The call for projects from Quebec and across Canada is open
from July 15 to August 14, 2025
This call is open exclusively to Canadian applicants.
The selection of international participants is carried out through a separate, invitation-based process.
Doc Lab Montréal returns for its 12th edition. Over the years, the event has evolved to become a key opportunity for both professional and creative development. Guided by local and international industry professionals, Doc Lab Montréal will welcome a cohort of Canadian and international filmmakers and producers leading short, medium-length, and feature-length creative documentary projects. The goal: to support the development of their works, strengthen their artistic vision, and refine their production strategies.
Over the course of three days, selected participants will take part in closed-group working sessions. Following this mentorship, they will pitch their project during a presentation held as part of Forum RIDM’s professional market. Awards will later be presented by leading industry partners, including Rogers, Vidéographe, Main Film, Cineground, Lussier & Khouzam, SLA Location, and others to be announced.
Participants will also be invited to take part in the full range of activities offered during the 21st edition of Forum RIDM, designed to enrich and complement the core Doc Lab Montréal experience.
Teams developing a feature-length documentary (filmmaker–producer duos), as well as those working on short or medium-length projects, will have the opportunity to take part in the One-on-One pitches, Forum RIDM’s flagship networking event. Filmmakers whose feature project is not yet supported by a production company will take part in a custom-tailored pairing activity.
Selected participants must be available for the full duration of Forum RIDM, from November 21 to 26, 2025.
In addition to increased visibility, selected projects will be given priority consideration for international initiatives organized in collaboration with Forum RIDM’s global partners, including participation in festivals and industry markets.
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OVERVIEW
• 3 days of closed-group working sessions guided by experienced mentors.
• 3 days of roundtables, masterclasses, meetings and discussions with local and international professionals.
• 1 pitch session before an audience of professionals from national and international documentary markets.
• One-on-One Pitches:
- 1 full day for filmmaker-producer duos with a feature-length project
- Half a day for creators of short and mid-length projects
• 1 matchmaking session for filmmakers whose feature project is not yet supported by a production company.
Note: Mentorship sessions will be held in English and/or French, depending on the languages spoken by mentors and participants.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada (filmmakers and producers)
For SHORT and MID-LENGTH projects
• Be a filmmaker with a creative documentary project in development or early production, with a maximum runtime of 59 minutes.
• Have directed at least one short film and no more than three short films.
For FEATURE-LENGTH projects
• Be a solo filmmaker or a filmmaker–producer duo with a creative documentary project in development or early production, with a minimum runtime of 60 minutes.
• Have directed at least one short film and no more than two feature-length films.
Note: Participants who have previously taken part in Doc Lab Montréal (formerly Talent Lab) are eligible to apply again if they meet the above criteria and are submitting a new project in a different format.
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REGISTRATION
Submit your project by filling out this form by August 14th, 2025.
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PARTICIPATION FEES
If selected, a fee will be required to cover all activities.
• For filmmakers with a short or medium-length project: $150 + tax/person (includes access to One-on-One pitches).
• For filmmakers with a feature-length film not yet supported by a production company: $200 + tax/person.
• For a filmmaker–producer duo with a feature-length project: $300 + tax/person (includes access to One-on-One pitches).
All participants will receive a RIDM + Forum accreditation, which grants access to festival screenings, the full Forum RIDM program, and, where applicable, the One-on-One pitches.
For any questions, feel free to contact us at forum@ridm.ca