
POINTS NORTH FELLOWSHIP
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 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.
In the weeks after the fellowship week, the filmmaking teams will have an opportunity to be paired for virtual industry meetings with key industry members, distributors, and programmers to help bridge critical gaps and build relationships with decision makers within the industry. In addition, leading up to and in the weeks after the pitch, fellows will get tailored advertisement and mentorship from the Points North team to help advise on the goals and strategies around their projects.
This program has continued to be a cornerstone of our artist programs, serving as an important launchpad for filmmakers and projects who are taking bold risks on their films, reaffirming our commitment to bridging important gaps between filmmakers and industry.
The 2025 Points North Fellowship will take place in person in Maine. Anticipated dates are currently September 8-14, followed by virtual 1:1 industry meetings from September 25-26.
About The deNovo Initiative
The deNovo Initiative aims to catalyze understanding and acceptance for our shared humanity and move us to greater empathy for one another. Our grants and investments enable storytellers to articulate new perspectives and ensure those perspectives are widely seen and heard. A particular thematic focus of deNovo-supported projects is illuminating real-world obstacles, often systemic or political, that hinder progress and our ability to achieve positive outcomes, individually and collectively.
Presenting Partner
2025 FELLOWS