LEGACY FELLOWSHIP 2026 (VIRTUAL)

The Legacy Fellowship helps filmmakers move their projects toward completion. Filmmakers who have begun production or are in post-production are welcome to apply. Through guided sessions, peer feedback, and goal setting between meetings, fellows refine their stories, strengthen their edits, and move their films toward completion in a supportive, collaborative environment. Guest experts join select sessions to share insights on topics relevant to production, post-production and distribution.

Launched in 2013, the fellowship was originally held in person and moved online in 2020, expanding access to filmmakers beyond the DMV area.

Filmmakers in the development stage of their films who have not yet started filming are encouraged to apply to the Story Development Fellowship.

We’re pleased to share that the Legacy Fellowship will be led by Creative Director and Teaching Artist Michael Anthony, who has served as the program’s facilitator since 2023.

2026 LEGACY COHORT MEETING DATES:  Wednesdays from 7pm to 9:30pm.

May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30, October 28, November 18

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 Fellowship Programs is Friday, April 17.  2026.

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The Legacy Fellowship experience includes: 

• Accountability: By setting realistic goals for progress.  By having monthly check-in sessions with the facilitator and peers, Fellows are more likely to make significant progress with their films than by going it alone. 
• Expertise from seasoned documentary industry professionals who serve guest presenters on topics ranging from impact producing to editing to distribution.
• Exclusive networking opportunities with past Fellows as part of our larger Fellowship network. 
• All in a 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. 
• A 60-minute consultation with Docs In Progress about their work-in-progress.  The consultation can focus on mentoring, assistance getting a project ready for a work-in-progress screening, Fiscal Sponsorship, or questions related to structural development, fundraising, or outreach. A Docs expert will be assigned depending upon the fellow's need.  
• Featured as a Fellow on the Docs In Progress website, including a photo and information about their work-in-progress
• 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.

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

The online application should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Please read the application very carefully. The Docs In Progress review committee will review the individual application and assess the overall composition of the cohort in their decision-making. Filmmakers should have a solid idea that they want to develop, specific goals for how the Fellowship will help at their stage, and a willingness to give and receive feedback as part of the cohort.

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.)  

The submission deadline for the 2025 Fellowship Programs is April 17

APPLY NOW

2025 Legacy Fellows