Kris Anderson Connexions Mentorship Program
Applications for 2025 are open!
The Kris Anderson Youth Connexions Forum, named after DOXA's founder, was an exciting part of DOXA’s programming from 2006 to 2013 and was designed to foster documentary filmmaking and storytelling skills in emerging filmmakers who face barriers in attaining their career goals.
We intend to carry forward the original spirit and intent of the program, while continuing its evolution in meeting the matters of the day. The Kris Anderson Connexions Mentorship Program will facilitate one-on-one mentorship between an experienced documentary filmmaker and an emerging filmmaker from underrepresented communities.
The program will create a space for participants to discuss their creative practices and goals with a mentor who can speak to their specific needs, while also making space for peer mentorship and collaboration.
Are you an emerging filmmaker with a documentary project in progress? This mentorship opportunity could be for you! Submit your application today!
Applications close on April 18th at 11:59PM PST.
If applicants have any questions, including accessibility accommodations during the application process, they can email Sarah Ouazzani, the Kris Anderson Program Manager at sarah.ouazzani[at]doxafestival.ca.
Supported by:
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About the Program
DOXA’s Kris Anderson Connexions Mentorship Program is a year-long initiative designed to support emerging filmmakers from marginalized communities. Through personalized mentorship, hands-on training, and industry connections, the program helps participants develop their unique voices and navigate the challenges of filmmaking.
This year, five mentees from underrepresented backgrounds (First Nations, Métis or Inuit; racialized, black and Afro-Canadan communities; 2SLGBTQ+ communities; people with disabilities; cis and trans women) will be selected to take part in the program, where they will be paired with five established film professionals from the BC Lower Mainland, based on alignment with the mentee’s cultural background and storytelling approach.
Throughout the year, mentees will receive:
✔ One-on-one mentorship tailored to their specific needs and creative vision
✔ Ongoing project support, addressing the unique challenges of their filmmaking journey
✔ Industry workshops and keynotes led by renowned experts and professionals
✔ A diverse skill-building curriculum, equipping them with essential tools for success
✔ Meaningful connections to foster long-term professional relationships and support networks
The program is overseen by a dedicated coordinator, and additional guest speakers and workshop facilitators will be invited to enrich the experience.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is for emerging filmmakers from marginalized communities who are looking for mentorship, guidance, and resources to bring their projects to life. Whether you need support in developing your story, navigating the industry, or refining your skills, this program is designed to help you grow.
We have removed the age restriction from this program. We believe emerging voices can come from individuals of any age, and this inclusivity enhances accessibility, fostering greater diversity in storytelling by accommodating a broader range of perspectives.
Program Aims
✔ Support the emerging wave of filmmakers from underrepresented communities who are committed to the pursuit of documentary media as an art form and the intersection of actuality and artistic expression.
✔Facilitate lasting connections between emerging and seasoned filmmakers; foster relationships of mutual learning across skill sets, disciplines, and experience levels
✔ Demystify the documentary-making process—from conceptualization to post-production and all that exists in between.
✔Address barriers to entry/equity in the documentary industry for emerging filmmakers through interpersonal modes, free from prescribed expectations; to meet emerging filmmakers where they are, and allow for a personalized mentorship experience.
✔Support the creation of new documentary work and participants’ artistic development by providing a small compensation in connection with their project ($2,000 CAD).
✔ Foster a life-long love of independent cinema and documentary media by immersing participants in film festival screenings, events, social opportunities and discussion with local and visiting filmmakers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for acceptance, applicants must:
✔ Be a resident of BC’s Lower Mainland
✔ Have made or participated in the making of a prior film, or have demonstrated a strong interest in filmmaking
✔ Be part of one of the following underrepresented communities: First Nations, Métis or Inuit, Racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+, Disabled People or people with disabilities, Individuals who identify as women, Black or AfroCanadian
✔ Apply with a documentary project in progress (at any stage of development)
✔ Be able to attend the 24th DOXA Documentary Film Festival in Vancouver, BC from May 1 to 11, 2025. The selected directors will form the jury of the Vancouver Film Studio Award, awarding the best BC director.
Timeline
April 1 → Applications for the program are open
April 18 → Applications close.
May 1-11 → DOXA Documentary Film Festival 2025
June - August → Workshop/panel/discussion series on a variety of topics (development, production, editing, post-production, distribution and sales, etc.) determined by cohort needs; coordination of mentors with mentees begins.
August 2025 - early 2026 → Independent/self-guided collaboration between mentors and mentees.
May 2026 → DOXA 2026 festival time, wherein mentees will have the opportunity to present their projects/progress and reflections—the torch is passed on to the next cohort of participants!