Call for applications is open for IMPACT MENTORSHIP

IMPACT MENTORSHIP

FOR DOCUMENTARIES IN DEVELOPMENT BY UNDERREPRESENTED CREATORS

Many documentarians create a film to increase awareness and understanding of a pressing issue or story by spotlighting, investigating, or humanizing what is happening, in hopes that their films will make a difference. At the core of impact work is a collection of best practices that take into account how a film will be used as a tool for social change once it is complete. 

Story Money Impact (SMI) is offering 10 impact coaching hours to three Canadian documentary films (20–90 minutes in length) by underrepresented creators that are in the development phases of their projects, so that they can be better positioned for impact upon completion.

Deadline: August 5, 2025 by 11:59pm Pacific Time.

How does it work? SMI will host four 2.5 hour virtual sessions with three film teams with documentaries in development on the following dates:

  1. Wednesday Oct 1 1-3:30 PST

  2. Wednesday Oct 8 1-3:30 PST

  3. Wednesday Oct 15 1-3:30 PST

  4. Wednesday Oct 22 1-3:30 PST

This cohort will participate in all four sessions together, fostering a group learning environment.

Lead Instructor, Tamo Campos, will introduce the basics of how films are used for change and support the discussion and development of impact goals for each project. There will be a focus on crafting impactful narratives, non-extractive filmmaking, and issue mapping during this process.

SMI strongly prefers that a minimum of two team members from each film project be present at each session.

Please note there is a $500 honourarium per film team for the time required to participate in this mentorship.

Eligibility: 

  • Applicants must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

  • Filmmaker teams must be majority comprised of creators from underrepresented groups

  • Eligible filmmakers can be early career or established who want to learn about impact

  • Projects must not have started formal principle photography (there is some flexibility here; we know that docs get filmed based on real life, not a controlled schedule!)

  • Content must be current and forward looking towards a better understanding of an issue

  • Projects and film teams that have applied in the past are welcome to apply again

Who we are: SMI works with courageous, completed documentary films so that they can be used for systemic change in communities beyond traditional film distribution. SMI supports impact strategy development, education, and partnerships relevant to the documentary’s issue area. This work increases awareness and leads to thought leadership, action and empowerment of individuals and communities creating a powerful catalyst for change.

Story Money Impact