Industry
The Launch 2026
Lunenburg Doc Fest's Documentary Pitch Contest
The Launch is open to underrepresented filmmakers across Atlantic Canada who have a compelling short documentary idea and want to take the next step in developing their project and pitching it to an industry audience.
You don’t need a finished film, a big production team, or years of industry experience. You don’t need to have made a documentary before. If you have a story you care about, an idea you want to explore, and an interest in documentary storytelling, we want to hear from you.
Click here to view the full eligibility requirements.
The Launch is designed as a low-barrier entry point into the documentary industry, giving emerging filmmakers the chance to build their skills, gain industry experience, and make connections in a supportive environment.
Five filmmakers will be selected to pitch their projects live at Lunenburg Doc Fest 2026. One winning filmmaker will receive over $20,000 in cash and in-kind filmmaking services to help bring their short documentary project to life.
more than a pitch
Sure – The Launch is about winning. But it’s also about getting you into the room.
Every finalist will have the opportunity to develop their pitch, learn directly from experienced filmmakers, experience Lunenburg Doc Fest, and connect with people working across the documentary industry.
As a finalist, you’ll receive:
Two hands-on pitching workshops led by acclaimed Canadian filmmakers and industry professionals.
Personalized pitch coaching to help you develop and confidently deliver your pitch.
A full Dock Market pass, valued at $110 CAD.
Festival access to experience Lunenburg Doc Fest and connect with the wider documentary community.
One night of accommodation in Lunenburg covered for each finalist.
Travel support to attend the Dock Market at the 13th Lunenburg Doc Fest, taking place September 26–27, 2026.
The chance to win over $20,000 in cash and in-kind filmmaking services.
The opportunity for the winning film to screen at the following year’s Lunenburg Doc Fest.
So whether or not you take home the prize, you’ll leave with a stronger pitch, new skills, festival and industry experience, and a whole new network.
Learn how to pitch
Not sure how to pitch a documentary? We’ll teach you.
Finalists will take part in two hands-on pitching workshops led by acclaimed Canadian filmmakers and industry professionals. They’ll share their experience, practical advice, and the behind-the-scenes lessons they’ve learned from pitching their own work.
You’ll learn how to communicate your story clearly, sharpen your project, structure your pitch, connect with an audience, and build the confidence to present your idea live.
No pitching experience necessary. We’ll help you get ready.
Get inside the industry
One of the biggest benefits of The Launch is the opportunity to experience the documentary industry firsthand.
Hosted by Lunenburg Doc Fest, the Dock Market is Atlantic Canada’s premier documentary industry conference, bringing together filmmakers, producers, funders, programmers, broadcasters, and other documentary professionals. The program features workshops, industry activities, networking opportunities, and conversations designed to help filmmakers build connections, discover new opportunities, and move their projects forward.
As a finalist, you’ll receive a full Dock Market pass, valued at $110 CAD, giving you access to the conference and its programming.
It’s a chance to meet people working across the documentary industry, connect with potential collaborators, learn about the business of filmmaking, and start building relationships that could help move your project forward.
This year, one night of accommodation in Lunenburg will also be covered for each finalist, making it easier to attend the festival and get the most out of your experience.
Program timeline
August 18
Applications open
EXTENDED DEADLINE - August 31
Submit you applications by 11:59 p.m. AT, August 31, 2026.
September 2
Finalists notified
September 4
Welcome session
Week of September 7
Pitching Workshop #1
Week of September 14
Pitching Workshop #2
September 26 (in person)
The Launch 2026: Tech Rehearsal
The Launch 2026: Documentary Pitch Contest
The Launch 2026: Lunch Reception
September 26–27 (in person)
Dock Market Programming
The Launch 2026 is presented in association with CBC, Canada Media Fund, and others.