Applications open in January 2027
Applications for Kathmandu Doc Lab 2026 are closed. The call for the next edition opens in January 2027. Dates, guidelines and the application form will be published on this page.
Who the Lab is for
The Kathmandu Doc Lab is for South Asian filmmakers developing a feature-length documentary. Eligibility for 2027 will be confirmed with the call. In 2026 the Lab was open to:
- Directors who are nationals of a South Asian country (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives) or members of the South Asian diaspora
- Filmmakers directing their first or second feature-length documentary
- Documentary or non-fiction projects of 50 minutes or more, in development or early production
Two ways to take part
With a project. Selected filmmakers take part in online workshops before the Lab, spend six days in Kathmandu working with South Asian mentors, pitch to a live audience and jury, and then pitch online to international industry representatives. Pitched projects compete for development awards.
As an observer. The Observer track is for emerging storytellers, mainly from Nepal and the wider region, who want to see how an international lab works before applying with a project of their own. Observers attend the Lab’s sessions and both pitches.
See what the Lab looks like
Hear when the call opens
Follow the Lab on Instagram or LinkedIn, or write to us at doclab@kimff.org and we will let you know.