The 9th #Verzió DocLab#, an esteemed five-day international editing workshop and pitch forum, is set to take place from 5-9 November 2024, during the 21st Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in Budapest. This year, for the first time, #HBO is joining as a sponsor, introducing the €1500 HBO Development Award aimed at fostering innovative documentary filmmaking.

Verzió DocLab offers a unique platform for feature-length documentary directors and editors to refine their projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. This year’s mentors include renowned editor #Réka Lemhényi#, director-editor #Anna Kis#, and producer and storytelling strategist #Jesper Jack#. The workshop focuses on enhancing the narrative elements of participating projects, culminating in a pitch event where filmmakers present their work to an international panel of industry professionals.

In addition to the HBO Development Award, the DocLab will feature several other prestigious prizes. The Hungarian production company #FOCUSFOX will award 16 hours of Baselight Digital Broadcast coloring, valued at €2500, to the winning project. The Association of Hungarian Documentary Filmmakers (MADOKE) will present a long-term mentoring collaboration award for the best Hungarian project, while the Documentary Association of Europe (DAE) will offer a bespoke consultation and a one-year membership to the winning producer. Furthermore, the BIO TO B Award grants an industry pass for the #Biografilm Festival and participation in the 2025 Bio To B Pitching Forum.

Participation in Verzió DocLab is free, and the workshop is open to first- and second-time directors. Applications are being accepted until 9 September 2024. Find more details and to apply – HERE