Lunenburg, N.S. — Six emerging Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) filmmakers from across Atlantic Canada have been selected for the fifth annual DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program, a professional development initiative supporting the next generation of documentary storytellers in the region.

Presented by DOC Atlantic, delivered by Lunenburg Doc Fest (LDF) and in partnership with the Documentary Organization of Canada,, the 10-month program gives participants the opportunity to strengthen their creative practices, build industry connections, and advance their documentary projects. The program is supported by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, Canadian Heritage, the National Film Board, InnovationPEI, PictureNL, and the Province of Nova Scotia.

The program continues to address the need for greater representation and access within Canada's documentary sector. This year's cohort brings together filmmakers working across a range of disciplines, perspectives, and communities, with projects exploring themes of identity, the arts, health, science, belonging, and lived experience.

“This program just keeps getting stronger every year. DOC Atlantic is proud to be a part of this opportunity for filmmakers to build their voices and careers,” said Millefiore Clarkes, co-chair of the DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Committee.

Over the course of the program, participants will take part in an eight-part workshop series focused on both the creative and professional sides of documentary filmmaking. Sessions will cover authentic storytelling, interview techniques, documentary ethics, pitching, financing, and festival strategy, providing participants with practical tools and a supportive community as they develop their projects.

“I am ecstatic for the opportunity to create a visual piece of culture from the Maritimes that international audiences can resonate with, as well as build new skills and grow as a filmmaker to be able to amplify more voices,” said Year Five participant Reva Bhardwaj.

Participants will also receive group and individual mentorship from established filmmakers Baljit Sangra and Tasheal Gill, providing dedicated guidance as they develop their projects and navigate the documentary industry.

Baljit Sangra is an award-winning Vancouver-based producer and director known for amplifying underrepresented voices through powerful, globally recognized documentaries. Her work has premiered at leading festivals worldwide, with her acclaimed feature Because We Are Girls (National Film Board) debuting at Hot Docs and opening DOXA, and streaming internationally on Amazon with over 18 million minutes viewed. Her recent film, Have You Heard Judi Singh?, continues this impact—spotlighting a pioneering Punjabi-Black jazz singer and screening at major Canadian festivals before its broadcast in 2025.

Tasheal Gill is a rising Canadian producer at Viva Mantra Films Inc., known for crafting socially conscious stories that amplify underrepresented voices. With an education in film production, her work spans documentary and narrative film, including Have You Heard Judi Singh? premiering at DOXA 2025, Whistler-premiered short film House After, and Debunking Urban Isolation via Telus Storyhive.

The program begins in late August and will bring the cohort together in person during The Dock Market at the 13th annual Lunenburg Doc Fest, September 23–27, 2026, where participants will have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and take part in professional development activities. The program will also support their participation at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto in Spring 2027.

Participants will conclude the program with a pitch presentation to a jury of industry decision-makers. The jury will select one participant to benefit from development support from the National Film Board of Canada, valued at $5,000.

This new opportunity provides the Year Five cohort with an additional pathway to move their projects from development toward production, while recognizing the creative work they have developed throughout the program.

Each participant will receive an artist honorarium, as well as support for travel and accommodation associated with program activities.

“We are delighted to continue to open doors for Atlantic Canada’s next generation of storytellers,” said Bruce MacCormack, Chair of the LDF Board of Directors.

Meet the six selected DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program Year 5 participants.