Netflix is once again throwing open the doors to the documentary world’s next wave of talent, as its Documentary Talent Fund returns for a fourth year – and with it, a clear statement of intent: bold new voices belong front and centre.
The initiative, which has quietly become one of the most effective launchpads for emerging filmmakers across the UK and Ireland, will back five new short documentaries in 2026, each with a £30,000 budget and hands-on creative support from Netflix and industry leaders. Since its launch, the fund has been designed not simply to finance films, but to elevate filmmakers who have talent, perspective and something to say – particularly those historically under-represented in the industry. The result has been a growing pipeline of distinctive, festival-ready work and careers that have gone on to gain serious momentum.
Kate Townsend, Netflix Documentaries, said:
“We hope that aspiring filmmakers from across the UK and Ireland will gather their teams over the next month, ahead of applications opening in January, to come up with some amazing and surprising ideas for a short documentary. We are looking to work with creatives who may have some experience within the industry but are looking for the next opportunity to super-charge their careers. This is a great moment for us to engage with the next generation of documentary makers and support where we can.”
Selected teams will receive far more than funding. Under the guidance of Netflix and leading filmmaking professionals, participants will take part in workshops spanning every corner of production – from creative development and legal frameworks to HR, finance and delivery.
The programme is intentionally structured as a stepping stone: a practical, confidence-building route to the next stage of a filmmaker’s career.
The fund’s track record speaks for itself. To date, it has supported 21 films, which have collectively screened more than 65 times at festivals worldwide. Alumni have gone on to secure BAFTA Breakthrough recognition, Screen Scotland funding, Grierson and Critics’ Circle nominations, and placements on programmes including BAFTA Elevate and the Werner Herzog ‘Experience Azores’ workshop. Several have progressed to BFI-backed projects and high-profile industry lists, quietly reshaping the documentary landscape along the way.
Each finished film will run between eight and 12 minutes and will be released on Netflix’s See What’s Next YouTube channel following festival runs.
The creative brief for this year’s fund is succinct: “CHANGE”.
Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch at Netflix’s UK headquarters in summer 2026. Elisabeth Hopper returns as Lead Producer for the fourth year, joined by Georgie Yukiko Donovan (Unit Director, Heart of Invictus) and Daisy Ifama, herself a Documentary Talent Fund alum.
Post-production support will once again be provided by Molinare Creative Group, whose award-winning team will deliver full end-to-end services for all five films, alongside an in-depth post-production workshop designed to demystify one of the most critical stages of the process.
In an industry where opportunity can be elusive and access uneven, Netflix’s Documentary Talent Fund has become a rare thing: a meaningful intervention that doesn’t just spotlight emerging filmmakers but gives them the tools to stay.
Applications open on 9 January and close on 12 February 2026, with filmmakers asked to submit a one-sentence logline, a short synopsis and a creative statement. Applicants must be based in the UK or Ireland and can submit one project each.
Full details about applications are available here
