Rapha launches a Film Fund, US filmmakers encouraged to pitch ‘Living life by bike’ stories

Cycling apparel brand Rapha today launched the Rapha Film Fund, a program designed to help support creatives bring their ‘life lived by bike’ stories to life on Rapha’s YouTube channel.

“Some of our best films were formed outside Rapha walls, ideas brought to us from people and places beyond the reach of our own radius,” Rapha shared in a media statement.

“Our goal has always been to tell authentic, inspiring stories that celebrate cycling with character. That’s why we’re launching the Rapha Film Fund.”

The theme for the short films is ‘Living life by bike” and submissions are now welcome and due by April 4th. The fund is currently open to U.S.-based storytellers only. 

Recipient(s) of the fund will receive $25,000 USD, assistance from Rapha’s designers and producers and mentorship from Rapha’s Head of Editorial, Samuel Craven, and filmmaker Chrris Lowe who directed the Rapha film ‘In Tandem’.

“[The fund] should prove to be a really interesting new way for brands to seek out unique stories within the sport that we could never have found otherwise, with a focus on investing to support young filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the film industry,” said Brandon Camarda, Head of Marketing at North America.

“Along with this program grant, the winner will work alongside the Rapha film team as well as other partners to offer development and coaching to help grow their capabilities and experience in filmmaking and storytelling.”

After the submission window closes, five shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a more comprehensive pitch. Filming and editing will take place in the summer and the film is slated to be launched in November 2023.

Visit the Rapha website for more details.