KCFF Doc Factory
Education and mentorship for emerging documentary filmmakers
KCFF’s Doc Factory is a hands-on program providing training and foundational knowledge about the latest documentary film trends. Through a combination of lectures and screenings, participants will learn about the most influential documentary film movements and their leading figures. They will also receive practical training to improve their film production skills as they pursue short film projects to be premiered at KCFF’s 26th Festival! Applicants from all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Previous filmmaking or artistic experience is valued but not required.
The majority of the funding for the Doc Factory comes directly from the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, with the goal of supporting local filmmakers and promoting doc filmmaking in the Kingston area. Want to help support programming like this? You can donate here!
The program runs from program runs from May to December and consists of five basic modules:
Module 1: Foundational background and fundamentals of documentary filmmaking (8 classes/8 weeks) May-June 2025
Module 2: Development of projects (4 weeks) July 2025
Module 3: Production (8 weeks) August-September 2025
Module 4: Post-production (12 weeks) September-November 2025
Module 5: Festival Time! Public screening of completed projects at KCFF26!
Participants will:
1) Learn about the most influential documentary film movements and filmmakers
2) Watch recent and classic documentaries and learn about their different modes and artistic approaches
3) Learn how to write a documentary film script
4) Learn essential film production skills (camera work, lighting, sound, etc)
5) Learn special tips and techniques specific to documentary filmmaking
6) Receive mentorship as they write and direct their own short docs
7) Walk the red carpet and screen their final projects at KCFF26!
NEW THIS YEAR! The entry fee is being waived and participation is now entirely free. The KCFF Doc Factory program will be funded by KCFF and its partners.
1) Applicants from all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Previous filmmaking or artistic experience is valued but not required.
2) The applicant must be a resident of the Kingston area or willing to commute to Kingston to attend classes at KCFF’s headquarters in the Broom Factory.
3) The applicant must be willing to attend the 8 in-person essential training classes between May and June 2025. Dates TBD in conjunction with accepted applicants.
4) The applicant must commit to make (or participate in making) a final project and deliver the final version to KCFF no later than December 1st, 2025.
5) The applicant must provide a short synopsis (100-200 words) for the documentary project they intend to make. Projects may be altered during the course of the program.
6) The applicant must submit a completed application.
7) All applicants will be required to sign a contract as part of their participation in the program.
Still have questions? Please reach out to [email protected]
Applications were accepted until April 23, 2025 and are now closed for the 2025-2026 season. If you missed out, don’t fret – applications for the 2026-2027 intake will open again next winter!
