DOCVILLAGE 2025
DOCVILLAGE 2025!
DOCvillage is an intensive 5-day residency designed to stimulate documentary filmmakers by improving their skills, refining their project ideas and creating a sense of community. Through interactive (group) sessions, practical exercises and individual coaching, participants receive the tools and confidence to bring their documentary ideas and visions to life.
This residency is ideal for documentary filmmakers in various stages of development, from a starting concept to working on a project already in development. Participants must have already made at least one short documentary, have a strong interest in non-fiction storytelling and be willing to work on their filmmaking skills individually and in groups.
TIMELINE
- June 26, 12:00 PM | Deadline for DOCvillage submissions
- July 29 | Announcement of DOCvillage selection
DOCUMENTS
Important! The filmmaker must have at least one completed film to his/her/their name. This can be a short documentary or fiction film or other audiovisual production.
RESIDENCY STRUCTURE
Daily group sessions: Every day, participants take part in focused group sessions led by the coach.
Topics include:
- Documentary styles & storytelling techniques: Discover different documentary approaches and learn how to create compelling stories.
- Research strategies: Develop effective research methods for documentaries, including archive research, how to select main characters, and how to find good locations.
- Interview techniques: Perfect the art of conducting insightful and engaging documentary interviews.
- Basics of pre-production: Build a solid foundation for your documentary by planning your budget, schedule, and logistics.
- Practical film exercises: DOCvillage goes beyond theory and offers practical exercises throughout the workshop to enhance learning experiences and stimulate creativity. Participants apply their newly acquired skills by filming in Sittard-Geleen and receive personalized feedback from the coach.
- Group feedback and networking: A core aspect of DOCvillage is the collaborative learning environment. Participants get the chance to share their work, receive constructive feedback from coaches and peers, and build valuable connections within the documentary filmmaking community.
- DOCvillage participants will conclude the program with a short pitch of their projects on stage, at the DOCDAYS Industry Day.
LOGISTICS & PARTICIPANTS
- The residency will take place in Sittard (location details to be announced).
- Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements however the travel costs will be covered by Filmværksted Aarhus. Accommodation and meals are included.
- There are 12 participants in the group:
- 8 participants from the Netherlands and STE partners
- 4 participants from Ukraine (powered by House of Europe)
COACHES
- John Apel
- Astrid Bussink
- TBA
GOAL AND RESULT OF THE PROGRAMME
At the end of DOCvillage participants have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills to:
- Develop a stronger documentary project
- Conduct effective documentary interviews
- Create a cinematographic vision for an idea
- Build a network of fellow documentary filmmakers
- Expand (industry) network
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR DOCVILLAGE 2025 PARTICIPANTS
GENERAL PROFILE
- Emerging/new documentary filmmaker
- Has completed at least one short documentary or fiction film
- Has not yet directed a feature-length film
- Strong interest in non-fiction storytelling
EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND
- Between 1 to 3 audiovisual works (including short fiction or documentary)
- Open to both film school graduates and self-taught filmmakers
- Demonstrates potential for creative development and professional growth
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Able to work and communicate in English
APPLICATION FILE REQUIREMENTS
A pitch file of up to 6 pages (max. 5mb, in PDF format). Examples of what can be in a pitch file:
- A tagline, logline, synopsis (1 page)
- A motivation / introduction (why the participants want to participate in DOCvillage and what they think/want to get out of it) (1 page)
- A director's vision (1 page)
- CVs of yourself and cast/crew members who are collaborating (1 page)
- A mood board or other relevant info (links to previous work are obligatory) (1 page)
- Indication of the budget & financial plan (1 page)
CREATIVE POTENTIAL
- Clear artistic vision and originality
- Project shows potential for international festival exposure
- Preference given to projects that are authentic, emotionally resonant, and not purely commercial
GROUP DYNAMICS
- Willingness to collaborate, receive feedback, and participate in group activities
- Open to diversity of perspectives and cultures
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- No strict age limit, but applicants should be able to actively contribute to the group dynamic
- Gender balance and thematic diversity (topic, perspective, background) are important in the selection process
PLANNING
06.10.2025 (Monday)
12:30-18:00 DOCvillage | Kick off & Get-together Session
07.10.2025 (Tuesday)
09:30-17:00 DOCvillage | Group session | Day 1: Introduction and interviewing
08.10.2025 (Wednesday)
09:30-17:00 DOCvillage | Group session | Day 2: Observing and storytelling
09.10.2025 (Thursday)
09:30-17:00 DOCvillage | Group session | Day 3: Directors Vision
10.10.2025 (Friday)
10:00-17:30 DOCDAYS Industry Day, incl. DOCpitch & DOCmatch
Apply here !
Or read more about DOCvillage 2025 here
