CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerator 2024

CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerator is seeking 10 women and non-binary filmmakers (directors or producers) with creative documentary projects in any stage of development to apply for the upcoming seventh edition of the program.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to advance their films with a carefully-curated constellation of experts in the documentary field and become part of a network they can count on throughout their careers. Focusing on both professional and personal growth, CIRCLE is an initiative crafted by filmmakers, for filmmakers, which guides them through their creative journeys and connects them to the European and international documentary film landscape.

The workshop is conducted through three onsite working modules, taking place in three different countries, as well as intensive online sessions. CIRCLE drives project growth, while placing an emphasis on knowledge-sharing and honing of key skills, all the more by connecting participants of the program with the rest of the film industry and giving them access to world-renowned mentors.

Program Overview
Each of the three Modules focuses on a different crucial aspect of project development.

Module 1: Greece, June 2024
● Creative Development and In-depth Analysis
In this module, participants will receive personalized mentorship from renowned directors, screenwriters, and producers to refine their project ideas, identify their strengths and potential, and develop strategies to overcome any creative roadblocks. Masterclasses, film screenings, and interactive workshops will further enhance their understanding of the craft.

Module 2: Serbia, September 2024
● Project Packaging & Strategic Positioning
This module delves into the practical aspects of packaging, marketing, and financing feature documentaries. Participants will work closely with experts in these fields to craft tailored strategies that maximize their project's international visibility and fundraising potential. They will also explore international co-production opportunities and legal considerations.

Module 3: Trieste, Italy, January 2025
● Industry Immersion at When East Meets West / Trieste Film Festival
To conclude the program, participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to potential collaborators and decision makers at the When East Meets West co-production market in Trieste, Italy.

This immersive experience provides them with access to all industry events, film screenings, and an unparalleled network of professionals within the European documentary landscape.

Who Can Apply?
We invite applications from women and non-binary filmmakers (directors or producers) with strong
creative documentary projects in any stage of development.

 

How To Apply?
In order to apply, please visit the CIRCLE website!
Timeline of application process:
Call opens: January 23, 2024
Submission deadline: February 26, 2024
Announcements of results: April 2024

Fee and Scholarship Opportunities
The participation fee (3600€) covers mentorship, accommodation and meals for all three modules, as well as a variety of offers by our partners. CIRCLE is committed to supporting diverse voices in documentary filmmaking. We offer scholarships to participants from low-capacity countries who demonstrate financial need.

CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerago info session
Join us for our upcoming online info session on February 8th at 16:00 pm (CET) to learn more about CIRCLE and how it can help you bring your documentary project to life.

During the session, you will have the opportunity to:

● Learn about the curriculum and benefits of the program
● Ask questions about the application process

By providing a safe and supportive environment for collaboration and growth, we help filmmakers overcome obstacles, refine their craft, and connect with the broader documentary film world. Participants gain access to invaluable knowledge and resources, enabling them to develop their projects into impactful and compelling films.
For more information, visit our website and social media

● Website: https://www.doccircle.me/
● Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/events/the-language-arts-studio/dot-dot-
dot/1189510967901298/
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJypwh8B2TS/

We look forward to receiving your applications!
If you have any questions, please contact info@doccircle.me.

CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerator is a unique training initiative designed for women and non-binary writers, directors, and producers from all-over the world. It offers a safe space for consultation, collaboration, sharing ideas and improving skills with the support of senior filmmakers and industry experts. We serve as a catalyst for propelling transnational partnerships into existence and encourage audiovisual professionals (especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds) to unlock their full, global
potential. Our primary objective is to empower women and non-binary filmmakers and amplify their presence across Europe and the world. Since our founding in 2018, we have supported 50 directors and producers hailing from 35 different countries. We often work with projects in very early development, bringing them to the attention of the international industry, production companies and other training programs. Out of all the films developed through CIRCLE, 95% have either received international funding
or premiered at some of the most prestigious film festivals around the world.

Partners of the program
CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerator is co-funded by Creative Europe MEDIA and organized by Wake Up Films production.
Other partners of the program include: When East Meets West Co-pro Forum, Cannes Docs – Marché du Film, Film Centre of Montenegro, International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA), Documentary Association of Europe (DAE), TIDF Agora, IDM Südtirol – Alto Adige, European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA), Greek Film Centre, Festivalscope, Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia, City of Novi Sad, Creative Europe MEDIA Desk – Montenegro, Creative Europe MEDIA Desk -Croatia, Creative Europe MEDIA Desk – Slovenia, Motovila, Creative Europe MEDIA