What is “The Launch”?

The Launch is a documentary pitch contest — now in its fourth year — that invites emerging and mid-career filmmakers to pitch original short documentary projects (maximum runtime: 20 minutes). This is your opportunity to bring a powerful story to life with the support of cash prizes, in-kind services, and professional development.

Five filmmakers will be selected to pitch live at the 12th Lunenburg Doc Fest, taking place September 17–21, 2025. The event unfolds before a live audience and a screen industry panel, who will offer up to 10 minutes of feedback for each pitch and select the first, second, and third-place winners.

Who Can Apply?

We encourage applications from storytellers with a range of experience. For the purposes of The Launch, an emerging filmmaker is someone in the early stages of their filmmaking practice (including those with relevant experience in other creative fields), while a mid-career filmmaker has created one or more completed works and is building a body of work and industry presence.

You do not need to be a professional filmmaker — just someone with a clear story, relevant skills, and a plan to move your documentary project forward!

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Identify as Indigenous, Black, and/or a Person of Colour (IBPOC), an artist with a disability, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or another underrepresented identity

• Be 18 years of age or older as of July 31, 2025

• Not have previously won The Launch

• Commit to attending two online workshops (in August and September 2025) and be present in person for The Launch pitch event in Lunenburg on September 20, 2025

Application Guidelines

• The applicant must be the producer and/or director of the project (please specify your role(s) in the form)

• Projects must be in pre-development, development, or production — not post-production

• The film must be completed within nine months and submitted by July 31, 2026 for potential screening at the 13th annual Lunenburg Doc Fest

  
  

Pitch Guidelines

• Each pitch will be 10 minutes or less

• Visual materials are required — this can include video clips, a teaser trailer, a director’s reel, or a presentation (e.g., PowerPoint)

• Only one person per project may pitch, though you may work with a creative team off-stage

  
  

Important Notes

• Entry is conditional upon full agreement to the Guidelines & Terms.

• By submitting an application, you confirm that your project is original work and free from any ownership or copyright disputes.

• If you have questions or need help with your application, please reach out to:
  📩 industry@lunenburgdocfest.com