The Points North Fellowship is an annual creative-development program run by Points North Institute for up to six early- to mid-career filmmaking teams worldwide. It supports feature documentary projects in production or post-production through peer and mentor workshops, pitch development and industry connections.
The 2026 cohort is expected to meet in person in Maine around the Camden International Film Festival, then continue with virtual one-to-one industry meetings. The in-person workshops culminate in a live Points North Pitch for funders, broadcasters, producers and distributors.
Benefits & funding
- One round-trip flight to Maine per selected team.
- Two All Access passes to the Camden International Film Festival.
- Six nights of accommodation in one room with a double bed during the festival.
- Workshops with mentors and peers, a live pitch and tailored virtual meetings with industry decision-makers.
- The 2026 application charged US$25 by the early deadline, US$35 by the regular deadline or US$45 by the late deadline; no cash stipend is listed for this cycle.
Eligibility
- Filmmakers worldwide may apply, with no nationality or citizenship restriction. No separate residency, degree, age or gender requirement is published.
- The project must be a feature-length documentary with an intended runtime of at least 60 minutes and must be in production or post-production.
- Applicants must present a clear vision for the completed film, including its story and artistic approach, in a written proposal and an edited work sample of at least 3–4 minutes. Selected projects must show a 3–4 minute trailer during the live pitch.
- Short films, fiction, educational or advocacy films, and films commissioned by an NGO or brand are not supported.
- Projects in very early development or close to festival submission are described as a weaker fit. Projects without access to their characters or subjects, or without a developed story, structure and themes, are discouraged.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Confirm that the project meets the feature-documentary, production-stage and work-sample requirements.
- 2During an open cycle, follow the Apply Here link on the official program page and submit the written proposal and edited work sample through the official application form.
- 3Submit by the preferred fee deadline and pay the applicable submission fee. The 2026 application window is closed.
Program timeline
December 19, 2025
2026 submissions opened.
Earlybird deadline at US$25.
January 21, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Regular deadline at US$35.
February 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Late deadline at US$45; applications are now closed.
March 23, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Anticipated start of the in-person fellowship in Maine.
September 14, 2026
Anticipated end of the in-person portion.
September 20, 2026
Weeks after the in-person program
Virtual one-to-one industry meetings; the exact dates and overall program end are not published.