THE OPEN CALL for
CIRCLE Doc Accelerator 2026

is now OPEN!

Are you a woman or gender-expansive filmmaker with a feature documentary project in any stage of development?
Advance your film with the help of world-renowned mentors and join the CIRCLE network.

The call for CIRCLE Doc Accelerator 2026 is now OPEN.

10 selected participants will have the opportunity to develop their films with renowned experts in the field of documentary filmmaking, broaden their professional and personal networks, and position their projects in the European and international documentary film landscape.

Through three working modules, CIRCLE offers a safe and inspiring environment that prioritises the sustainable professional growth of participants, shaping their creative and strategic vision through a process rooted in solidarity, knowledge exchange, and hands-on practic connecting participants of the programme with the rest of the film industry and giving them access to world-renowned mentors.

CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerator 2026 features 3 tailor-made sessions in 3 different countries, with each session focusing on a different key aspect of project development and career upskilling.

Module 01: June 2026, Greece

Creative development and in-depth analysis of projects

Module 01 focuses on creative development and analysis of the projects. With the mentorship of expert directors, script-writers and producers, each project is thoroughly addressed in order to pinpoint its strengths and potential. Combining individual consultations with group sessions, the goal of this phase is to expand participants’ perception of their films and devise new strategies for resolving any potential issues they may have faced in their creative journeys. These sessions are reinforced by masterclasses, film screenings and other activities.

Module 02: September 2026 - Location TBC

Project packaging

In addition to further creative development of the projects, Module 02 is dedicated to the packaging, marketing and financing of feature documentaries. Each project has its own distinct needs, so the goal is to devise tailor-made production and communication strategies in order to raise international visibility and financing potential of the projects. Here, the participants will be working with leading experts specialized in packaging and marketing, as well as international co-productions and legal matters.

Module 03: January 2027, Trieste, Italy

Networking at When East Meets West / Trieste Film Festival

Finally, during the course of Module 03, the participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to potential partners and decision makers during the When East Meets West co-production market in Trieste, Italy. They will have access to all the Industry events, as well as film screenings, and will enjoy the benefits of networking with a wide array of professionals in the European documentary field.

CIRCLE welcomes 10 directors and/or producers (one per team) developing documentary projects with strong international potential. We welcome applications from all nationalities and encourage not only emerging filmmakers but also visual artists transitioning into the genre.

Projects can be at an early, development, or advanced stage. The programme is designed for projects that are defined but still open to growth, collaboration, and refinement. Applicants should demonstrate a clear intention to develop or realise their project during the course of the programme.

The 2026 participation fee is €4,500 per project. This fee covers all tuition costs and expenses during in-person modules, including accommodation in single rooms with full board, coffee breaks, and refreshments. Travel, travel insurance, and special needs arrangements are not included.

We offer at least 2 scholarships per year for selected participants (50% discount on tuition fees, to be requested during the application process) to participants from LCC A or B countries, those without national funding, or with proven financial need. Priority is given to those with the least access to funding. We also assist our participants with fundraising through connections with organizations supporting filmmakers and various film centers.

A selection committee composed of three members (majority women) evaluates all received applications and creates a shortlist. Individual 30-minute Zoom interviews are then organized with shortlisted applicants. As CIRCLE focuses on curating a diverse and complementary group with participants open to engaging in group work and knowledge-sharing, these interviews are of major importance. Following the interviews and final evaluations, 10 participants are selected to participate in the programme.

CIRCLE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment that values age inclusivity and geographic diversity. Applicants with special needs or access requirements are encouraged to inform the programme team during the application process, and support will be provided wherever possible, including babysitting and accessibility accommodations.