Southern Documentary Accelerator

STAGE TWO OPEN NOW!

The Southern Documentary Accelerator is a new initiative from Short Film Otago to support emerging documentary filmmakers in the Otago and Southland region.  The project supports filmmakers to develop their documentary storytelling and filmmaking from conception through to production.

The project is run in three stages, - filmmakers can make a submission at any stage of the project.

Stage One - Development Lab

A one-day intensive development lab to upskill filmmakers.  Topics covered include developing and pitching stories, finance, and fundraising.  At the conclusion of the development lab there will be an opportunity to participate in a pitching forum.

Filmmakers are welcome to attend the development lab as part of a team or by themselves, they are also welcome to bring a project they are working on to develop further or just come along for the professional development.

The development lab will be held on Friday 24 October in Wānaka, attendance is free, but spaces are limited – RSVP here.

The development lab will be followed by a short networking session to allow filmmakers to mix and mingle and grow their professional network.

Stage Two – Development Funding

Filmmakers are invited to submit a short proposal to pitch their short documentary project.  Proposals should be sent to documentary@sfo.nz, and must be a maximum of three A4 pages.  Up to three teams will be awarded a $500 development grant to further develop their project.  Submissions open on Monday 27 October and the deadline for submissions is Sunday 30 November 2025.

Stage Three – Production Funding

Filmmakers will be invited to apply for up to $10,000 in production funding per film.

Applications will be assessed on the quality of the proposed film and the credibility of the team’s production plan. Application dates will be advised in December 2025

Please Note: One production grant is specifically allocated to fund a documentary based in the Queenstown Lakes region.

Submission Documents

·      Outline or Treatment (1500 words maximum)

·      Production Plan (1000 words maximum)

This is the producer’s opportunity to address any practicalities that might be of concern, such as stunts, health & safety, logistics, locations, effects etc.

·      Budget/Fundraising Plan

This should show how you are going to spend your budget, and where any additional funds will come from - i.e. sponsorship, in kind donations or fundraising.

·      Team Info with Bios (one page only)

Further stage three requirements and application dates will be advised in December 2025.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all filmmakers in the Otago and Southland region, filmmakers will be asked to confirm their connection  to the region before making an application.

Projects must be based in Otago and Southland, and shot in Otago and Southland.

Filmmakers who have previously received production support from Short Film Otago are eligible to take part in this initiative.

The Southern Documentary Accelerator is made possible through the generous support of Film Otago Southland, Queenstown Lakes District Council and The Central Lakes Trust.