Sheffield DocFest has unveiled its new Queer Realities Directors’ Lab which is open to LGBTQIA+ directors who are currently developing a queer documentary project. The 10 selected directors will have the opportunity to explore and play with the format of documentary through curated masterclasses and workshops with international and UK filmmakers, artists and other industry experts. The deadline for submissions is 16.00 BST, 9 August.
“In recent years, the landscape of queer documentaries has undergone a transformative shift, marked by a surge in productions that boldly push the boundaries of the genre. These documentaries not only amplify queer voices but also challenge traditional storytelling, providing a fresh perspective on the diverse and multifaceted experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community,” write organisers.
The development workshops and mentoring for the programme will run from September 2024 until February 2025. Each selected director will be matched with an international or UK expert for online mentoring hours and supported with a bursary to develop their project from November 2024 to February 2025. The cohort will also have the chance to be introduced to the international and UK documentary community during an industry session taking place during the next edition of Sheffield DocFest in June 2025.
The programme includes:
- Workshops and masterclasses between September 2024 – February 2025 exploring creative documentary making for linear and XR queer non-fiction storytelling. This includes a residential workshop in January 2025
- Online mentoring hours with am international or UK expert
- 15 days of self-directed development time supported by a bursary of £1725
- Industry accreditation for the next two editions of Sheffield DocFest (2025 & 2026)
- Travel and accommodation will be covered for selected directors for the workshops and residential. Catering will also be provided on the days of the workshops and residential.
- Access support including BSL, PA support or other assistance will be available for participants as required.
Key dates:
- Friday 9 August at 4pm: Application deadline
- Monday 2 September: Online briefing with Sheffield DocFest
- Tuesday 3 September: Announcement of the cohort
- Monday 9 September: First workshop day (Sheffield/Manchester)
- Monday 7 October: Second workshop (York)
Specific dates of further workshops will be communicated with the cohort once selected. Participants must be free for the workshop dates above.
To be eligible for the Queer Realities Directors’ Lab, candidates must:
- Be 18 or over
- Be based in the UK
- Have a documentary project currently in development stage
- Have at least one previous credit of director on a short or feature film, television episode, XR artwork, or theatre piece performed to a public audience in the past three years
- Be available to participate in the programme on the specified dates listed above
Whilst Queer Realities Lab projects must be films or XR pieces, the programme is open to directors who have worked in other areas prior, including theatre and television.
For more information and to apply, click here.
