The Institute of Documentary Film (IDF) has launched Docs Beyond: Audience, Impact & AI, a new training programme aimed at helping documentary teams develop strategies for reaching audiences and generating measurable impact. The programme is open to film professionals based in the Czech Republic who are working on a feature-length documentary in production or post-production, with applications open until 31 August 2026.

Twelve selected teams will work with international experts to build concrete audience or impact strategies for their projects. Programme Manager Veronika Janatková said the initiative gives filmmakers space to think through who a film is for, what it can change and how it should move into the world, while also exploring how generative AI can be used practically and responsibly.

The training runs across three expert-led modules. Impact producer Khadidja Benouataf, president of Impact Social Club, leads a module on building realistic impact strategies and identifying relevant partners. Audience strategist Paul Rieth, co-founder of GET YOUR CROWD, guides teams through outreach approaches for connecting films with target communities. Filmmaker and researcher Dominic Lees, who leads the Synthetic Media Research Network, addresses where generative AI can support documentary practice along with the creative and ethical questions it raises.

Applicants must be producers, directors, screenwriters, distributors or other creative team members based in the Czech Republic, working on an unreleased feature-length documentary with footage already available. The programme runs in three stages: a preparatory online workshop from 7 to 9 October 2026, a residential workshop from 25 to 29 November, and a follow-up online workshop from 9 to 11 December. There is no application fee.

Full eligibility details are available at dokweb.net.