How long is the Doc Lab?
The next JFI Doc Lab runs from January through December 2027. Meetings are remote via Zoom, except for a 5 day in-person convening during the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in July 2027.
Is there a submission fee?
The Early Bird submission fee (Deadline: July 31, 2026) is $40. The Regular Deadline fee (Deadline: 8/21) is $50. Submission fees are collected via FilmFreeway. If application fees cause an undue burden, or an alternative submission method is needed, please contact us at filmmakers@jfi.org.
What types of projects are considered for the Doc Lab?
The JFI Doc Lab supports Jewish-themed, independent feature-length documentary projects. There must be some sample footage available to accompany the written application. Competitive projects will offer fresh and challenging perspectives and/or approaches, engage audiences across cultural lines. We seek projects that reflect the full breadth and diversity of Jewish experience.
Preference is given to film projects that are aligned with the Jewish Film Institute's mission to expand and evolve the Jewish story. Read more about JFI’s mission, vision, and values. The year-long Fellowship is not open to educational, commissioned, and promotional projects, student work, or films ready for or in distribution.
Can I reapply with the same project?
Projects that are substantially different from their original application are welcome to re-apply.
How are the projects selected for the Lab?
Final selections are made by the Jewish Film Institute's staff in consultation with a panel of industry professionals, based on artistic merit, the strength of the filmmaking team, the status of the project, the likelihood that it will be completed, and its alignment with JFI's mission, vision, and values.
What is the time commitment for Fellows?
Fellows are expected to attend monthly cohort meetings, bi-monthly workshops and presentations, and an in-person convening in San Francisco in July. Fellows should expect to spend up to ten hours a month preparing for and participating in the program, except during the full time in-person convening in July.
Can I participate if I live outside the Bay Area?
Yes. The JFI Doc Lab is primarily virtual, except for the annual convening at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Filmmakers worldwide are eligible, provided your location allows you to attend virtual meetings in Pacific Time.
Do filmmakers need to be Jewish to apply?
JFI welcomes a diversity of filmmakers of all cultural and religious backgrounds to submit their projects for consideration. Any filmmaker whose project with Jewish themes or content is invited to apply.
When are virtual Lab meetings typically held?
Virtual meetings and workshops are typically held on Thursday mornings from 9am–12pm Pacific Time.
Where can I see the application questions that will be input into Film Freeway?
Download the application questions here. It is recommended to answer the questions in advance given the character count, and to cut and paste into the Custom Form on FilmFreeway. The Custom Form on FilmFreeway cannot be saved once it is started. The application must be completed in one sitting.
Note: Your project must have a page on FilmFreeway which includes the filmmaker’s bio and artist statement. The FilmFreeway project page can be saved while it is in process.
Will anyone on FilmFreeway be able to see the footage I’ve posted on my film’s page?
No. Footage linked to your film page is private.
If I’m not accepted can I get feedback on my proposal?
Unfortunately, due to staff bandwidth, we are unable to give individual feedback.
When will I be notified about my application?
Finalists will be notified by mid-November. All applicants will be notified by December 18, 2026.
How can I learn more?
Register for one of three online info sessions (links found above on this page). You will have time to ask specific questions about your proposal. Unfortunately, JFI staff are not available to offer individual assistance.
