About docustan
Founded in India in 2023, Docustan is a social initiative committed to nurturing the art of documentary filmmaking and promoting its sustainability as a creative profession.
In the same year, Docustan launched its flagship filmmaking program: “Docustan – Idea to Screen.” Since then, the program has successfully completed two consecutive editions.
Basic info
- Edition: 3rd
- Duration: 5 Months
- Dates: Nov, 2026 to April,2027
- Location:TBA
- Format: 3 Residencies and 3 Online Phases
- Participants: 15
- Outcome: Short Documentary Film (10-20 minutes)
- Edition: 3rd
- Duration: 5 Months
- Dates: Nov, 2026 to April,2027
- Application deadline: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Format: 3 Residencies and 3 Online Phases
- Participants: 15
- Outcome: Short Documentary Film (10-20 minutes)
Masterclass
Guest lecture
Guest mentor
Guest lecture
Guest lecture
Guest mentor
Program overview
The five-month program focuses on individual short documentary project development, offering tailored mentorship, lectures, masterclasses, and talks.
- 1st phase TBA : Online: The initial stage of the program consists of one week online sessions. During this week, participants are inititated into the medium of cinema as an art form. Sessions on dthe ocumentary landscape of the world prepare them for a better understanding of creative non-fiction.
- 2nd phase TBA : In-Person: The second stage of the program includes an intensive 15-day residency. During the first week, participants delve into the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking, both in theory and practice. The second week focuses on individual project development, writing, and pitching. In addition to the three assigned mentors, two guest mentors guide this phase.
Important dates
- Course Dates: Nov, 2026 to April, 2027
- Application Deadline:TBA
Eligibility
- Any Indian citizen (resident or NRI) is eligible to apply.
- A limited number of seats are available for participants from SAARC countries and other nations.
- The minimum age requirement for applicants is 21, with no upper age limit.
Requirements
- Applicants should apply with a basic documentary idea or concept that they want to work on during the program. Project ideas can be submitted at various stages of production, including development and early production.
- The applicant is encouraged to submit a maximum 3-minute long short documentary film made specifically for the application. The theme or topic for the film is ‘The Time I Live In.’ Applicants are open to interpreting the theme from their own point of view. The film must be shot, edited, and directed by the applicant. Any kind of audio-visual equipment, including a smartphone, can be used to make the application film.
Contribution & scholarship
- Application fee: 100 INR ( For Indian citizens residing in India)
- Contribution to Program: -TBA ( Indian citizens residing in India)
- A limited number of scholarships are available for Indian citizens residing in India.