Film Independent Documentary Story Lab 2026
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Before You Begin
Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Documentary Story Lab.
The 2026 Documentary Story Lab is a full-time, one week program that will take place in May 2026. Please note that the Lab will take place in person at Film Independent offices in Los Angeles.
The program is designed to provide individualized story and career development for documentary directors with a project in post-production.
Applicants must submit a work sample which should include a minimum of a polished trailer and scene selects, all the way up to a rough cut.
Filmmakers that have yet to complete the majority of principal photography and those that do not yet have any footage assembled are not eligible to apply.
Please complete and submit the following electronic application form. You will be able to save your application and add documents or information until the application deadline.
Once you click "submit," the application will be considered final and no additional information will be accepted. If you do not click "submit," the application will not be considered. At the end of the submission form, you will be asked for your payment information.
Please be advised: the application may time out if you keep it open for a long time. It is recommended that you keep a backup of your answers in a separate document. Save early and often. You can verify that your application has saved by logging out and logging back in.
Film Independent Membership is not required when applying to Artist Development programs. However, all participants accepted into the programs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual General Membership rate of $105.
All applicants will be notified 3-4 weeks before the program start date. If you don't receive a notification, please check your spam folder.
Applications Open: October 6, 2025
Regular Deadline: December 15, 2025
Extended Member Deadline: January 5, 2026
Accessibility Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
Program Questions? Please contact the Artist Development team at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.
Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.