02/10/2023 - The special programme on impact strategy for documentaries is welcoming submissions until 6 October

A previous edition of FIFDH Impact Days (© FIFDH/Miguel Bueno)

FIFDH Impact Days, the special programme on impact strategy for documentaries at any stage of production, is looking for its 2024 participants. Celebrating its sixth year, Impact Days has played a pivotal role in empowering numerous participants to enhance and magnify the influence of their endeavours. With strategic partnerships, documentaries possess the ability to stir emotions and drive individuals to take tangible steps. Impact Days specialise in nurturing valuable connections between filmmakers and prominent figures within the extensive network of organisations, policymakers, and funders. Impact Days is part of the Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH), the 22^nd edition of which runs from 8-17 March 2024.

During the months of January and February, Impact Days’ comprehensive program encompasses both online and in-person components. It includes an Impact Lab designed for the chosen projects participating in Impact Days and a strategy workshop tailored to the needs of NGOs and other global organisations. As March nears, a broader professional audience arrives in Geneva for an enriching three-day event filled with public presentations, in-depth impact case studies, engaging discussions with influential figures in the field of impact, and carefully curated networking sessions. These activities are open to a diverse range of participants, including international filmmakers, impact producers, NGOs, philanthropic entities, and members of the media.

Every year, Impact Days carefully choose sixteen documentary projects from a pool of over a hundred international entries. These selected filmmaking teams receive guidance and mentoring from expert tutors over several weeks to craft a compelling impact strategy for their respective projects. As the FIFDH festival gains momentum in March, the Impact Days team facilitates in-person connections between these teams and potential impact partners in Geneva and across the global landscape.

An international panel of impact experts will evaluate projects rooted in thoughtful and in-depth storytelling. These projects must showcase a compelling visual approach and a well-defined vision for the impact they aim to create. Consequently, applications from independent filmmakers and/or producers who are dedicated to achieving outreach goals and actively seek partners and collaborators to maximise the influence of their films within the realms of social justice and human rights.

Selected film teams will gain access to a range of valuable benefits, including expert training on various aspects such as defining impact goals, developing and executing impact strategies, crafting impactful pitches, identifying potential partners beyond the documentary realm, and engaging strategic audiences. This training, conducted by international experts and impact producers, will be conducted online in January and February 2024. 

Moreover, participants will have the chance to publicly present their projects and impact campaigns in Geneva on 12 March, in front of potential funders and impact partners, including NGOs, civil society organisations, and journalists. Additionally, they will enjoy curated opportunities to connect with influential figures and organisations relevant to their specific issues through pre-arranged one-to-one meetings. Finally, participants will have the chance to network with a diverse community of current and past Impact Days attendees, including filmmakers, producers, impact producers, experts, lab tutors, and other FIFDH Festival participants, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The submission is free of charge and the deadline for project submissions is 6 October 2023 at midnight CET. All the information can be found here.