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)
DEEPA DHANRAJ
Masterclass
PAYAL KAPADIA
Guest lecture
R V RAMANI
Guest mentor
Saumyananda Sahi
Guest lecture
Heejung oh
Guest lecture
arya rothe
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.
- 3rd phase TBA : Online: Following the two weeks of residency, participants return to their hometowns or production locations to commence project development. They dedicate 2 months for key production of their individual films, during which they receive individual and group online mentorship. This online phase features important masterclasses and guest lectures conducted by acclaimed filmmakers and educators. Furthermore, we host film screenings and talks by filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the documentary circuit with their exceptional films.
- 4th phase TBA : In-Person: The fourth phase of the program is a 6 day residency, during which all participants and assigned mentors collectively view and analyze the work-in-progress cut. Following this intensive mentoring session, participants return to their respective production fields for a two-month period to continue work towards completion of their films.
- 5th phase TBA : Online: In the fifth phase, participants continue to receive both individual and group mentorship. This phase focuses on the post-production of the films. This online phase also includes masterclasses and guest lectures led by internationally acclaimed filmmakers, festival curators, producers, and educators.
- 6th phase TBA : In-Person: The final phase of the program, spanning 7 days, is solely focused on providing guidance to participants in creating a final output. Screening of the 15 films takes place on the last day of the program.
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.
- Applicants should have either previously created a short film of any genre or played significant roles in a film project. A link of their previous film should be added in the application.
- Applicants must possess intermediate or basic knowledge and skills in cinematography, sound, and editing.
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.
- The contribution covers faculty and mentor remunerations for the entire 5-month duration. It also covert’s accommodation (double occupancy room) for 31 nights, and all on-site and off-site costs of running the residencies and online phases. These costs include technical rentals, internet, and other necessary materials.
- A limited number of scholarships are available for Indian citizens residing in India.