Home

Industry

Docs on the Dock

Sponsors

Industry

The Launch

Thank you to our festival sponsors

The Launch

Overview

Prize Packages

Event Schedule

Guidelines and Terms

FAQs

The Launch

Overview

Prize Packages

Event Schedule

Guidelines and Terms

FAQs

The Launch

Overview

Prize Packages

Event Schedule

Guidelines and Terms

FAQs

The Launch
Documentary Pitch Contest

The Launch Documentary Pitch Contest

A PRIZE PACKAGE OF OVER $10,000 IN CASH AND IN-KIND FILMMAKING SERVICES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNING PARTICIPANTS TO SUPPORT THE MAKING OF SHORT DOCUMENTARY PROJECTS.

Five selected filmmakers will pitch their documentary idea live at the 2024 Lunenburg Doc Fest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three filmmakers: first place receives $3,000 plus services, second place receives $2,000 plus services, and third place receives $1,000 plus services.


In addition to professional pitch workshops, the finalists will receive a full pass to the 11th Lunenburg Doc Fest. This complimentary pass includes access to the Dock Market conference, where the finalists will receive further professional development and opportunities for one-to-one meetings with peers, industry stakeholders, and guest decision-makers.


Any media artists in Nova Scotia who self-identify as underrepresented are encouraged to apply. Travel and accommodation support may be available. 


Brandon Boyd, the 2023 winner of The Launch, will premiere his completed film at this year’s live pitch event. The 2024 first-place winner will also receive the opportunity to screen their completed film at the 12th edition of Lunenburg Doc Fest in 2025.


“First steps are hard. We are happy to help expand the filmmaking community by providing mentorship, visibility and production support prizes to a talented and underrepresented group of aspiring storytellers,” said Bruce MacCormack, Chairperson of Lunenburg Doc Fest.


Participants will kick off The Launch 2024 by attending educational workshops titled “Pitching 101” and “Pitch Consultations” to refine their pitch materials ahead of the live contest, which falls on Saturday, September 21. The competition and film screening will take place from 11AM to 12:30 PM at the Lunenburg Opera House.


The initiative is funded by the Canadian Media Fund, CBC, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. Lunenburg Doc Fest extends its gratitude to the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP), the Centre for Art Tapes (CFAT), Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV, Star Power Atlantic, and 902 Post Inc. for their generous in-kind support of the program.


All Nova Scotian residents who identify as underrepresented and are available and motivated to advance their documentary project are encouraged to apply. The extended application deadline is August 15 at 11:59 PM AT. Successful applicants will be notified by August 19, 2024.

Applications are now closed.

meet our 2024 finalists

Andre anderson

Andre Anderson is an African Nova Scotian visionary director and alumnus of Neptune Theatre, Saint Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College. With over 13 years of experience in the film and television industry, coupled with business studies since 2017, he brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to his work. Beyond storytelling, Andre is a transformational leader dedicated to making a difference in his community through his creativity. Andre's projects have earned him significant recognition – he has won the Halifax Innovation Challenge twice.

eunice abaga

Eunice Abaga is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenya and graduate degrees in Adult Education and Public Administration from Canadian universities. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of King's College in Halifax. Despite facing chronic health challenges, Eunice has received multiple awards for her exceptional contributions and resilience. Her dedication makes her an valuable contributor to the world of film. She is interested in storytelling projects focusing on health, education, equity, climate change, and community development.

Kate solar

Andre Anderson

Kate Solar is a filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax primarily working in documentary. Her work investigates the boundaries of memory, looking for what exists in the space between an experience and the photographic documentation of it. Kate holds a BFA in Film from NSCAD University. She was recently selected for the prestigious Independent Images Retreat in Mount Forest, Ontario, where she had the opportunity to pursue her interests in analog processes.

Andre Anderson is an African Nova Scotian visionary director, alumni of Neptune Theatre, Saint Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College. With over 13 years of experience in the film and television industry, coupled with business studies since 2017, he brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to his work. Beyond storytelling, Andre is a transformational leader dedicated to making a difference in his community through his creativity. Andre's projects have earned him significant recognition – he has won the Halifax Innovation Challenge twice.

Kate solar

Kate Solar is a filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax primarily working in documentary. Her work investigates the boundaries of memory, looking for what exists in the space between an experience and the photographic documentation of it. Kate holds a BFA in Film from NSCAD University. She was recently selected for the prestigious Independent Images Retreat in Mount Forest, Ontario, where she had the opportunity to pursue my interests in analog processes.

Madeline Toal

Madeline Toal is a Nova Scotian filmmaker who has written and directed numerous documentary and fiction films. She holds a BFA in film production from York University and a JD from the Schulich School of Law. In addition to writing and directing, she works as an editor primarily in the realm of documentary TV. Her films have screened throughout Canada and internationally, and she is currently in post-production on her two newest shorts.

Nate Gaffney

As a Wolastoqiyik, Nate Gaffney is deeply driven by his connection to his heritage and culture and believes filmmaking is his way to continue his ancestral tradition of storytelling. His documentaries MY NAME IS WOLASTOQ and INDIAN BRAVES spotlight Indigenous narratives, with the former earning a screening at the Atlantic Film Festival and both acquired by CBC. Nate's work for Indspire captured inspiring Indigenous success stories across Canada, showcasing resilience and achievement. Based in Wabanaki Territory, Nate co-founded Wabanaki Media and is currently directing a spectrum of film projects.

