We’re now accepting applications for the Dear Doc Fellowship Programme 2025.
While making the Doc’s Kingdom seminar more accessible to young and emerging film professionals and students, the Dear Doc programme also aims to reinforce the educational and collective dimensions of the seminar.
The fellowship covers the costs associated with the participation in the Seminar, and also includes a series of exclusive activities and talks on the two days prior to the start of the seminar. In 2025, the Doc’s Kingdom programme will focus on collective film practices. The Dear Doc Fellows are encouraged to produce written and audio pieces, together and independently.
— 4 “Dear Doc Fellowships” will be granted to students or emerging professionals working within the field of cinema (directors, artists, film critics, programmers, researchers, editors, producers, distributors, educators) of Portuguese nationality or resident in Portugal.
— 2 “Dear Doc New Fellowship for Programmers” will be offered to film programmers or curators of any nationality, who have at least three prior professional experiences as film programmers.
Other fellowships will be granted through institutional partnerships.
Before submitting your application, please read carefully the rules and regulations below:
1. Who can apply:
— The “Dear Doc Fellowship for Programmers” is intended for people with previous experience in film programming, with no restrictions on nationality or country of residence. Two individual fellowships will be offered to people who have never participated in Doc’s Kingdom before.
— The “Dear Doc Fellowships” are intended for emerging professionals or students in the field of cinema with Portuguese nationality or residence in Portugal. Four individual fellowships will be offered to people who have never participated in Doc’s Kingdom before.
2. Main focus of the programme:
In 2025, the Dear Doc programme will focus on critical thought and transmission around the Doc’s Kingdom Archive and the artistic programme of this edition, focused on collective film practices. Profiles with an interest in writing, criticism, podcasts, research, collaborative and educational practices are encouraged to apply.
3. Coverage:
The fellowships cover the participation in Doc’s Kingdom 2025 in Odemira (Portugal), including access to all screenings, debates and other activities scheduled between 14 and 19 November. The fellowship includes accommodation, meals, and on-site transportation, but does not cover transportation between Odemira and the place of residence.
The Dear Doc Fellowship candidates accept to share a 4-people bedroom. The Dear Doc Fellowship for Programmers candidates accept to share a double bedroom, if necessary.
4. Exclusive activities:
The Dear Doc programme includes exclusive activities in the two days before the seminar, starting on November 12, organised under three axes:
— Encounters: Talks with programmers, artists and other guests around topics related to the 2025 seminar programme.
— Immersion: Sessions for listening, reading, and discussion based on materials from the Doc’s Kingdom Archive and other materials in preparation for the seminar and the collective debates.
— Creation: co-elaboration of an audio piece (Sonic Letters #03). Invitation to write short texts, essays or interviews related to the programme of the Seminar.
5. Participation Requirements:
The acceptance of the Fellowship implies participation in the full programme of activities in Odemira, and expects an active participation in the collective debates during the seminar. The delivery of an individual report is due by November 30, 2025.
6. Application process:
The application period runs until August 3rd (until midnight, GMT+1). The Doc’s Kingdom team is responsible for the selection. The results will be publicly announced by August 20. The selection decision is final and not subject to appeal.
7. Validation of Fellowship:
The fellowship is confirmed upon acceptance and compliance with the conditions here described.
8. Non-Guaranteed Participation:
Applying to the Dear Doc programme does not guarantee the reservation of a place as a participant in the Doc’s Kingdom seminar.
9. Responsibility:
Doc’s Kingdom is committed to being an open and inclusive space for all participants, including filmmakers, fellows, visitors, staff, and partners. Doc’s Kingdom is not liable for any issues arising during the stay in Odemira that fall outside the scope of the program or the provided accommodations. Anyone who witnesses an anomalous situation should alert a member of the team, or write to docskingdom@docskingdom.org or dir.apordoc@apordoc.org.
10. Communication:
Questions will be answered exclusively by email, until July 30, at docskingdom[@]docskingdom.org
>> Deadline for applications: August 3, by midnight (GMT+1).
To apply, please send a short bio and motivation letter through this link.