• Photo by Dara Messinger

  • Filmmakers of For Ahkeem. Photo by Jessica Lee

  • Attendees of DocuClub NY: Cooked. Photo by Dara Messinger

  • Photo by Dara Messinger

  • Attendees of DocuClub NY: Afterwawrd taking notes. Photo by Dara Messinger

  • Nathan Fitch and Bryan Chang of Island Solider. Photo by Nabin Park

About the Program

Founded by Susan Kaplan in 1993, DocuClub is a works-in-progress screening series offering the public and members of the documentary film community a first look at new projects. Filmmakers and creators have the opportunity to showcase their rough cut and consult feedback from their peers and audience.

Why DocuClub

For many, DocuClub is the first opportunity for a filmmaker to share their work-in-progress in an intimate setting with a general audience at a critical moment in their process. Presented in partnership with regional film organizations, selected filmmakers are paired with seasoned story/editing consultants to help them integrate audience feedback into their film.

Starting in October 2022, DocuClub will once again be holding in-person screenings. Due to the ongoing limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we will continue to monitor public health and safety guidelines and adjust if necessary. DocuClub is presented in partnership with:

  • DCTV in New York City

  • Film Independent in Los Angeles

  • Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking in Honolulu

  • Sisters in Cinema in Chicago

  • Indie Memphis' Black Creators Forum in Memphis

Project Submissions

Applications are currently closed for the 2022 DocuClub season.

See guidelines

For questions on participating in DocuClub please email docuclub@documentary.org.

If you need accessibility assistance in the application process, please email access@documentary.org or call (213) 232-1660 ext 209.

  • DocuClub LA: Stray

    Tuesday, March 3, 2020 - 7:00pm PST
    Los Angeles, CA

    In STRAY, a trio of canine outcasts roam the streets of Istanbul. Through their eyes and ears, we are shown an intimate portrait of the life of a city and its people.

  • DocuClub LA: A Town Called Victoria

    Monday, February 24, 2020 - 7:00pm PST
    Los Angeles, CA

    Please join the IDA & Film Independent on Mon. Feb. 24, for the first DocuClub LA of 2020 with a screening of the docuseries 'A Town Called Victoria'. Following the screening, we will be joined by director/producer, Li Lu, producer, Anthony Pedone, and editor Evita YuePu Zhou for a moderated discussion.

  • DocuClub NY: SAUDADE

    Monday, October 21, 2019 - 7:00pm
    New York, NY

    Join IDA & DCTV for a work-in-progress screening of filmmaker Theresa Ortolani's 'SAUDADE: Name of the Father.'

  • DocuClub LA: MEMPHIS

    Monday, September 9, 2019 - 7:00pm
    Los Angeles, CA

    Join IDA and Film Independent on Mon. Sept 9, for a WIP screening & feedback session of 'Memphis.