Northern Doc Fund 2025 Opens

Northern Heart Films is now accepting applications for its unique support scheme, specifically designed for emerging Northern working-class filmmakers.

The Northern Doc Fund is the UK’s only documentary fund for Northern working-class filmmakers.

Northern Heart Films is now accepting applications for its unique support scheme, specifically designed for emerging Northern working-class filmmakers.

It recognises the significant underrepresentation of working-class voices within the film and television industry, both on and off-screen. Many talented individuals face substantial barriers to entry and sustained career progression. The scheme aims to address these challenges by providing emerging filmmakers with the resources and support necessary to effect positive change within the industry.

This year, two successful applicants will each receive a £3,000 cash grant, comprehensive mentoring, post-production support from Leeds based Post House Sticks & Glass, an industry pass to Sheffield DocFest '25, and a cinema screening at Leigh Film Factory.

Co-Founder of Northern Heart, and award-winning Director Natasha Hawthornthwaite is incredibly proud that the Northern Doc Fund has made it to year three,

“I’m working class and it’s a massive struggle to get your foot in the door. There aren’t that many schemes around specifically supporting new documentary makers, we want to change that. ”

For the first time, it will host a live pitch at this year’s LA1 Shorts Film Festival at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster. Filmmakers will present their projects to a panel of experienced industry judges, who will select the two recipients of the award.

It is pleased to announce the participation of Waël Kabbani from Iambic Dream Films, recently the Executive Producer on the award winning film The End, starring Tilda Swinton and George MacKay.

“While working with Northern Heart on two films and witnessing how much they do for their communities, Iambic Dream Films and I knew that our values and goals matched up well with theirs. We’re very proud to support their Doc Fund this year.” Said Waël.

The scheme also welcomes Film In Mind to provide wellbeing support.

These new partnerships will significantly enhance the support package provided to the winning filmmakers.

DEADLINE: The Northern Doc Fund is open for submissions until midnight on the 22nd of April.

For further information and application details, please visit the website: northernheartfilms.com/docfund

The partners of the Northern Doc Fund are: Creative Lancashire, Wigan Borough Council, Iambic Dream Films, Sticks & Glass, Film In Mind, LA1 Shorts, The Dukes, Sheffield Doc Fest.