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.
Sheffield DocFest’s Queer Realities Director’s Lab is a development programme open to directors who are currently developing a queer documentary project. In this space, 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 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.
What’s in the programme?
- 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 a 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.
Important 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.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Queer Realities Director’s Lab, you 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.
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How to apply
Applications closed on 9 August at 16:00. We ask for some info about your project you are working on, as well as info about yourself and your motivations.
For any questions or if you have any access requirements for applying, please contact us on industry@sheffdocfest.com.
You will hear back by Tuesday 27 August 2024 at the latest regarding the outcome of your application.
Queer Realities Director's Lab is delivered by Sheffield DocFest, through the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, made possible with National Lottery funding.
Ask Me Anything
Are you considering applying to the Queer Realities Director’s Lab? Do you have a project idea in early development?
Join us online Thursday 1 August 2024, 17:00 GMT/12:00 EST for an informative session with our Head of Industry, Patrizia Mancini and Creative Director, Raul Niño Zambrano who will tell you more about the lab, answer your questions and offer advice to support you in the application process.
Please use this form to register and submit your question(s) beforehand.
There will also be time during the session to ask questions directly. The session will take place on Zoom. If you would like to receive a copy of the recording after the session, please contact our team at communications@sheffdocfest.com
FAQs
What genres are you open to?
The project you are applying with must be a linear documentary, hybrid or XR works. Within this, we are open to various topics and subgenres however!
Can I meet with you to discuss my project?
We can't take meetings about specific projects, however if you are unsure about something or have any questions regarding whether you or your project are eligible, please email us on industry@sheffdocfest.com.
My project has some funding on board and/or is in development with another company. Can I apply with this project?
Yes you can. Please explain in your application why this scheme will help with the development of the project.
Can I apply with a short film or TV series project?
No, the project you apply with must be intended to be over 40 minutes in length if it is a linear documentary. The project you apply with can however be based off a short film/other piece of work you have already made. We accept linear projects that are over 40 minutes, or XR projects .
I have a clip that is longer than 5 minutes, can I still use this to apply?
Yes, but if this is the case you must provide time codes for a 5 minute section for the selection team to view. They will evaluate only the exact length as per the application requirements.
Can we apply together as a directing duo?
Yes, you can let us know this in the application then email us with more information. Please note however that the bursary would have to be split into two equal parts.
What are the dates of the workshops after October?
The dates for further workshops will be communicated to the selected applicants in due course.
When will I receive the bursary?
The successful applicants will receive the bursary only upon attendance of at least 80% of the workshops. Exact dates will be communicated to the selected applicants.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Due to capacity, we are unable to offer individual feedback on applications.
