Points North Fellowship

Meet the 2021 Points North Fellows on September 18 during the 12th annual Points North Pitch

A launching pad for the next generation of nonfiction storytellers

The Points North Fellowship invites up to six teams of early- and mid-career filmmakers to Maine to accelerate the development of their feature documentary, culminating in the public presentation of works-in-progress at the Points North Pitch. The Points North Fellowship aims to strengthen filmmakers’ artistic voices and propel their careers forward by facilitating new relationships with mentors, collaborators and funders. We believe that a strong community of support is vital for independent filmmakers who are taking bold creative risks and expanding the possibilities of documentary cinema. The Points North Fellowship is presented by the deNovo Initiative.

The Fellowship begins during the week leading up to the annual Camden International Film Festival. In private workshops, Fellows receive rigorous feedback from mentors and peers as they practice their pitches, hone their vision for their film, and develop their funding and distribution strategies. These workshops culminate at the Points North Pitch, where each team pitches their project to leading funders, broadcasters, producers and distributors before a live audience – both in-person and streaming online.

Since 2010, the program has championed 74 creative documentary features and has become recognized industry-wide as one of the most vital platforms for new artistic voices in the documentary field. Many alumni have gone on to receive support from major funders like the Ford Foundation, Macarthur Foundation and ITVS, premiered at festivals like Sundance, Berlin and Tribeca, and secured distribution from major platforms like Netflix, CNN Films, Magnolia Films and POV.

The Points North Fellowship will take place in person in Maine in conjunction with the Camden International Film Festival, September 12-15, 2024. The exact dates of the Fellowship will be announced soon. 

“Sample statement about how much the participant loved this program. The program was rewarding and gave the participant a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone should support this program.”

Fellow 1, Grantee of American Stories

“Sample statement about how much the participant loved this program. The program was rewarding and gave the participant a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone should support this program. Sample statement about how much the participant loved this program. The program was rewarding and gave the participant a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone should support this program.”

Fellow 2, Grantee of American Stories

HOW TO APPLY

ELIGIBILITY

  • The Points North Fellowship is open to all filmmakers worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.
  • Submitted projects must be feature-length, with an intended runtime of 60 minutes or more.
  • Projects in all stages of production and post-production are accepted. Typically, films in early development and those about to submit to festivals are not an ideal match for the program.
  • Applicants must be able to convey a clear vision for the completed film, including story and artistic approach, in the written proposal and in an edited work sample at least 5 minutes in length. (Selected projects will be required to show a 3-4 minute trailer at the Points North Pitch.)
  • The Points North Fellowship does NOT support short films, fiction films, educational/advocacy films, or films commissioned by NGOs or brands. 
  • Projects that have not secured access to characters or subjects, and those that aren’t yet ready to articulate a story, structure and themes, are discouraged.

Please find our Points North Fellowship FAQs here.

POINTS NORTH FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE

  • (1) Round-trip flight to Maine
  • (2) All Access passes to the Camden International Film Festival
  • (6) nights of accommodations for two (one double occupancy room)

SUBMISSIONS HAVE CLOSED

Earlybird Deadline: January 8 @ 11:59pm | $25

Regular Deadline: February 12 @ 11:59pm | $35

Extended Deadline: March 25 @ 11:59pm | $45

LIVE INFO SESSION + Q&A

Curious to learn more about the fellowships we offer at Points North? Not sure if you’re eligible to apply, what kind of work we’re seeking, what time spent on the ground will be like? Register for our Artist Programs Info Session, on April 14, 2023 at 1 p.m. EST! We’ll be gathering virtually to discuss our 2023 Artist Programs offerings – the Points North Fellowship, North Star Fellowship, and LEF/CIFF Fellowship – and answer questions for interested applicants.

Please reach out to [email protected] with the subject line “INFO SESSION” with any questions.

HOW TO APPLY

ELIGIBILITY

  • The Points North Fellowship is open to all filmmakers worldwide.
  • Submitted projects must be feature-length, with an intended runtime of 60 minutes or more.
  • Projects in all stages of production and post-production are accepted. The only requirement is that you submit 5 minutes of edited footage. (Selected projects are required to show a 3-4 minute trailer at the Points North Pitch.)

Points North Fellows will receive:

  • a $1000 stipend per project to support travel to Camden*
  • (2) All Access passes to the Camden International Film Festival and Points North Forum
  • (5) nights of accommodations for two during the festival

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

EARLYBIRD DEADLINE   February 28 | CLOSED

REGULAR DEADLINE  March 28 | CLOSED

EXTENDED DEADLINE  May 16 @ 11:59pm | $45

2023 FELLOWS

Second World Second Sex
Letters from Home
Women of My Life
A Distant Call
Natchez
Milpa
My First Brush With Infinity

MENTORS

ALUMNI

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