Firelight Media’s Documentary Lab is accepting submissions for its 2020 edition. Now in its 11th year, the 18-month fellowship supports emerging filmmakers of color working on their first or second documentary feature with customized mentorship, funding resources, networking opportunities, and other services. In 2019, Firelight began offering a grant of $15,000 for each filmmaker accepted into the Lab.
“The mission of Firelight’s artist support programs to amplify underrepresented voices through different stages of their careers is seemingly more vital now than ever, given the pandemic’s catastrophic effects within minority communities in particular and the film industry at large,” a press release details.
Loira Limbal, Senior Vice President of Programs at Firelight Media, said, “COVID-19 has laid many things bare, chief among them, are the systemic inequality that continues to mark this society as well as the essential role of art and culture. This moment has deepened our commitment to filmmakers of color and to innovating in the ways that will be necessary to ensure that their voices are not erased during and after this pandemic.”
Firelight has supported the voices and work of over 120 filmmakers of color including Cristina Ibarra (“The Infiltrators”), Dawn Porter (“Spies of Mississippi”), and Assia Boundaoui (“The Feeling of Being Watched”).
The deadline for all submissions is June 22, 2020.
Head over to The Documentary Lab’s website for eligibility requirements and to apply.
