What is the cost of the program?

The DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program is free - to apply for and free for selected participants to attend.

Can I apply if I don’t have any festival or broadcasting credits?

Yes! The DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program is designed for emerging filmmakers. You do not need previous festival screenings or broadcast credits to apply.

Use your application to demonstrate your interest in documentary storytelling, your commitment to developing your skills, and any relevant creative, community, or arts industry experience.

Can I apply with another member of my filmmaking team?

No. Each participant must apply individually, and only one filmmaker per project can participate in the program. We are unable to accept multiple participants working on the same project.

Can I apply if I’ve already applied for other grants or funding for my project?

Yes! DOC Atlantic Breakthrough is a non-exclusive opportunity. You are still eligible to apply if you have submitted your project for other funding opportunities.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.

What can I do to make my application stand out?

The selection committee is looking for filmmakers who demonstrate a strong commitment to documentary storytelling and are ready to actively engage in their creative development.

To strengthen your application:

• Share your connection to the story and why you are the right person to tell it

• Explain why this project matters and why now is the right time to tell it

• Highlight relevant filmmaking, storytelling, arts, community, or professional experience

• Focus on one strong documentary project that is ready to be developed toward a pitch

Projects should be realistic and achievable within the scope of the program. Consider how factors such as travel requirements, access, archival materials, music licensing, or other production costs may impact your ability to move the project forward.

What type of project should I apply with?

Applicants should submit one short documentary project in development. The selected project will be the focus of workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitch development throughout the program.

How much time commitment is required?

Participants should plan for a consistent time commitment over approximately 10 months (August 2026 – May 2027), including:

Workshops & Project Development

A series of online workshops focused on developing your documentary project and building your industry knowledge. Topics may include:

• Storytelling and creative development

• Interview techniques

• Pitch development

• Producing and budgeting

• Financing and distribution

• Legal and business essentials

Industry Events (In Person)

Industry events provide opportunities to attend industry programming, connect with documentary professionals, and expand your network. Participants will attend:

• Lunenburg Doc Fest & Dock Market
  Travel date September 24, conference dates September 25–27, 2026

• Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
  Late April – Early May 2027

Mentorship

Participants will take part in group mentorship sessions and one-on-one project development meetings with the program’s lead mentor throughout the program.

See the full timeline in the Guidelines & Terms for more information.

IF I have produced films outside of Canada (e.g., China) and hold international credits, Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. The program focuses on supporting BIPOC content creators based in Atlantic Canada. Prior international experience does not disqualify you; we encourage applications from creators looking to build connections, access resources, and navigate the Atlantic Canadian film industry.

My concepts and ideas are still in the early stages of development. Can I still apply?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, early-stage and partially developed concepts are preferred. The program is specifically structured to guide and facilitate your development process from the ground up.

Is a short-form episodic project eligible or encouraged for this program?

Yes, short episodic concepts are warmly welcomed. Our partner, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), is particularly enthusiastic about short-form series ideas (typically around 10 minutes per episode).

If I participate in the DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program, am I eligible to apply for the Momentum Program in the future?

Yes, alumni of the Breakthrough Program remain eligible to apply for the Momentum Program.

Are production-related travel expenses covered by the program?

Program coverage focuses on festival access and professional development: travel and accommodations to attend both Lunenburg Doc Fest and Hot Docs are provided. Production travel is not covered, though participants will have the opportunity to compete for a $5,000 NFB development deal to support their project.

What qualifies as a feature-length film for eligibility purposes?

A project with a runtime of 70 minutes or longer is considered a feature film.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions or experience difficulty with your application, please email:

industry@lunenburgdocfest.com