The Lunenburg Doc Fest has opened applications for The Launch 2025, their documentary pitch contest as part of the upcoming festival. The competition is open to filmmakers of all skill levels who are residents of Atlantic Canada and identify as Indigenous, Black, and/or Persons of Colour (BIPOC), persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or others who identify as underrepresented. There is no cost to apply or to participate in the competition owing to the support of the Canadian Media Fund, with the deadline for applications set for August 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM (AT).
Participants will be competing for three prize packages totaling over $20,000 in cash and in-kind production services towards the completion of their pitched projects, and five pitches from all entries will be invited to pitch their documentary ideas live at this year’s edition of the Lunenburg Doc Fest. Additionally, all finalists will receive two exclusive professional pitch training sessions, an all access-festival pass, and entry to the Dock Market industry conference – an ideal platform to meet and connect with peers and seasoned industry professionals and attend workshops to hone their skills. Last year’s edition of The Launch featured the mentorship of renowned filmmakers Alison Duke and Omar Majeed.
The pitch contest, which invites filmmakers of all experience levels to apply, is meant to uplift emerging filmmakers by equipping them with the resources necessary to pursue their dreams. “First steps are often the hardest,” said Bruce MacCormack, Chairperson of the Lunenburg Doc Fest, expressing the organization’s commitment to empowering new filmmakers and supporting new voices in the Canadian screen industry.
The live pitch event involving the finalists will be held on Saturday, September 20 before a public audience and a panel of professionals from the screen industry, following which, the three winners will be announced during the Launch lunch reception.
For more information and to apply, visit the festival’s website. Lunenburg Doc Fest runs Sept. 17 to 21.
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