About the Program
This rigorous and intimate market preparation course takes 8 documentary filmmakers through high-level market preparation with a development prize for two successful projects.
For 20+ years, the Breakthrough Development Lab has successfully offered incredible access for non-fiction producers to connect in an intimate setting with broadcasters, veteran producers, and distributors.
Breakthrough alumni have successfully gone on to work with major broadcasters, win awards at prestigious international film festivals and continue to have distinguished careers in the sector.
2027 BREAKTHROUGH 2.0
Eight producers will be selected for this market-preparation course to hone their feature film documentary projects, culminating in a final pitch where two projects will be awarded a cash development award of $20,000 sponsored by Rogers Group of Funds, which will be accompanied with an industry development package.
Applications for the 2027 Breakthrough 2.0 Lab will open September 25, 2026
Deadline: October 16, 2026
Selected filmmakers will get exclusive access to:
- Two intensive weekend workshops where participants will hone their pitch packages with support from creative producers, story editors, business affairs experts, and trailer editors.
Bi-weekly sessions with broadcasters and funders, as well as business affairs, legal, impact, and distribution professionals for two months, leading up to Hot Docs to continue to hone their pitches.
All-Access Pass to the 2027 Hot Docs Film Festival, including Deal Maker and the Industry Pitch Forum.
An inclusive pitch to receive one of two DOC Institute Breakthrough Development Awards, including a $20,000 cash prize from the Rogers Group of Funds, along with industry development packages.
Program Schedule
The program commences with two weekend bootcamps in late January and late February, with bi-weekly workshops for seven weeks on Wednesday evenings in March and April.
We encourage all qualified Canadian citizens to apply.
The Breakthrough Program was created with a mandate to provide more access and inclusion for individuals self-identifying as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, and/or LGBTQ2S+ and to increase participation for film creators from underrepresented communities. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application.
The 2027 Breakthrough 2.0 is also open to Breakthrough participants prior to 2024.
Please note that in 2027, Breakthrough 2.0 will be prioritizing applicants who have some project seed funding, or a track record of previous feature film experience.
Breakthrough FAQ
1. I don’t have a broadcasting credit. Can I still apply?
Yes, the criteria call for either a broadcast credit or a previous feature film producing experience.
2. Can I apply with another member of my team?
Since we only have 8 spots available, we don’t accept two participants for one project.
3. I’ve participated in the Breakthrough Program in a previous year. Can I apply?
Yes. Breakthrough 2.0 was revamped in 2024 with the curriculum geared to more experienced producers. Breakthrough participants prior to 2024 are welcome to apply.
4. What is the schedule for the Breakthrough program?
The program will feature two intensive weekend workshops (one in January, one in February). Subsequently, bi-weekly mentorship meetings will run on Wednesday evenings from mid-March through to late April. Participants will also be asked to attend the Hot Docs Industry events.
5. When will I hear back about my application?
All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by early November 2026.
6. What stage of development should my project be in?
Typically, participants who get the most out of the program are in late development – ready to start shooting and/or shopping to broadcasters/distributors.
7. Are full-time students allowed to apply to Breakthrough?
Yes. However, note the criteria of previous feature production experience and the time commitment.
Participants must be able to commit to attending all sessions of the Breakthrough Program (one weekend in January, one weekend in February, weekly meetings from March – April) and the majority of the Hot Docs Festival, including the Forum.
10. Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there is no age limit.
11. Can I include a trailer in my application?
Yes, we encourage you to include links to any trailers and/or visual elements/references you may have. However, this is not mandatory. Please limit clips to 10 minutes.
12. Can you give me any tips on what makes an application stand out with the jury?
a. Demonstrate professionalism, participants will be representing the DOC Institute and Ontario Creates to the guest mentors and industry at large during Hot Docs, so we are looking for candidates who are ready to succeed.
b. While a slate of projects in development is acceptable, concentrate your application on one project to workshop throughout the program.
c. Recognize the scope and viability of your project for the best chance for success to finance.
APPLICATION CRITERIA
To apply, candidates must:
1. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
We welcome applications from outside the GTA and other provinces, however participants are required to attend the Pitch Competition and Hot Docs in person and self-fund travel and accommodation.
2. Be a DOC member
Free for BIPOC identified filmmakers for the first three years.
3. Be documentary filmmakers
Applicants must have at least one or two feature film producing or directing broadcast credit, or who have a comparable level of industry success and experience.
4. Be able to attend all elements of the program
The two Breakthrough weekend workshops (January and February); the Breakthrough Program meetings (March – April); the majority of the Hot Docs Festival (April/May), including the Forum; and all DOC Institute training during the program.
Please note that Registrants are required to pay a registration fee of $25 + tax.
*The jury will only be reviewing applications that have paid the submission fee.
Questions? Contact us by email at Stella@docorg.ca.