Six emerging documentary filmmakers will be selected to participate in the DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program—a 10-month professional development opportunity designed to help filmmakers develop their short documentary projects through hands-on workshops, mentorship, industry access, and pitch opportunities.

Participants will receive creative and professional support while connecting with experienced documentary filmmakers, industry professionals, and a cohort of fellow Atlantic Canadian storytellers.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Applicants must:

• Live in Atlantic Canada and have been a resident of the region for at least one year at the time of application

• Identify as Indigenous, Black, and/or a Person of Colour (IBPOC)

• Be an emerging documentary filmmaker with a strong interest in storytelling and/or filmmaking

• Apply with a short documentary project under 30 minutes or a documentary series with episodes under 15 minutes, in development at any stage.

• Be available to participate in the online workshop series, mentorship sessions, and in-person industry events at:

  • Lunenburg Doc Fest & Dock Market (September 23–27, 2026)

  • Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Spring 2027)

Who is not eligible

Filmmakers are not eligible to apply if they have previously directed or produced:

• A feature-length documentary that has been broadcast or premiered at a film festival; or

• Two or more short documentaries that have been broadcast or premiered at a film festival.

Program Timeline

August 14, 2026

Information Session

Join us at 5 p.m. for an online information session to learn more about the program, eligibility, and application process.

REGISTER NOW

August 18, 2026

Applications Close

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. (AT).

August 21, 2026

Selected Applicants Notified

Successful applicants will be contacted and invited to join the fifth cohort of the DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program.

Late August – September 2026

Welcome & Pitch Development

Meet your cohort, connect with your lead mentor, and begin developing your documentary pitch through interactive workshops focused on strengthening your project and presentation.

September 24–27, 2026

13th Lunenburg Doc Fest & Dock Market

Participants attend Lunenburg Doc Fest and Dock Market in person, gaining access to festival programming, industry sessions, networking opportunities, and documentary professionals from across Canada.

October 2026 – Mid-April 2027

Project Development & Mentorship

Continue developing your short documentary project through workshops, group mentorship sessions, and one-on-one meetings focused on creative development, production, and preparing your project for the industry.

Late April – Early May 2027

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

Travel to Hot Docs to attend industry events, discover new work, and connect with filmmakers, broadcasters, funders, distributors, and documentary professionals from across Canada and beyond.

Mid–Late May 2027

Final Pitch Session

Present your project to an industry jury for the opportunity to receive a $5,000 development prize, supported by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB).

submission terms & Fees

No Cost

The DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program is free to apply for and participate in.

terms

By submitting your application, you confirm that:

• Your project is an original work;

• You have the right and authorization to submit the project;

• There are no ownership, copyright, or legal disputes related to your submission; and

• Your submission does not infringe upon the rights of any person or entity.

Questions?

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

industry@lunenburgdocfest.com