IMPACT PRODUCING FELLOWSHIP 2026 (VIRTUAL)

Why is Docs In Progress Launching an Impact Producing Fellowship?

Many filmmakers reach the fine-cut stage of their films and ask themselves: “I have a documentary, now what?” It’s never too early to start thinking about an impact strategy for your film, but real impact begins once the film is finished, when defining your audience, your goals, and your strategy becomes essential. Documentary films can spark change in different ways, shifting attitudes, encouraging behavior change, building community, or influencing policy, but only if the plan is intentional. Our new Impact Producing Fellowship is designed for filmmakers who are ready to think strategically about their film’s impact and how it aligns with distribution.

We are glad to announce that the Impact Producing Fellowship sessions are facilitated by Impact Producer Michon Boston.

2026 IMPACT PRODUCING COHORT MEETING DATES: Tuesdays from 7pm to 9:00pm (virtual)

March 24, April 28, May 19, June 23

July & August – Filmmakers develop their impact campaigns, supported by a 30-minute individual consultation with facilitator Michon Boston.

September 22 – Final session: Fellows present their completed impact campaigns.

 

FEES:  There is no application fee.  If accepted into the Fellowship Program, Fellows pay a participation fee of $550 (due in full before the programs starts).

The submission deadline for the 2026 Impact Producing Fellowship is Friday, February 27, 2026 midnight.

Requirement: A rough cut of your film. If you have one and are eager to create an impact campaign, we’d love for you to apply!

The Impact Producing Fellowship experience includes:

  • Accountability by setting clear, achievable milestones and offers monthly check-ins with the facilitator and cohort to keep momentum strong.
  • Expertise from speakers such as expert filmmakers, Impact Producers, and a specialist in educational impact, offering practical guidance on building and managing effective campaigns.
  • Networking with past Fellows as part of our larger Fellowship network.
  • Safe Zone where constructive advice and feedback is fostered.

Other Benefits for Fellows:

  • A professional development voucher which can be applied to certain Docs In Progress workshops during the course of their Fellowship. 
  • Featured as an Impact Producing Fellow on the Docs In Progress website, including a photo and information about their project.
  • Fellows will receive added consideration for Docs' Trailer Night and Work-In-Progress screenings.
  • Become part of our 90+ Alumni Fellows network at the conclusion of the Fellowship.

Commitment:
Accepted Fellows  must commit to attending 90% of these meetings since they form the core of the Fellowship Program. (This means you may miss only one meeting during your fellowship.)  

Application:
The online application should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. The Docs In Progress review committee will review the individual application and assess the overall composition of the cohort in their decision-making.

Requirements: You must submit a link to a rough cut, fine cut, or finished film. If submitting a rough cut, it should already integrate the narrative, visuals, archival materials, and core story elements, not just an interview string out.

Submission Deadline:
The submission deadline for the 2026 Impact Producing Fellowship Program is Friday, February 27, Midnight.

About facilitator Michon Boston

Michon Boston is a writer, producer, and founder of Michon Boston Group Ltd., where she provides strategic consulting on impact campaigns for media makers and organizations. Her work includes engagement and special projects for Firelight Media, ITVS, the Smithsonian, AFI DOCS, PBS, PBS stations, and films distributed by HBO and Amazon. She’s authored discussion guides for documentaries “We Want the Funk,” “Mr. Soul,” “Storming Caesar’s Palace,” and “Becoming Thurgood.” Michon also contributed to a 2021 Sundance Institute report on nonfiction storytelling and gun violence. She co-produces/hosts the podcast “Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters®”, now in its fifth season.

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