Had a great chat at a Sundance party this year with IFP’s Amy Dotson, who told me about several new initiatives for the indie film non-profit. Of particular interest to documentarians: the Documentary Rough Cut Lab. The idea is to give films a better chance at cracking the festival circuit by providing a supportive forum for constructive feedback prior to submission.

The program is open to all first time filmmakers who have completed the majority of principal photography. The Doc Rough Cut Lab will take place in NYC from May 6-9, 2006, and the submission deadline is March 7.