2023 DOC ATLANTIC BREAKTHROUGH PROGRAM

The DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program, led by Lunenburg Doc Fest, will help emerging talent from the Black, Indigenous and/or People of Colour communities to develop documentary projects through mentorship, training, and introductions to key decision-makers in the film industry.

Four BIPOC emerging media creators from each the Atlantic provinces will be guided through this rigorous and intimate market-preparation course and mentorship program during which their documentary idea will be refined and made pitch-ready for markets at Lunenburg Doc Fest and The Dock Market, September 21-27, 2023, and Hot Docs 2024.

The program begins with online mentorship and a three-week workshop series commencing July 26, 2023.

Participants will receive an artist fee for their participation in the DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program. Additional support includes: a 1-year membership to DOC Atlantic, all-access passes to Lunenburg Doc Fest, plus accommodation and travel to Hot Docs.

All Atlantic Canadian residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour and are available and motivated to advance their documentary project are encouraged to apply.

Applications are now closed.

PRESS RELEASE: Applications are now open for the second DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program for emerging BIPOC talent (07/28/2023)

PRESS RELEASE: Media Creators Selected for 2nd Annual DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program (08/08/2023)

ANDRE ANDERSON

Andre Anderson is a driven and dedicated director with 10+ years in the film and television industry. Anderson got his start in the CBC hit series MR.D filmed in Halifax in 2011 and in 2015 moved to Toronto to further develop his career, appearing on various television/film projects. Now residing back in Halifax, Anderson is a leader, hard-worker, and a storyteller by nature. A multifaceted director with a talent of orchestrating plans into realities.

“Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” – Kobe Bryant

 

 

 

 

BO DING

Bo Ding is a Chinese living in Canada and this is his first documentary filming. He has been writing and directing for 10 years, and he hops he can bring this experience on the shoot. He is going to try and use his mobile phone to complete this work. He wants to tell everyone who wants to shoot documentaries and movies, as long as you have the desire to create, everyone can realize their dreams. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHANTELLE SMALL

Chantelle Small grew up in Labrador and the North West Territories, where she fell in love with Indigenous morality, culture, and lifestyle. Documentary Filmmaking has always been a childhood dream, and she hopes to share important stories from her unique “mixed culture” perspective.

“We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in”

 

 

DESMOND SIMON

Desmond Simon was born and raised in Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick, and transitioned from an eight-year term as a Combat Engineer in the Canadian Forces to pursuing his passion for filmmaking. Largely self-taught, Desmond co-owns a Fredericton-based Indigenous production company, primarily producing documentaries and short films. His journey is filled with continuous learning and captures his dedication to storytelling through the lens of his unique Mi’kmaq cultural background and military experiences.

The DOC Atlantic Breakthrough Program is presented in association with the Documentary Organization of Canada, DOC Atlantic, Telefilm Canada, Northern Film Initiative, CBC, Bell Fund, Innovation PEI, and Lunenburg Doc Fest.