Selection Criteria

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 as well as series where each episode is 52+ minutes, and where all episodes in the series deal with the same human rights or social justice issue.
• 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 in production and post-production are preferable, but we will also consider projects in a late development stage as long as they can show: clear access to the story, strong storytelling in the treatment, a work sample (teaser or a trailer), and an urgency to the story.
• Recently completed films looking to implement an urgent impact campaign are also eligible. 

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 informations

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 on 18-19 January online and 10-12 March in Geneva. All events will be held in English.

The FIFDH requires its Impact Days 2024 selection logo to be included in the credits of the work once finalised.

Submission is free. Selected teams will need to pay an accreditation fee of 180 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 (8-17 March 2024). 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 50% off their accreditation cost (scroll down here to logos of partner organisations).

Deadline for project 2024 submissions is finished. Selected team members will be notified during the second half of November 2023.

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.