Scottish Documentary Institute Connecting Stories from Filmmakers in Developing Countries 2022

Connecting Stories is a 9-month programme for documentary filmmakers developing their first or second feature film, from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

It combines seminars exploring various aspects of the industry, including the development and the production of feature films, individual mentorship sessions, and masterclasses with international key players in the current documentary landscape.

Having delivered our Stories workshops over 10 years, working with over 170 participants, from 9 countries, we have developed Connecting Stories as an opportunity to help Stories alumni and others to take their documentary practice to a new level. In the process we will establish and host a peer-network of participants and our international speakers and mentors, bringing documentary filmmakers from across the world, with diverse experience, to share and learn from each other. 

• Table of Content
• About Scottish Documentary Institute (SDI)
• Connecting Stories
• Aim and Benefits of Connecting Stories
• Requirements for Connecting Stories Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Scottish Documentary Institute (SDI)

we grow films. Established in 2004 by Noe Mendelle to nurture documentary filmmakers and audiences in Scotland and beyond, SDI specialises in documentary training, production and distribution, supporting filmmakers through its diverse programme of international activities and high quality training programmes. Based at the Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, SDI has produced over a hundred films, screening in sixty countries worldwide, garnering international recognition as being at the cutting edge of the documentary sector. Bridging art and industry, SDI is committed to supp... continue reading

Connecting Stories

Aim and Benefits of Connecting Stories

Up to 12 participants will be selected to take part in various online activities (group seminars, individual mentorship, industry events) designed to help them grow their knowledge of the industry, their confidence to navigate the international scene, to work with co-producers and to put together the right material to pitch their projects and apply for funding.

Requirements for Connecting Stories Qualification

• We are looking for documentary filmmakers who have already directed one or two short films, which screened in festivals or had a broadcast on TV. Alumni of Stories workshops or other international labs are encouraged to apply. 
• Applicants are expected to be in development, production or early post-production of their first or second feature length documentary, to have already engaged with their characters and to have some early footage showing their access to the story. Connecting Stories aims to support under-represented creative voices.
• For further details of the eligibility criteria and programme structure, please see our guidelines.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Scottish Documentary Institute website.