Calling Emerging Filmmakers!

Pink text and logo on a film still that shows the side-profile of a man playing a large trumpet. Water and trees in the background, late afternoon skies. Still from Belle River, 2021

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for the 2023 program are now closed.

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. The program will create a space for participants to discuss their creative practice and their goals with a mentor who can speak to their specific needs, while also making space for peer mentorship and collaboration.

Program aims:

  • Support the emerging wave of filmmakers 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 grant in connection with their project ($2,500.00 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

Timeline:

  • March 31 → Applications for program are open
  • April 18 → Applications close
  • May 4-14 → DOXA Documentary Film Festival 2023
  • 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 2023 - early 2024 → Independent/self-guided collaboration between mentors and mentees
  • May 2024 → DOXA 2024 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!

•••

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
  • Apply with a documentary project in progress (at any stage of development)
  • Be able to attend the 22nd DOXA Documentary Film Festival in Vancouver, BC from May 4 to 14, 2023

Apply here!

If applicants have any questions, including accessibility accommodations during the application process, they can email Tristin Greyeyes, Connexions Program + Engagement Coordinator (tristin@doxafestival.ca), or Sarah Bakke, Director of Development + Communications (sarah@doxafestival.ca).