About the Program
The British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories Chapter of the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC BC YT NT), with support from Creative BC, started the Breakthrough Program in 2021 to support emerging documentary film producers in developing a project. The Breakthrough Program was created with a mandate to provide more access and inclusion for individuals self-identifying as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, and/or LGBTQ+ and to increase participation for emerging film creators from underrepresented communities. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application.
Six emerging and high-potential producers will be selected for a rigorous and intimate market-preparation course where they’ll develop a successful festival strategy and hone their project pitches and materials to prepare for festivals and markets like the Deal Maker program at Hot Docs.
Emerging producers will pitch for development funds and a development deal for your project. They will be supported to sell their project to prestigious festival markets like Hot Docs International Documentary Festival and beyond!
Awards & Prizes
Selected filmmakers will get exclusive access to:
For four months leading up to Hot Docs, bi-weekly sessions with acclaimed documentary filmmakers and project-specific feedback from funders, broadcasters, distributors, and peers.
As well as workshops, where participants will hone their trailers and work on their pitch materials with story editors, producers, and pitch specialists. Plus:
Free one-year DOC membership with all its benefits, including free access to other DOC events.
The Breakthrough Alumni Network, a private group where alumni share opportunities & information.
Digital pass to the 2022 Hot Docs Film Festival (attend industry sessions, network with key industry professionals, set up meetings to sell their projects, and connect and collaborate with peers.)
Past Breakthrough Programs:
2021: https://docnorthwest.org/breakthrough2021/
2022: https://docnorthwest.org/breakthrough-program-2022-2/
2023: [more information to come for Breakthrough 2023]