Forum RIDM is pleased to unveil the lineup for its 21st edition, presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF), which will take place from November 21 to 26, 2025. A flagship event for the documentary community, the Forum remains true to its mission of supporting documentary creators by offering them concrete tools for the development of their projects through workshops, discussions and networking activities, while facilitating the financing and distribution of their works through pitch sessions and the presence of guests from both Canada and abroad.
＞ Click here to see the full program!
DOC LAB MONTRÉAL | From November 21 to 23
A key initiative of Forum RIDM, Doc Lab Montréal supports the development of bold documentary projects led by filmmakers and producers from Quebec, Canada, and abroad. Over three days, mentors from diverse professional backgrounds guide participants who benefit from personalized support aimed at refining their artistic approach, strengthening their production strategies and fostering the emergence of high-potential creative documentaries. This intensive program ends with a pitch session in front of a panel of renowned industry professionals, offering visibility, constructive feedback, and opportunities for support through awards presented by Rogers, Eurodoc, Main Film, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), CineGround, SLA Location, Bam Music, Royal Photo, Lussier & Khouzam, Vidéographe, and T&S Coop.
＞ Discover the 2025 cohort projects
INDUSTRY MARKET - From November 24 to 26
DOC LAB MONTRÉAL PITCH | November 24 and 25
Pitch Doc Lab Montréal - Horizons
Unveiling of the six selected feature length documentary projects. Captivating stories plunge us into the heart of unique journeys that place humanity at the core of their concerns.
Pitch Doc Lab Montréal - Against the Grain
Presentation of six selected feature film projects. Bold works challenge the conventions of documentary cinema and rethink our perceptions of the world.
Pitch Doc Lab Montréal - Short & Sweet
Presentation of 10 short and medium-length film projects from Quebec and across Canada selected for Doc Lab Montréal, a format that serves as a vital training ground for emerging voices in the documentary industry.
ROUGH CUT PITCH | 24 et 25 novembre
The Rough Cut Pitch offers a unique showcase for auteur documentary projects in the editing or post-production phase, seeking to develop their international distribution and marketing strategies.
Rough Cut Pitch - Against the Grain
A glimpse into four bold projects in the editing or post-production stage. These works push the boundaries of documentary cinema through their unique visions and strong formal approaches.
Rough Cut Pitch - Horizons
In this second session, four social impact projects in post-production explore crucial issues with empathy and insight.
＞ Discover the 2025 cohort projects
During Forum RIDM, filmmakers, producers, and industry representatives will gather to reflect on the many dimensions of today’s documentary industry. Creation, distribution, engagement, and memory will be explored through conversations that invite reflection, dialogue, and the sharing of experiences.
＞ Discover all talks
Volume 3: Women’s Documentary Stories | November 23
A public pitch presented by the NAWAL Association as part of the 3rd edition of VOLUME. Five short and medium-length documentaries by emerging Canadian filmmakers from North Africa and West Asia will be showcased, followed by networking and meetings with industry professionals.
International Co-production Matchmaking | November 24 (by invitation only)
This activity aims to connect producers from the international delegations attending the 2025 RIDM Forum with local producers, in order to foster networking and encourage international co-production of documentary projects.
Expert roundtables | November 24 and 25 (registration required)
Designed to encourage exchange and foster professional growth, these sessions offer privileged access to recognized industry experts. The perfect opportunity to learn more about their areas of expertise, editorial approaches, and professional practices — by asking questions directly at the source.
Matchmaking Between Doc Lab Montréal Filmmakers and Producers (registration required) | November 25
One-on-One meetings connecting producers and Doc Lab Montréal filmmakers with shorts, mediums or feature films projects. This event provides a valuable opportunity to discuss potential collaborations. The filmmakers from Doc Lab Montréal who will participate in this networking activity are Johanna Silver (All the Ways We Return), Irina Tempea (Bica), Ariel St-Louis Lamoureux (Demain depuis Diane), Marie-Kristine Petiquay (Entre la ville et le Nitaskinan), Dédé Chen (Fleur de Narcisse), Nathalie Lopez-Gutierrez (Justin — Coûte que coûte), Morgan Tams (Lodge 147), Malcom Odd (Pelleter des nuages : IA et responsabilités), Gabriel Walta Busulwa (Disco of the Dead), and Bleue Pronovost-Teyssier (Une marque sur le front ou la main droite).
One-on-One Pitches | November 26
The One-on-One Pitches offers meetings in “speed dating” format between project holders (producers, filmmakers and distributors), and industry representatives (public and private broadcasters, distributors and sales agents, festival programmers, and representatives of institutions and other funding bodies). A unique opportunity to form new partnerships and expand the reach of new projects.
The award ceremony celebrating the projects from Doc Lab Montréal and the Rough Cut Pitch will take place on November 26 at the Cinémathèque québécoise’s Salle Norman-McLaren, as part of the Forum RIDM Closing Cocktail, marking one last opportunity for networking with professionals from local and international documentary communities.
Award ceremony
The award ceremony celebrating the projects from Doc Lab Montréal and the Rough Cut Pitch will take place on November 26 at the Cinémathèque québécoise’s Salle Norman-McLaren, as part of the Forum RIDM Closing Cocktail, marking one last opportunity for networking with professionals from local and international documentary communities.
PRICES
Passes for Forum RIDM activities can be purchased via the Forum’s website and will continue to be available until the end of the industry market.
RIDM + Forum Pass: $280
RIDM + Forum + One-on-One Pitches Pass: $445
Student Forum Pass: $40
Forum RIDM’s 21st edition, presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF), will take place from November 21 to 26, 2025 at the Cinémathèque québécoise, National Film Board of Canada and UQAM - Coeur des sciences, Salle Polyvalente (SH-4800), Pavillon Sherbrooke