The FIFDH’s industry programme has helped hundreds of filmmakers and organisations amplify the impact of their work.
Each year we:
- Select 16 documentary projects from around the world, on urgent social or environmental issues
- Train the selected teams to craft an impact strategy through our Impact Lab
- Connect the teams with dozens of NGOs, international organisations and philanthropists in Geneva and beyond
Selection Criteria
We shortlist bold projects with a strong potential for impact, that highlight urgent human rights and social justice issues around the world. We consider applications from independent filmmakers and/or producers who are committed to outreach goals and to collaborating with pertinent partners.
A committee of international impact practitioners selects the final 16 projects. These must be driven by thoughtful and in-depth storytelling, show a compelling visual approach, and have a clear vision of the impact they want to make.
Eligibility
- We consider non-fiction films of 52+ minutes.
- Only one project per company or filmmaker can be selected. However, an applicant can be a member of the key creative personnel on multiple projects.
- Projects must be in production or post-production.
Benefits for selected teams
- Expert training on how to refine impact goals, develop an impact strategy, design and deliver an impact pitch, identify potential partners outside the documentary industry.
- Public pitching of your project and impact campaign in the presence of potential funders and partners in Geneva.
- Curated connections to key players – NGOs and other international organizations, foundations, impact producers – within your issue areas, through pre-arranged one-to-one meetings.
- Networking with other current and previous international Impact Days participants: filmmakers, producers, impact producers, experts and Lab tutors, as well as other FIFDH Festival attendees.
- Cash and in-kind awards to help further your impact campaign.
Important information
The selected film teams will have to attend all compulsory events (Impact Lab and Impact Days) with at least one participant. These will take place online in January and February 2026, and in Geneva on 8-11 March in Geneva. All events will be held in English.
The FIFDH requires its Impact Days 2026 selection logo to be included in the credits of the work once finalised.
Submission is free. Selected teams must pay an accreditation fee of 200 CHF for each team member attending the event. This gives access to all Impact Lab and Impact Days activities including lunches and the closing cocktail, as well as to all festival screenings and debates for the entire duration of the FIFDH (6-15 March 2025). Travel to and from Geneva and accommodation will be at the participants’ expense.
Selected participants based in the DDC priority countries can have their accreditation, trip and accommodation covered by the FIFDH (see countries here).
Selected participants who are members or alumni of partner organisations will benefit from 25% off their accreditation cost (scroll down here to logos of partner organisations).
Selected participants who are members of partner organisations, or alumni of partner training programmes with this same project will benefit from 25% off their accreditation cost. See here for the list of partner organisations – scroll down to “In collaboration with”.
Submissions for 2026 are now closed
Publication
The selected projects and filmmaker names will be published online on www.fifdh.org and in a printed project catalogue distributed to FIFDH Industry participants. The published information will include: working title, project logline and stills, name of the filmmakers, producers and impact strategists/producers if any, production country/ies, impact goals and strategies.