LEF/CIFF Fellowship supports New England documentary filmmakers with project development, mentorship, and industry connections at the Camden International Film Festival to strengthen sustainable careers.
Funder: Points North Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1,000 per project, two festival passes, and six nights of accommodations
Summary: Supports New England documentary filmmakers through project development, mentorship, and industry connections at the Camden International Film Festival.
Key Information: Directors must have their primary residence in New England, with feature-length documentaries in production or post-production.
The LEF/CIFF Fellowship is run by Points North Institute in partnership with LEF New England. It supports regional documentary filmmakers’ project development and career sustainability through participation in the Camden International Film Festival. The 2026 program offered five filmmaking teams mentor-led workshops, networking events, and curated one-on-one meetings with filmmakers and industry leaders.
The fellowship connects participants with potential industry supporters, peer mentors, and the broader documentary community. Past fellows have built relationships with documentary funders, streaming platforms, broadcasters, and theatrical distributors. The partnership reflects LEF New England’s goal of broadening local and national recognition and support for independent documentary film and video artists, with an emphasis on distinctive creative voices and feasible productions.