Calendar – Past Event

For the past thirty-two years, Independent Film Week (formerly IFP Market) has been a one-of-a-kind event that has brought the international filmmaking community to New York City to celebrate, advocate and introduce new voices on the independent scene.

IFP’s objective is to create a destination where the community of individuals involved with independent film can annually convene – from the emerging filmmakers and established producers selected for their strong new projects to the individuals from companies, festivals and organizations aimed at helping the work get made and ultimately seen by public audiences.

Early Deadline: May 4th

Late Deadline: May 25th

Who Can Apply
Filmmakers in production or post-production seeking financing partners, broadcast/distribution, and festival invitations.

Guidelines

FAQ

How It Worked For Jennifer Arnold’s A Small Act
Director Jennifer Arnold and producer Patti Lee’s first meeting with Lisa Heller from HBO Documentaries at Independent Film Week 2009 evolved into a series of conversations that put the film on a fast track of consideration by HBO, with Arnold supplying an updated cut of the film within a couple of months. Acquired by HBO, the documentary premiered in July 2010. "The week really changed this film. We got HBO on board. We got some grant attention, and we signed a foreign sales agent (Louise Rosen) – all this from that week. We got a lot of momentum from Spotlight on Docs; we started making pre-sales which allowed us to finish our budget. We wanted the film to be theatrically released, but we also wanted maximum eyes on the project – we got both!"

Criteria & Selection Process
Spotlight on Documentaries is for feature-length (>50 minutes) U.S. projects in any stage of production, as long as some footage has been shot, and the film is not complete. The program accepts approximately 60 projects. Projects must submit compelling assembled material to be considered for this competitive program.

What to Expect Prior to Independent Film Week:
Upon acceptance in mid-July, filmmakers receive guidelines for preparing for the week. IFP staff will schedule individual check-in calls with all selected projects during August to answer specific questions regarding preparations and goals for the week’s activities and meetings.

During Independent Film Week:

• Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with potential financing and distribution partners. All meetings are at attending buyers’ requests based on information provided in Spotlight on Documentaries Online Project Dossier.
• Presentation of a work sample pitch screening to attending filmmakers and buyers; inclusion of up to a 20-minute sample in the Online Project Dossier and on-site Industry Video Library.
• speed-dating meetings with festival programmers.
• Invitation to private doc social events with buyers and programmers.
• Access to Independent Filmmaker Conference programming, including workshops, case studies and conversations with cutting-edge leaders in independent film and media

Recent Projects
Lauren Greenfield's The Queen of Versailles; Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman's If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front; Marie Losier's The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye; Michael Collins' Give Up Tomorrow; Laura Poitras' The Oath; Jennifer Arnold's A Small Act; Rebecca Richman Cohen's War Don Don, Julia Bacha's Budrus, Jennifer Redfearn's Sun Come Up.