FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2022
Lunenburg Doc Fest to launch $10,000 live pitch contest for emerging Nova Scotia filmmakers
[Lunenburg, N.S.] — Lunenburg Doc Fest is now accepting applications from Nova Scotians for The Launch: Documentary Development & Pitch Contest.
The initiative, funded by the Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund, offers diverse emerging Nova Scotia filmmakers a chance to win mentorship and a prize package to make a short documentary over the next year. Five selected participants will pitch their documentary project live at the 2022 Lunenburg Doc Fest in competition for $10,000 in cash and in-kind filmmaking services.
“The Launch initiative aims to help break down barriers for diverse emerging filmmakers who are trying to get their first or second documentary made. The professional development, industry visibility, and generous prize offered through this program can make a remarkable difference in bringing new voices and Nova Scotian stories to the screen,” said Pamela Segger, Executive Director of Lunenburg Doc Fest.
Contest participants will take part in professional development workshops on story development and pitch preparation to hone their pitch materials ahead of the contest. Workshop dates are Thursday evenings, August 11 & 18, 2022.
Participants will receive key introductions to regional industry decision-makers, and free all-access passes to the ninth Lunenburg Doc Fest, The Dock Market industry conference, and networking events September 22-28, 2022.
The pitch contest will take place at Lunenburg Doc Fest on September 24, 2022 before a live audience and jury of screen industry decision-makers. The winner will be announced that evening. Following the contest, the winning filmmaker will be paired with a professional mentor for one-on-one guidance as they create their documentary project to premiere at Lunenburg Doc Fest in 2023.
Nova Scotia residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), artists with a disability, persons who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented individuals who identify as diverse are encouraged to apply.
For more information, and to apply for free, visit https://lunenburgdocfest.com/industry/thelaunch. The application deadline is June 8, and selected applicants will be notified on June 14, 2022.
“Lunenburg Doc Fest recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.”
ABOUT US:
Lunenburg Doc Fest’s mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire by showcasing the documentary art form and creating a cultural connection between audiences and artists in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
The festival is presented with generous support from Canadian Heritage, The Government of Canada, Telefilm Canada, and Nova Scotia Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
Media Contact
To arrange a media interview, direct requests and questions to:
Lauren Unsworth, Program & Events Coordinator
info@lunenburgdocfest.com
902-523-3456
Mail: Box 1497, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0 Canada
Website: www.LunenburgDocFest.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LunenburgDocFest
Twitter: @LunenburgDocs
Instagram: @LunenburgDocFest
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