The New York-based Independent Filmmaker Project and Phosphate Productions have partnered to create a new prize, The Phosphate Prize at IFP, to encourage indie film writers and directors to create scripts highlighting strong and complex female lead characters. The prize, funded by Phosphate Productions, will offer a $25,000 unrestricted grant to encourage the recipient to continue on his or her career path of writing and making quality independent films that promote compelling roles for women. The grant is open to new or current IFP members and IFP program alumni. Anyone planning to apply for the grant can become an IFP member. American directors or screenwriters working in narrative feature film are encouraged to apply. Feature-length narrative scripts should be budgeted below $2 million and can be submitted by writers and directors, regardless of gender. The deadline for submissions is July 15. And the recipient will be announced during IFP Independent Film Week, Sept. 20-25, in New York City.

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