The Docs by the Sea program mainly consists of film labs and pitching forums. Participating filmmakers will work with highly-esteemed international mentors, have the opportunity to present their projects, and connect with international industry representatives. The labs are conducted in two parts: virtual session in July–August, and in-person sessions in September.
Through these series of Labs, the mentors will work closely with the filmmakers to refine and shape their projects in both group sessions and intensive 1-on-1 sessions. Aside from project consultations and skill-building, the mentors will also prepare the filmmakers in pitch exercises before moving forward to pitching sessions. Our mentors represent diverse filmmaking backgrounds and genders, including distinguished names who have won or been nominated for prestigious film awards. Get to know them better here [link to Attendees > Mentor]
Our pitching forum—presenting projects from the Editing, Storytelling, and Short-storytelling Labs—will gather industry professionals from distinguished festivals, markets, and companies. Along with the final part of the lab and various industry activities (talks and 1-on-1 meetings), the DBTS Forum is going to be held in Sanur, Bali, 4–10 September 2025.
| Call for Submission | |
| Project submission | 3 March–24 April 2025 |
| Participant confirmation | 10–14 June 2025 |
| Selected projects announcement | 19 June 2025 |
| Virtual Sessions | |
| Pre-event session | 23 July 2025 |
| All labs | 24 July–2 August 2025 |
| Pitch Methodology Online Session | 4 August 2025 |
| In Persons Sessions & Events | |
| Editing Lab | 3–5 September 2025 |
| Storytelling Lab | 5 September 2025 |
| Producing Lab, Short-Storytelling Lab, and Pitch exercise (Editing & Storytelling Lab) | 6 September 2025 |
| Pitching Forum, Industry Talks, 1-on-1 Meetings, Awarding | 7–10 September 2025 |
The project must be produced or directed by a national of any of these countries. The applicants may be required to provide proof of their nationality upon confirmation.
The project must be produced or directed by a national of any of these countries. The applicants may be required to provide proof of their nationality upon confirmation.
| Lab | Stage | Length (Mins) | A/V Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storytelling | Development & Production | 60 or more | Trailer or excerpts |
| Short-Storytelling | All Stages | Less than 60 | Trailer or excerpts |
| Editing | Post-Production | 60 or more | Trailer and rough cut |
| Producing | All Stages | 60 or more | Trailer and rough cut |
