ROUND 4 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

Two emerging filmmakers will recieve £3,000 grant, mentoring, and wrap around support to make a short (up to 10 minute) documentary.

Theme for 2026: Recovery
Deadline: Midnight, 17th August 2026

WHO IS IT FOR?
The Northern Doc Fund is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging, early-career, working-class filmmakers from the North of England who want to tell original, non-fiction stories.

This fund is designed for individuals who need financial support and industry connections to progress their careers and have previously struggled to access other funding opportunities.

New for 2026, we have partnered with BAFTA and BIFA qualifying Bolton Film Festival who will welcome five shortlisted filmmakers to pitch for the fund in front of a panel of industry judges on the 1st October 2026. For those new to pitching, guidance will be given to the shortlist.

If selected, your film must be completed by April 1st 2027.

THE THEME
Every year we set a theme which acts as a loose guide for inspiration. We invite filmmakers to interpret this theme as broadly or as closely as they see fit. We are looking for documentaries that offer raw, insightful perspectives on what recovery means.

Your film might explore recovery from addiction or trauma. Perhaps your film will focus on environmental change, or a person or community bouncing back after a major event.  This is your chance to surprise us!