POINTS NORTH FELLOWSHIP
A launching pad for the next generation of nonfiction storytellers
The Points North Fellowship brings together up to six teams of early to mid-career filmmakers from around the world for an immersive fellowship and cohort experience designed to shape the next stages of their feature documentaries. More than just a pitch event, the Fellowship is a creative fellowship program – one that helps filmmakers refine their artistic goals, deepen their storytelling vision, and build collaborative relationships that can help bridge critical gaps within the broader nonfiction industry. At a time when independent filmmaking demands both courage and community, we champion artists who are pushing the boundaries of nonfiction cinema and imagining new ways of making work.
The Fellowship begins in the days leading up to the Camden International Film Festival each September, where Fellows gather for a series of intimate workshops with mentors and peers. Together, they share their work samples, refine their pitches, expand the creative and strategic possibilities of their films. These workshops culminate at the Points North Pitch, an event during CIFF weekend where each team pitches their project to leading funders, broadcasters, producers and distributors before a live audience.
In the weeks that follow, Fellows continue to receive tailored support through our virtual meetings, a series of 1:1 meetings with key industry decision-makers. These conversations help filmmakers create relationships with potential partners and collaborators to help them in the next stages in their careers.
For over 15 years, the Points North Fellowship has become a cornerstone of our artist programs: a launchpad for bold voices, a bridge between independent filmmakers and the industry, and a space where expansive nonfiction projects can find their audiences and continue to grow.
The 2026 Points North Fellowship will take place in person in Maine. Anticipated in-person dates are currently September 14-20, followed by virtual 1:1 industry meetings in the weeks after.
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
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 either in early development and those about to submit to festivals are not an ideal match for the program and pitch.
- 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 3-4 minutes in length. (Selected projects will be required to show a 3-4 minute trailer live during 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.
For application questions please contact [email protected].
Applications now open!
2026 Submissions Deadlines:
Earlybird Deadline: January 21, 2026 at 11:59pm ET | $25
Regular Deadline: February 18, 2026 at 11:59pm ET | $35
Late Deadline: March 23, 2026 at 11:59pm ET | $45
FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE:
- (1) Round-trip flight to Maine
- (2) All Access passes to the Camden International Film Festival
- (6) nights of accommodations (one room with a double bed) during the festival
2025 FELLOWS