Following a successful inaugural year, the Kathmandu Doc Lab returns for its second edition. We invite South Asian filmmakers to join us for an intensive 5-day residential incubator in Kathmandu designed to sharpen stories, refine budgets, and connect projects with the global documentary industry.
This year’s program is a three-stage journey:
Virtual Prep (April/May 2026):
Focus: Writing, Finance & Budgeting and Industry & IP
Before arriving in Kathmandu, selected participants will undergo a series of virtual workshops designed to lay the groundwork for international pitching and co-productions.
- Creative Writing: Refine your loglines, synopsis, and treatment to meet international standards.
- International Budgeting: Learn how to structure finance plans and budgets for global funders.
- Legal Literacy: Navigate the complexities of contracts, rights, and distribution agreements.
Residential Lab & Live Pitch (May 22–27, 2026):
Focus: Deep-Dive Mentorship, Editing & Pitching
Held right before kimff 2026, the 5-day residential lab offers a focused environment to move projects from development to pitch-readiness.
The filmmakers will pitch their films to a live audience and a panel of jury members on May 27 in Kathmandu. The top three pitches will be awarded development cash prizes.
- Group Work: Collaborative sessions to dismantle and reconstruct story arcs.
- 1:1 Mentorship: Dedicated time with international editors and producers to address specific project challenges.
- Editing Consultations: Hands-on sessions to refine teasers and trailers for the final pitch.
- Pitch Training: Learn how to pitch your film to industry representatives from around the world.
The Online Pitch (June 18, 2026)
Focus: Funding & Market Access
The Lab culminates with an online pitch to industry representatives from around the world.
Mentors
Kathmandu Doc Lab will bring together 3 South Asian filmmakers as mentors for the second edition. The mentors for 2026 will be announced soon!
Our first edition included mentorship from three renowned South Asian filmmakers: Anam Abbas from Pakistan, Arun Bhattarai from Bhutan and Rintu Thomas from India. You can learn more about the first edition of the Kathmandu Doc Lab here.
Industry
The online pitch will feature industry representatives from across the globe.
We have confirmed representation from the following institutions so far.
Timeline
Whether you are a filmmaker with a feature-length project in development OR an emerging storyteller looking to shadow the process, we have a place for you.
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
Apply as with a project or as an observer!
FOR PROJECTS
Applicant Eligibility
Filmmakers must meet the following criteria:
- Regional Focus: The Director must be a national of a South Asian country (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives) or a member of the South Asian diaspora.
- Experience Level: Be directing their 1st or 2nd feature-length documentary. (Filmmakers with more experience may apply if they demonstrate how this specific lab benefits their transition to international co-production).
- Focus: For now our lab is aimed primarily at Directors and Co-directing teams. Producers may join the Lab if they wish but will have to bear all expenses including for their stay.
Project Eligibility
Projects must meet the following criteria:
- Genre: Must be a documentary or non-fiction film.
- Length: Must be intended as a feature-length (minimum 50 minutes) film.
- Production Stage: Must be in Development or Early Production at the time of applying.
Terms of Participation
Selection for the Kathmandu Doc Lab requires a commitment to the full curriculum.
- Virtual Attendance: Participants must attend all scheduled virtual workshops in April/May 2026.
- Residential Lab: In-person attendance in Kathmandu from May 21–28, 2026 is mandatory.
- The Pitch: Must present their project at the live pitch in Kathmandu on May 27 and the online pitch on June 18, 2026.
Participation Fee
The funding landscape is not what it used to be. Fundraising is tough right now. The Kathmandu Doc Lab charges a heavily subsidized fee from all participants.
- Nepali Participants: NPR 15,000
- International Participants: USD 100
What You Get
In exchange for the participation fee and your commitment, selected projects receive a comprehensive package designed to advance their careers and projects:
- Mentorship: Intensive group work and 1:1 sessions with international mentors to refine your story, budget, and strategy.
- Pitching Platforms:
- Live Pitch (May 27): Present your project to industry peers and experts at kimff 2026.
- Online Pitch (June 18): Connect with international commissioners and decision-makers.
- Awards: All pitched projects are eligible to compete for development cash awards.
- Accommodation: Hotel stay (7 nights) provided for one representative per project.
- Note: If co-directors attend together, they must pay for the accommodation of one person.
- Hospitality: Breakfast and lunch are provided for all participants during the lab days.
Submission Requirements
Please download the full application guidelines below for a detailed list of required materials.
To ensure you have plenty of time to refine your answers, we recommend preparing your application offline before submitting. You can download the Application Worksheet below to draft your responses. Once you’re ready, simply copy and paste them into the online form.
Ready to Apply?
Application Deadline is March 1!
FOR OBSERVERS
Eligibility
The Observer track is designed for emerging storytellers who wish to learn the ropes of international co-production.
- Regional Focus: Open to all South Asian filmmakers. While the program is primarily aimed at Nepali participants, we welcome applicants from the broader region (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives).
- Important Note: International observers must cover their own travel and accommodation costs in Kathmandu. If selected, we can assist you in finding accommodation that fits your budget.
- Project Status: You may apply with or without a documentary project.
- Commitment: Applicants must be available to attend the lab in person in Kathmandu for the full duration.
Program Details
- Capacity: We will select at least 9 Observers for this year’s cohort.
- Dates: May 24–28, 2026 (5 Days).
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Participation Fee
The Observer program offers high-level access at a subsidized rate.
- Fee: NPR 12,000 (applicable to all selected Observers).
- Non-Residential Program: Please note that the Observer program is non-residential. The fee does not include hotel accommodation.
What You Get
Observers are given full access to the incubation process, allowing them to shadow participants and mentors
- Full Access: Entry to all masterclasses, group feedback sessions, and case studies during the residential lab.
- Shadowing: Opportunity to observe 1:1 mentorship sessions (subject to mentor/participant approval).
- Mentor Time: Access to a dedicated 1:1 session with one of this year’s mentors to discuss your projects, ideas, and aspirations.
- Pitching Events: Access to both the live pitching event in Kathmandu and the online pitching event on June 18.
- Festival: A festival pass to attend the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival 2026 (May 27–31).
- Hospitality: Lunch, tea, and coffee are provided for all 5 days of the lab. during the lab days.
Submission Requirements
Please download the full application guidelines below to understand what we are looking for in an Observer.
To ensure you have plenty of time to refine your answers, we recommend preparing your application offline before submitting. You can download the Application Worksheet below to draft your responses. Once you’re ready, simply copy and paste them into the online form.
Ready to Apply?
Application Deadline is March 1!