This pass allows you access to all three days of the Documentary Clinic — April 25, May 9 and May 10.

Are you stuck or spiraling on a documentary project currently in development? Would some feedback and counsel from an experienced producer help take you to the next level?

We know that documentary filmmaking can be a lonely endeavor, especially in the development and early production phase, and sometimes we all need a little therapy particularly in a climate of increasingly scarce resources and support. Independent filmmakers are left alone to research, develop, write grants, pitch and fundraise their project, when this is the time when support, constructive feedback and creative guidance can be the most transformative. We’re delighted to offer this intensive workshop to filmmakers in such a position, providing a space for focused consultation with experienced creative producers who have best practices and experiences navigating the ever-changing landscape of independent documentary.

Over three days, emerging filmmakers will work closely with industry professionals and a cohort of peers to address the obstacles commonly faced by non-fiction practitioners working alone. Participants will have the chance to fortify their project’s framework, to consider their filmmaking methodology, clarify creative direction and adjust priorities for next steps. Specifically, we’ll be addressing the craft of the media samples and development teaser, working through the art of writing a compelling logline, synopsis, or director’s statement, figuring out what to prioritize when shooting and what to look for when reviewing footage. Our goal is to help participants identify areas in need of growth and provide tools to help answer creative and practical questions, so participants can refine the scope and vision of the project, and draw a roadmap for further development.

The first day of the workshop kicks off with individual 1-on-1 meetings with the industry mentors, allowing the mentors to provide tailored feedback and advice for each participant and their project. The following weekend, each participant will pitch their projects to the cohort, taking into account the guidance from the previous session. On the final day of the workshop the participants will be split into groups led by a mentor to guide them through a specific aspect of the development process, adapted to the participant group and their needs.

Participants will submit project materials ahead of the workshop in order for the industry mentors to familiarize themselves with the project ahead of time. This workshop is tailored towards non-fiction filmmakers with an independent project between development and early production, without a producer. Whilst registration for this workshop will function on a first-come-first-serve basis, potential participants will need to fill out this registration questionnaire so we can ensure the suitability of each submitted project for the program. Once we receive the completed questionnaire, we’ll be in touch within 72 hours to confirm the eligibility of the project, and a registration link if the project is eligible. Prospective participants are advised to please read the full schedule before submitting an eligibility questionnaire, as accepted participants will be required to attend every session.

Schedule

Bios

Paul Dallas is a Toronto-born writer, producer, and director based in Brooklyn. He co-wrote the HBO docu-drama REALITY, winner of a 2023 Peabody Award. Producing credits include the documentaries HALSTON (CNN Films/Amazon) and the 2024 NAACP Image Award winner INVISIBLE BEAUTY (Magnolia Pictures), both of which premiered at Sundance. He also produced the acclaimed indie comedy THE PLAGIARISTS, a New York Times Critics’ Pick, and he Co-producer of THE MISCONCEIVED (IFFR 2026). He served as archival producer on HBO’s ARMED ONLY WITH A CAMERA, which is nominated for the 2026 Academy Award for Documentary Short. Paul’s latest short DIVISION premiered at True/False 2026 and was selected for New Directors/New Films 2026. His writing has appeared in Artforum, BOMB, Extra Extra Magazine, Filmmaker Magazine, IndieWire, the Village Voice, and he has programmed films for BAM Cinema, the Guggenheim, and Maysles Documentary Center. He is a 2025 MacDowell Fellow.