PARTICIPATING MENTORS

alison duke

Alison
duke

Alison Duke is an accomplished writer/producer/director with a two-decade track record in storytelling. Her first doc RAISING KANE: A RAPUMENTARY, gained acclaim at the Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC, winning the HBO award for best documentary and setting the stage for her career. She served as a segment producer for City TV, contributing to 40 x 30-minute shows annually. Alison's achievements include collaborating on projects with luminaries like Bruce McDonald; empowering the global HIV community through her films; co-founding the innovative production company OYA Media Group; winning two CSA’s for MR. JANE AND FINCH; directing the narrative short PROMISE ME; and co-creating the five-part docu-series BLACK COMMUNITY MIXTAPES for City TV. She recently wrapped a doc series on music industry injustices for Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures. Her upcoming Crave Original feature music doc, BAM BAM: THE SISTER NANCY STORY received its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Always one to give back, Alison mentors up-and-coming creatives and has sustained her position as an industry leader.

omar majeed

omar
majeed

Omar Majeed is an award-winning Toronto-based filmmaker recognized for his documentary work, including DISCO'S REVENGE, TAQWACORE: THE BIRTH OF PUNK ISLAM, and THE FROG PRINCES.


His films explore the intersections of culture, race, identity, and social movements, particularly among marginalized people. 


Majeed has successfully pitched projects at prestigious festivals like Sheffield Doc Fest, Banff, and Hot Docs, showcasing his ability to engage international audiences. 


Omar has also edited many feature documentaries, scripted and unscripted series and has worked with some of Canada's most acclaimed filmmakers, including Yung Chang, Brett Story, Zarqa Nawaz and Fab Filippo. 


Omar's work has been celebrated across various film festivals, the prestigious Peabody awards and Canada's CSAs.  

Press Release 09/24/2024:
The Launch 2024 Winners Announced

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

Press Release 07/25/2024:
$10,000 Pitch Contest Returns for Underrepresented Nova Scotian Filmmakers at Lunenburg Doc Fest

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

andre anderson

Nate Gaffney is a Wolastoqiyik First Nations filmmaker and photographer from the East Coast of Canada. Nate began his career as a fashion photographer before falling in love with filmmaking. His desire to be a storyteller stems from a desire to preserve and explore his culture.

Nate's most recent documentary is called MY NAME IS WOLASTOQ, a film about identity and efforts to reclaim the original Indigenous name of the Wolastoq (Saint John) River. The film was selected to be screened at The Atlantic Film Festival (FIN). He has made documentaries for The Government of New Brunswick and Ulnooweg Education, among others. He currently resides in Fredericton, NB and works for Wabanaki Media, a company he co-founded with my business partner.

eunice abaga

Eunice Abaga is an accomplished professional with a background in education, public administration, health policy, and journalism. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenya and graduate degrees in Adult Education and Public Administration from Canadian universities. She has also recently graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of King's College in Halifax.

Eunice is actively involved in community organizations and volunteer work, serving on boards and contributing to digital storytelling projects. Despite facing chronic health challenges, Eunice has received multiple awards for her exceptional contributions and resilience. Her dedication makes her an valuable contributor to the world of film. She is interested in storytelling projects focusing on health, education, equity, climate change, and community development.

kate solar

Kate Solar is a filmmaker based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax primarily working in documentary. Her work investigates the boundaries of memory, looking for what exists in the space between an experience and the photographic documentation of it. Kate holds a BFA in Film from NSCAD University. She was recently selected for the prestigious Independent Images Retreat in Mount Forest, Ontario, where she had the opportunity to pursue my interests in analog processes.

madeline toal

Madeline Toal is a Nova Scotian filmmaker who has written and directed numerous documentary and fiction films. She holds a BFA in film production from York University and a JD from the Schulich School of Law. In addition to writing and directing, she works as an editor primarily in the realm of documentary TV. Her films have screened throughout Canada and internationally, and she is currently in post-production on her two newest shorts.

nate gaffney

As a Wolastoqiyik, Nate Gaffney is deeply driven by his connection to his heritage and culture and believes filmmaking is his way to continue his ancestral tradition of storytelling. His documentaries MY NAME IS WOLASTOQ and INDIAN BRAVES spotlight Indigenous narratives, with the former earning a screening at the Atlantic Film Festival and both acquired by CBC. Nate's work for Indspire captured inspiring Indigenous success stories across Canada, showcasing resilience and achievement. Based in Wabanaki Territory, Nate co-founded Wabanaki Media and is currently directing a spectrum of film projects.

Press Release 07/25/2024:
$10,000 Pitch Contest Returns for Underrepresented Nova Scotian Filmmakers at Lunenburg Doc Fest

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

2024 © LUNENBURG DOC FEST

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

2024 © LUNENBURG DOC FEST

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

2024 © LUNENBURG DOC FEST

Subscribe to Our Newsletter