must either own the distribution rights outright or have authority from the rights holder to license the film to Yahoo.

  • Yes. All third-party materials (archival footage, music, appearances, etc.) must be fully cleared (or feasibly clearable) with proper licenses and releases in place. Films with uncleared rights cannot be selected.

  • Yes, as long as the rights are currently available.

  • Yes, but please limit submissions to three films maximum.

  • The Nonfiction Hotlist team, along with carefully selected nonfiction industry professionals, will oversee the entire curatorial process - from initial review through final selection.

  • Selected filmmakers will be notified in the Spring of 2026.

  • All filmmakers will be notified of their status via email. While we can only select 20 films for this partnership, we encourage you to stay connected with The Nonfiction Hotlist for future opportunities that may be a better fit for your work.

  • Selected filmmakers will grant Yahoo a non-exclusive license to distribute the film across Yahoo's platforms and channels for a specified period. You will retain ownership of your film. Specific terms will be detailed in the licensing agreement provided to selected filmmakers.

  • This will be addressed in the licensing agreement for selected films. Questions about exclusivity windows can be discussed if your film is selected.

  • Selected filmmakers will receive licensing fees for their work, ensuring fair compensation. Films will be distributed across Yahoo's properties including yahoosports.tv, Yahoo Sports Network, and Yahoo Finance FAST channels, with promotional support including filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and companion articles.