Sheffield DocFest will be running a new edition of its Queer Realities Director’s Lab to support 20 early-career LGBTQIA+ filmmakers.
Running over 2 years, the programme will explore the craft of documentary through mentoring, masterclasses, workshops, industry development opportunities and dedicated development time.
“The first edition of the Queer Realities Director’s Lab was everything we had hoped it would be: a space where filmmakers could find not only creative support but also a genuine sense of community,” said Raul Niño Zambrano, Creative Director of Sheffield DocFest.
“Seeing the generosity with which participants shared ideas, challenged one another and developed their projects reaffirmed why initiatives like this matter. We’re incredibly proud of what the Lab achieved in its inaugural year, and deeply grateful to the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund for making it possible to build on that success with two further editions. This support allows us to make a longer-term commitment to nurturing LGBTQIA+ talent and to creating opportunities for bold, original voices to flourish. We can’t wait to see where these filmmakers—and the Lab itself—go next.”
First launched in 2024, the aim of the lab is to amplify queer voices and champion fresh perspectives.
Two separate cohorts of 10 will be selected for the programme over the next two years.
“The inaugural edition of this lab, which we also supported, in 2024, highlighted the importance of sustained, structured support for queer documentary makers developing new projects, providing access to networks, expertise and resources while helping to remove barriers,” explained Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund.
“We are delighted to support two further editions, enabling Sheffield DocFest to embed this vital strand of talent development within its industry programme. We look forward to seeing the programme flourish and the participants and projects continue to blossom and progress.”
