Develop your documentary film project

Introduction

A writing residency designed to help you structure, develop, and bring your documentary feature to life

Call for projects

Currently closed – Opening December 10, 2025

Apply now

About this Lab

The ideal environment to bring your documentary to life

Created in 2019 to meet the specific needs of documentary filmmakers, LabDoc is a writing residency dedicated to the development of first or second feature-length documentaries.

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Each year, eight projects from the Mediterranean basin benefit from eight months of professional support, guided by seasoned screenwriters and experienced filmmakers. The goal: to help each participant complete a fully developed treatment.

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The program includes two one-week writing sessions, supported by personalized follow-ups and regular checkpoints to ensure consistent progress. Each project is guided by two dedicated mentors throughout the residency, and enriched by masterclasses led by established experts.

A young author in the midst of writing during one of our Labs.

Information & Eligibility Requirements

What You Need to Know

Location

Marseille, France

Duration

6 months – from April to September

Eligible Countries

Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt

Number of Projects

8 per year

Required Languages

English and/or French

Participation Fee

€200

Residency Overview

Two writing sessions to structure and develop your project

Session 1

April 14–18, 2025

Session 2

September 8–12, 2025

Testimonials

They Share Their Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before Applying

Can I apply with a writing partner?

Yes, but only one person per project will be eligible for full coverage by Meditalents (transport, accommodation, meals).Writing partners may co-author the application, but only one project lead will be selected to attend the residency.

How does the selection process work?

Applications are reviewed by a committee of film professionals. Eight participants will be selected. Submissions must be sent via the online form, as a single PDF, no later than December 20, 2024.

Is there a participation fee for the residency?

Only selected participants will be required to pay a €200 registration fee. Accommodation, lunch, and round-trip economy travel are covered. Participants must have their own medical and civil liability insurance.

What documents are required to apply?

Applicants must submit a single PDF file including:

an information sheet (with contact details, CV, short bio)
a logline, a synopsis, and a treatment (5–10 pages)
a statement of intent
a biography and filmography
any additional visual material (mood board, teaser, etc.)
a download link to previous films, if available

Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible.

Who is eligible to apply to LabDoc?

Only authors from the Mediterranean basin (including France), developing a first or second documentary feature project, are eligible to apply. A good command of French and/or English is required.

Call for projects now open