Film Independent selects six fillmmakers for the 2024 Documentary Story Lab

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organisation that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced today the six filmmakers and projects selected for its 2024 Documentary Story Lab.

The Documentary Story Lab helps nonfiction directors craft the best story possible for their film. Over the period of one week, participants attend multiple workshops and sessions with guest speakers, established documentary directors, institutional funders, legal professionals, and distributors. Fellows are paired with an experienced Creative Advisor and Editing Advisor who provide one-on-one support. The Lab culminates in a final pitch event that offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.

“The 6 Fellows in this year’s Documentary Story Lab bring us unique visions from Ukraine, Mexico, and all across the US,” said Daniel Cardone, Manager of Nonfiction Programs & Fiscal Sponsorship. “Each project takes us on a creative and innovative journey across diverse landscapes both physical and emotional. We’re so thrilled to be able to support these filmmakers in the program and through their careers.”

As part of the Documentary Story Lab, director Adelina Borets from Ukraine is the recipient of a Global Media Makers Fellowship making her travel and participation in the program possible.
Global Media Makers is an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent and the U.S. Dept. of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

During the Lab, filmmakers will work with Lead Creative Mentors Chris Shellen (Steve! (Martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces) and Anayansi Prado (Paraiso for Sale), and Editing Mentors Christy Denes (Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult) and Sara Newens (Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields) in addition to being introduced to celebrated film professionals who advise on both the craft and business of documentary filmmaking.

Guest Speakers include director Set Hernandez (unseen), producer Christine O’Malley (Taylor Swift: Miss Americana), director Tracy Droz Tragos (Plan C), producer Megan Gilbride (Fathom), sound designer and director Midge Costin (Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound), composer/music supervisor Andrew Gross (Konsonant Music), Maria Santos (International Documentary Association) and Dale Cohen & Loralee Sundra (UCLA Documentary Law Clinic).

Notable past Documentary Lab supported projects include the Academy Award-nominated Ascension by Jessica Kingdon, the Academy Award-nominated and Spirit Award-winning film Minding the Gap from Fellows Bing Liu and Diane Quon; Alina Simone and Kirstine Barfod’s Black Snow; Sarita Khurana and Smriti Mundhra’s A Suitable Girl, Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palmero’s Rich Hill; and Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown’s United Skates.

Film Independent Artist Development programs promote unique independent voices by helping filmmakers create and advance new work through Project Involve, Filmmaker Labs (Documentary, Episodic, Producing and Screenwriting), Fast Track finance market, Fiscal Sponsorship, and our Grants and Awards, which provide over one million dollars annually to visual storytellers.

The Documentary Lab is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information on the Documentary Story Lab and the projects supported through the program, please contact Daniel Cardone, Manager of Documentary Programs and Fiscal Sponsorship, at dcardone@filmindependent.org. Additional information and an application form can be found at filmindependent.org.