ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Eligible Filmmakers & Teams
- Independent Directors & Producers: Open to first-time, second-time, or experienced independent documentarians based in Asia or focusing on Asian stories.
- Creative Control: The director(s) must hold primary creative control over the proposed documentary film.
- Non-Institutional Ownership: Projects commissioned by television channels, streaming platforms, or commercial brands are ineligible.
Eligible Projects
- Project Format: Feature-length non-fiction documentaries (minimum 60 minutes) or episodic documentary series in early R&D.
- Development Stage: Projects must be in early development stage — including story research, field access, preliminary filming, or teaser assembly.
- Social & Artistic Resonance: High emphasis on compelling human narratives, social justice, cultural memory, or environmental themes.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Applicants must submit a complete digital dossier through our online application portal. Please review the required proposal components carefully before starting your application:
Logline & Synopsis
A concise 25-word logline followed by a detailed 500-word story synopsis outlining the core narrative arc and protagonists.
Director's Vision
A statement describing artistic vision, visual tone, sound design approach, and why you are uniquely suited to tell this story.
R&D Plan & Budget
Detailed allocation plan for the requested R&D grant funds, including research travel, field equipment rental, and character access costs.
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
Mid-Term Milestone (Month 4)
- Updated 15-page written treatment and character profiles
- Preliminary footage log and field research report
- Financial expenditure report for first grant tranche
Final Deliverables (Month 9)
- 3–5 minute high-quality visual teaser / pitch trailer
- Complete production-ready pitch deck and budget
- Automatic eligibility for Docedge Kolkata Co-Production Pitch Forum
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Artistic Merit & Vision
Originality of cinematic vision, storytelling approach, and director's voice.
Character & Access
Depth of access to subjects, ethical relationships, and narrative feasibility.
Social Impact
Relevance to contemporary human rights, culture, climate, or societal issues.
Team Capability
Track record of director/producer team and realistic execution roadmap.
IMPORTANT DATES & TIMELINE
Submissions Open
Application Deadline
Jury Review & Shortlist Announcement
Grant Awardees Announced
APPLICATION FEES & WAIVERS
Standard Application Fee
$25 USD (Approx. ₹2,000 INR)
The application fee covers independent administrative review and jury honorariums. Payments can be completed online via credit card or PayPal.
Fee Waiver Assistance
DOCEDGE Kolkata is committed to accessibility. Filmmakers facing financial hardship or residing in low-income economies can request a full fee waiver.
REQUEST FEE WAIVER VIA EMAIL (mmmm@docresi.org) →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply if my project is already in post-production? +
No. The R&D Grant is specifically designed for early-stage story development, character research, and teaser assembly. For post-production rough cuts, please apply for EditCamp.
Is co-production funding allowed alongside this grant? +
Yes. Receiving the R&D Grant does not restrict you from securing additional regional or international co-production funds or grants.
How can I contact the grant coordination team? +
For any application inquiries, fee waiver requests, or technical support, please contact our team directly at mmmm@docresi.org.
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