DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program for emerging IBPOC Talent (Canada)

Comprehensive training will help four selected media creators from the Atlantic provinces who identify as IBPOC to develop, market and produce their documentary project over a 12-month period (June 2024 – May 2025). They will also have full access to the Dock Market at the 11th Lunenburg Doc Fest (September 18-22, 2024) and the Hot Docs Forum at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (May 2025).

Breakthrough will begin with a six-week online workshop series from June to August 2024. Sessions will guide participants through authentic storytelling techniques. The Program will further provide practical industry knowledge through workshops covering film financing, producing, and budgeting, alongside business and legal affairs. One-to-one project feedback sessions with an internationally renowned pitch coach will follow, as will group and one-on-one mentorship from an acclaimed Canadian documentarian.

Four emerging IBPOC producers from the Atlantic provinces will be selected to participate in this development program with participation in Lunenburg Doc Fest’s The Dock Market and Hot Docs.

Eligibility Criteria

• To qualify applicants must:
  • Live in Atlantic Canada and have been a resident for at least one year from date of application.
  • Identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Colour.
  • Have demonstrated a strong interest in storytelling and/or filmmaking.
  • Be available to attend the three-week online DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program workshop series and mentorship program, LDF’s Dock Market (September 18-22, 2024), and Hot Docs (May, 2025).
  • Apply with a documentary project in progress (at any stage of development).
  • Applicants must be 18 years or older.

For more information, visit Lunenburg Doc Fest.