The Scottish Documentary Institute is pleased to open applications for its new international mentorship scheme, Connecting Stories, run with the support of British Council.
Connecting Stories is a 9-month programme for documentary filmmakers developing their first or second feature film, from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
It combines seminars exploring various aspects of the industry, including the development and the production of feature films, individual mentorship sessions, and masterclasses with international key players in the current documentary landscape.
Having delivered our Stories workshops over 10 years, working with over 170 participants, from 9 countries, we have developed Connecting Stories as an opportunity to help Stories alumni and others to take their documentary practice to a new level. In the process we will establish and host a peer-network of participants and our international speakers and mentors, bringing documentary filmmakers from across the world, with diverse experience, to share and learn from each other.
Up to 12 participants will be selected to take part in various online activities (group seminars, individual mentorship, industry events) designed to help them grow their knowledge of the industry, their confidence to navigate the international scene, to work with co-producers and to put together the right material to pitch their projects and apply for funding.
We are looking for documentary filmmakers who have already directed one or two short films, which screened in festivals or had a broadcast on TV. Alumni of Stories workshops or other international labs are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are expected to be in development, production or early post-production of their first or second feature length documentary, to have already engaged with their characters and to have some early footage showing their access to the story. Connecting Stories aims to support under-represented creative voices.
For further details of the eligibility criteria and programme structure, please see our guidelines. Please read these carefully before applying online.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at stories@scottishdocinstitute.com
Applications will close Monday 22nd March 2021.