DOC NYC x VC Storytelling Incubator

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Programs

DOC NYC x VC Storytelling Incubator

A global mentorship initiative for first-time feature makers.

The DOC NYC x VC Storytelling Incubator, an initiative from DOC NYC and the Video Consortium, provides first-time feature documentary filmmakers with hands-on creative consultation and professional guidance from established industry voices. In a six-month mentorship, emerging filmmakers with underrepresented perspectives receive support and feedback on their story development, creative process, and funding and distribution potential.

The program runs January through July, 2023.

Mentorship pairs will be announced in January.

About the program

Following an open call for applications, the Video Consortium’s Filmmaker Advisory Council, in collaboration with DOC NYC, reviewed more than 200 promising work-in-progress documentaries and selected 8 film teams to participate as mentees in the program.

Mentors provide feedback on the filmmaker’s work-in-progress, offering advice and insight on story, creative process, and funding and distribution potential over the course of six months.

In addition to tailored mentorship, filmmakers are supported with peer-to-peer group sessions, guided conversations to meet their needs, and a capstone virtual celebration for project and program completion. As Incubator participants, mentees also receive free access to DOC NYC’s online educational events; complimentary access to its 8-day professional conference, DOC NYC PRO, and waived submission fees to its Industry Roundtables networking program for works-in-progress.

The Second Incubator

2022 Mentees

This second Incubator cohort comprises filmmakers based around the world, from the U.S. and Mexico to Spain, South Korea, and Jordan.

Martin Awano

Life of the Mind

Marta Effinger-Crichlow

Little Sallie Walker, Medium Impact

Berenice Fernández Mateos

Mined Land

Kryhzal Olalde Dávila

Mined Land

Jethro Patalinghug

The Long Rescue

Alexandra Roca

Urge (WT), Freelance

The Second Incubator

2022 Mentors

Jameka Autry

Documentary Filmmaker, Beholden Films

Tabs Breese

Producer

Èlia Gasull Balada

Director

Trish Gillespie

Lauren Haber

Head of Development, Impact Partners

Daniel Hymanson

Documentary Filmmaker

Sura Mallouh

Documentary Filmmaker

Nevo Shinaar

Creative Producer

Elizabeth Woodward

Producer, WILLA

The First Incubator

2021 Mentees

Our inaugural Storytelling Incubator cohort included filmmakers from cities across the world, including Oakland, Brooklyn, Washington, DC, Miami, Detroit, New Orleans, and Atlanta, as well as Mumbai, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Adelaide, India, and the Australian Gold Coast.