Applicant Eligibility

• Must be of South Asian origin (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)
• Working on first or second feature-length documentary
• Available for full program attendance
• Demonstrated commitment to documentary storytelling

Project Eligibility

• Feature-length documentary (60+ minutes)
• In late development or early production stage
• Clear creative vision and feasibility
• Regional relevance and perspective
• Independent production

We evaluate projects based on:

• Strength of storytelling and artistic vision
• South Asian perspective and relevance
• Project feasibility and development potential
• Director’s commitment and approach
• Social impact potential

Required Material

• Logline (30 words)
  A concise summary of your project’s story and central conflict
• Synopsis (400 words)
  A clear overview of your documentary’s story, themes, and approach
• Treatment & Narrative Outline (800 words)
  • Story structure
  • Character descriptions
  • Artistic approach and visual style
• Audio-Visual Materials
  • Up to 10 minutes of visual material
  • Can include a teaser, sample scenes or a work-in-progress edit
  • If the material sent is longer than 10 minutes the selection committee will only watch the first 10 minutes
• Link(s) to pervious work

All written materials should be submitted in English. Audio-visual materials in other languages must include English subtitles.

Total No. of Projects to be selected

A maximum of 9 projects including awarded projects from other Asian markets/ forums. The selections for Kathmandu Doc Lab 2025 shall be considered final and binding.

Ready to apply?

The Kathmandu Doc Lab will be charging a subsidized participation fee to all participants. This payment will have to be made after selection.

Nepali Participants: NPR 10,000/-

International Participants: $75

The participation fees cover the participation in the programme activities and lunch/tea/coffee during the program. It does not include travel, accommodation, or any other kind of expenses.

How many projects are selected?
Nine projects will be selected for the 2025 program.

What does the program provide?

• Full workshop participation
• One-on-one mentorship
• Pitch opportunities
• Industry connections
• Potential development funding

What stages of projects do you accept?

In late Development to early production stage projects.

Are travel/accommodation costs covered?

The Kathmandu Doc Lab will provide accommodation for the duration of the Lab for all selected participants from outside Kathmandu. Participants will have to bear their own travel costs.

How much will the program cost?

The program will cost NPR. 10,000 for selected Nepali applicants and USD $75 for selected international applicants. These fees have been heavily subsidised by the kimff Foundation.