The HBO Development Award, provided by Warner Bros. Discovery, signifies HBO’s commitment to fostering local documentary talent. This new addition aims to support and bring unique documentary visions to life, potentially culminating in HBO content. Applications for Verzió DocLab are open until September 9, targeting first- and second-time feature-length directors from various countries, including those in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as Ukraine and Georgia.
Verzió DocLab is known for its collaborative environment where international teams can share experiences and work on their projects. Under the guidance of seasoned mentors such as editor Réka Lemhényi, director-editor Anna Kis, and producer and storytelling strategist Jesper Jack, participants will refine their film projects' narrative elements. These mentors bring extensive industry experience, with notable works and academic accolades.
The workshop’s structure promotes both individual and group development, culminating in the Verzió DocLab Pitch. Here, participants present their projects to a panel of festival curators, distributors, television decision-makers, and producers. This platform not only provides visibility but also connects emerging filmmakers with influential industry professionals.
In addition to the HBO Development Award, Verzió DocLab offers several other prestigious awards. The Hungarian production and post-production company Focusfox will provide the Focusfox Award, consisting of 16 hours of Baselight Digital Broadcast coloring valued at EUR 2,500. This work will be done under the expertise of senior colorist Szabolcs Barta.
The best Hungarian project will receive an award from Madoke, the Association of Hungarian Documentary Filmmakers, which includes long-term mentoring collaboration to support the project's development. Furthermore, the DAE Encouragement Award by the Documentary Association of Europe offers the winning project's producer a one-year membership at DAE and a bespoke consultation with a DAE expert.
Another notable prize is the Bio to B Award, which grants an Industry Pass at the Biografilm Festival for two project team members and an opportunity to attend the Bio to B 2025 Pitching Forum out of competition. This exposure to international festival circuits can significantly advance the winning project’s reach and impact.
Past workshop participants have achieved considerable success in both Hungarian and international festivals, as well as in cinema and online distribution. Notable alumni include Alisa Kovalenko's "We Will Not Fade Away" and Bálint Révész and Dávid Mikulán's "KIX."
Verzió DocLab is part of the Doc Around Europe festival network and is supported by the Creative Europe Media program. The workshop’s international scope and the inclusion of filmmakers from diverse regions underscore its commitment to fostering a rich tapestry of documentary storytelling.
Aspiring documentary filmmakers are encouraged to apply via the Verzió DocLab website by the September 9 deadline. Participation in the workshop is free, and selected teams will receive accreditation for the entire festival. For more information, visit Verzió DocLab.
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