The Institute of Documentary Film invites documentary professionals working in the Czech Republic to apply for Docs Beyond: Audience, Impact & AI. Twelve selected teams will develop an audience or impact strategy for their feature-length documentary project. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.
Audience and impact strategies are often left until a film is nearly complete. Docs Beyond gives documentary teams an opportunity to start thinking about these questions while their projects are still in production or post-production.
The new training programme from the Institute of Documentary Film combines work on audience development, impact producing and the responsible use of generative AI. It is intended for teams who want to find the right audience for their film, build relevant partnerships and prepare a strategy they can put into practice.
Twelve teams will be selected for the first edition. The programme consists of two online workshops and a five-day residential workshop. Participants will work on their own projects, consult international experts and exchange ideas with a small group of fellow film professionals.
By the end of the programme, each team should have a concrete audience or impact strategy, a clearer sense of its priorities and a set of practical next steps.
“Films have the power to shift perspectives and change people’s minds. But only if they can reach them,” says Veronika Janatková, Programme Manager. “When working on a film, we need a clear idea of who it is for, what it can change and how it should move into the world. The goal is for every participant to leave with a strategy that feels concrete, relevant and ready to use.”
Choose one of two specialised tracks
Applicants choose either Impact Producing or Audience Design & Outreach. Six projects will be selected for each track. All twelve teams will also attend the shared module on AI and documentary filmmaking.
Module 1: Impact Producing
The Impact Producing module is led by Khadidja Benouataf, an award-winning impact producer and president of Impact Social Club. Participants will look at how the subject of their film can become the basis of a realistic impact strategy. They will identify potential partners and organisations, consider distribution in relation to the film’s social goals and define outcomes that can be evaluated. Benouataf has advised more than seventy film teams at festivals and industry events including Berlinale, IDFA and DOK Leipzig.
Module 2: Audience Design & Outreach
The Audience Design & Outreach module is led by audience strategist Paul Rieth, co-founder of GET YOUR CROWD and author of DOK & CROWD. The module focuses on identifying audiences and mapping the communities connected to a film’s subject. Participants will develop outreach plans suited to their projects and consider how audience insights can inform both the filmmaking process and later distribution. Rieth has led more than one hundred workshops at international film festivals and training programmes.
Module 3: AI & Documentary
The third module brings all twelve teams together. Filmmaker and researcher Dominic Lees will introduce practical ways in which generative AI can be used in documentary development, production and distribution. The sessions will also address the creative and ethical issues surrounding synthetic media. The aim is to help filmmakers understand where these tools may be useful, as well as where caution and clear boundaries are needed. Lees leads the Synthetic Media Research Network and has advised the UK Parliament on film and AI policy.
Who can apply?
Docs Beyond is open to producers, directors, screenwriters, distributors and other members of documentary creative teams working in the Czech Republic.
Applicants must:
- be working on an unreleased feature-length documentary in production or post-production;
- have footage from the project available;
- have professional experience in documentary filmmaking;
- have a working knowledge of English;
- be available for all three workshops.
One member of the creative team normally represents each project. In exceptional and justified cases, two representatives may take part with prior approval from IDF. Only one application may be submitted per project.
All workshops and communication within the programme will be in English.
Programme dates
- 7-9 October 2026: first online workshop
- 25-29 November 2026: residential workshop, venue to be confirmed
- 9-11 December 2026: second online workshop
Participants will continue developing their strategies between the workshops.
Applications close on 31 August
Applications must be submitted in English by 31 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST. There is no application fee.
Applicants will be asked to provide:
- basic information about the project;
- a logline and synopsis;
- an explanation of how the project relates to the chosen module;
- a professional CV and filmography for each team member;
- a financing plan and project budget;
- a link to work-in-progress material;
- three film stills; a motivational video between two and five minutes long;
- company details.
A declaration of honour is included in the application form.
The selected teams will be announced by 20 September 2026.
Applicants should read the detailed call conditions and the guidelines for applicants before submitting their application.
Participation fee
The participation fee is CZK 15,000 per team. It covers all three workshops, accommodation and refreshments during the residential workshop, training materials and related programme costs. Travel is not included.
Members of the Audiovisual Producers’ Association may apply to the APA for a scholarship covering part of the fee. Scholarships are awarded at the association’s discretion.
Contact
Programme Manager: Veronika Janatková – janatkova@dokweb.net
Programme Coordinator: Nora Särak – sarak@dokweb.net
Docs Beyond: Audience, Impact & AI is organised by the Institute of Documentary Film in cooperation with the Audiovisual Producers’ Association. The programme is supported by the Czech Audiovisual Fund and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.