Docs by the Sea x CNEX Chinese Doc Forum: Investing for Good call for Southeast Asia filmmakers

This year, in partnership with CNEX Chinese Doc Forum (CCDF), Docs by the Sea (DBTS) is soliciting documentary projects from Southeast Asia that cater to Chinese-speaking audiences with international appeal. These projects may either focus on Chinese-related topics and be created by any filmmakers, or they may be produced by Chinese diaspora filmmakers covering any subject. 

DBTS is an annual international documentary lab and forum based in Indonesia, dedicated to cultivating creative documentary projects from Asia towards international co-producing and distribution opportunities. 

Each selected project in the DBTS x CCDF programme will attend the Docs by the Sea lab, CCDF training workshop and pitching forum in person in Bali from 4 to 12 September 2024, and at CCDF Taiwan in late September 2024. Two opportunities will be given to projects from the Editing, Storytelling, and Short Storytelling Labs. 

• Editing Lab, 4–12 September: sharpen the rough cut of the films into a more impactful final result in depicting the story; eligible for pitching forum and 1:1 meeting.
• Storytelling Lab, 6–12 September: hone filmmakers’ creative visions to convey important stories; eligible for pitching forum and 1:1 meeting. 
• Short Storytelling Lab, 7–12 September: hone filmmakers’ creative visions to convey important stories; eligible for pitching forum and 1:1 meeting.
• Producing Lab, 7–12 September: provide insights and experiences regarding funding, distribution, contracts, and other practical skills to explore the market; eligible for 1:1 meeting. 

The proposed projects can be at various stages of production and must be directed by a citizen of any Southeast Asia country: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam. 

Each selected project in the DBTS x CCDF programme will receive a travel grant. Selected projects are required to pay a participation fee (50–100 EUR). 

DBTS is also open to applications from filmmakers from Asia for their Labs.

DBTS x CCDF programme application guidelines 

Deadline: 22 April 2024