The DocuPitch Lab, a new initiative of the Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival, focuses on the art and practice of pitching documentary projects. Launching in 2025 with a three-day introductory workshop, it invites students and graduates to learn how to develop and present their film ideas. This year’s non-competitive edition serves as a foundation for future pitching competitions. Led by experts Dr. Iakovos Panagopoulos, Erik Knudsen, Luke Blazejewski, and Becca Bond, the Lab offers guidance on storytelling, production dossiers, and distribution. Participants will gain practical skills and industry insight to transform creative concepts into fully realized documentary projects. Registrations until 15 November. The Seminars are provided free of charge.

DocuPitch Lab: Mastering the Art of Pitching at the 11th Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival

The DocuPitch Forum (or DocuPitch Lab ) is the new educational initiative of the Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival, dedicated to the art and practice of pitching for documentary projects. By investing in a new field of education and networking, the Festival offers young creators the tools to develop, present, and bring their cinematic visions to life.

In 2025, we launch the Lab with a three-day introductory workshop on 21-23 November, open to all students and graduates interested in learning more about how to present and develop a film project. With no competitive element this year, the Lab will serve as a first introduction to the world of pitching, paving the way for 2026, when the DocuPitch Lab will officially host its first competition with project submissions and awards.

What You Will Gain:

Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the theory of pitching and international presentation practices.
• Become familiar with the production dossier submission process.
• Work on story and idea development.
• Gain insights into the fundamentals of production and distribution.

The Tutors:

The educational program will be led by distinguished academics and film professionals with extensive international experience in film creation and production:

• Dr. Iakovos Panagopoulos: Head of P.I.D.F.F. DocuPitch Lab, Assistant Professor at the Ionian University, and award-winning filmmaker.
• Emeritus Professor Erik Knudsen: Internationally acclaimed filmmaker and academic, author of Finding The Personal Voice In Filmmaking.
• Luke Blazejewski: A Manchester-based photographer and filmmaker.
• Becca Bond: Filmmaker and Senior Lecturer at Bournemouth University, with long-standing experience in factual productions for BBC, Channel 4, CNN, etc..

Iakovos Panagopoulos                      Erik Knudsen                            Rebecca Bond                               Luke Blazejewski         

 Call to Action:

Don't miss this opportunity to get your first introduction to the world of pitching and acquire the essential tools to turn your idea into reality! Apply for the DocuPitch Lab 2025 and invest in your cinematic future.

To participate, click here for the Submission form.

Registration until 15 November.