DMZ Docs

DMZ Docs Industry 2025 Guidelines Production Pitch Submission

DMZ Docs Pitch

DMZ Docs Industry was established to develop, support, and promote outstanding documentary projects in Korea and Asia. In 2025, DMZ Docs Industry increased the size and reach of its support by diversifying its partnerships. In addition to ICHCAP's ongoing support of intangible cultural heritage initiatives to advance cultural diversity and sustainable development, the recently established "Newstapa X DMZ Docs Asia Fund" will provide funding to Asian independent projects that address social agendas and issues in Asia. DMZ Docs Industry will make every effort to assist documentary producers who, in spite of the challenging conditions, are creating significant works.

* The ‘2025 DMZ Docs Industry Pitch’ will be held from September 11 to 17, 2025, during the 17th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival

* The 'Netherlands-Korea Co-production Funds' call for entry will be announced in early June.

1. Overview

A. Cash Awards and Supporting Fund

Category		Cash Awards	Number of Selections	Total Financing Amount	Support Details
Production Pitch	Production Pitch (Korea/Asia)	Cash Awards per Project 30,000,000KRW 1 20,000,000KRW 2 10,000,000KRW *11	14	180,000,000 KRW
Production Pitch	ICHCAP Fund (Korea/Asia)	Supporting Fund 10,000,000KRW *1	1	10,000,000 KRW	Will be selected from the projects that were submitted to the "Production Pitch"
a total of 15 films / 190,000,000 KRW

* The number of selected projects and the amount of support may vary depending on the situation.

B. Additional Benefits for the Selected Projects

Awards	Country / Number	Support Details and Eligibilites
Newstapa Witness Fund	Korea / 1	Fund Support - 10,000,000 KRW Independent documentary project about social issues of Korea Projects which a creator (director or a producer) is registered in Korea Short length version (about 30 min.) of selected projects will be presented through online platform of the Newstapa
Newstapa X DMZ Docs Asia Fund	Asia / 1	Fund Support - 10,000,000 KRW Independent documentary project about social issues of Asia. Projects which a creator (director or a producer) is registered in any countries in Asia (except Korea). Short length version (about 30 min.) of selected projects will be presented through online platform of the Newstapa
DocEdge Kolkata Award	Korea / 1	Invitation for 2026 DocEdge Kolkata(Airfare and accommodations included) Feature-length (over 60 min.) documentary projects which will be completed and presented since the latter half of 2026. Creator of projects (director or a producer) MUST attend DocEdge Kolkata Forum in March, 2026.
Korea University of Media Arts Award	Korea / 2	D.I and DCP Mastering Feature-length (over 60 min.) documentary project which plans for conducting post-production work(D.I) in 2026.
AIDC Award	Korea, Asia / 1	2026 AIDC Accreditation

* The grantees of the in-kind support and awards from the partner organizations will be decided following the pitching session, taking into account their eligibility.
* Additional benefits may vary depending on the situation.

C. Eligibilities

Production Pitch
(Korea/Asia)

Feature-length (over 60 min.) projects aiming to be completed since 2026 January.
Documentary projects created by director or producers of Asian nationalities.
The copyright must be held by the creator or applicant as an original work of art intended for screening on multiple platforms, including its theatrical release.
- Selected projects will be invited to the 2025 DMZ Docs Lab, the pre-training & consulting workshop for the main sessions of DMZ Docs Industry
  (The exact schedule will be announced later.)
- The trailer with English subtitles should be submitted by August 15, 2015 for the pitching event at the 2025 DMZ Docs Industry Programs
  (September 11 to September 17).

2. Application period and application method

A. Application period: 2025.05.27.(Tue) - 2025.06.15.(Sun) 17:00 (KST/GMT+9)

B. How to apply

① Click on 'Application Guide'→ 'Apply for Project' on the DMZ Docs Industry website.
② Fill out the online application form and attach the required documents.
③ After submission, check the application completion email that will be sent.

C. Required documents Download

① Online application form
② Budget sheet (designated format) : Submit as an Excel file.
③ Video Materials : a clip of selected scenes (under 20 min./mandatory)

D. Notes on submission

① If it is difficult to submit online, download the form for submission documents, fill it out, and submit it via email.

- Submission email: submit.industry@dmzdocs.com
- Email subject: Project name_Applicant name

② Submitted documents will not be returned, and cannot be replaced after submission.
③ Projects that do not meet the requirements and qualifications for the competition, or projects that cannot be reviewed due to incomplete application forms and documents, will be excluded from the review without notice.
④ All communication will be sent to the applicant's email address, so please make sure to provide an accurate email address.

3. Selection Process

A. Selection through the screening committee organized by the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival.

B. Announcement of selected works: Individual notification and publication of selected works on the website (scheduled for July).

4. Obligation of the Recipient

A. After the end of the contract period, the grant must be settled according to the usage guidelines. (Submit a settlement report and a results report)

B. For projects that have been completed, the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival and the Gyeonggi-do logo must be included in the credits when submitting the screening copy for the film festival. (Designated form)

C. Report on the progress and achievements of the project, through a support program of the DMZ Docs Industry.
(e.g. whether the film has been screened at a film festival, won an award, or been released in Korea or abroad, etc.)

* All reports will be used as a references for 「 Current Status of Korean Industry of Documentary 」, which has been published every year by DMZ Docs.

5. Contact

DMZ Docs Industry
E-mail. submit.industry@dmzdocs.com
Tel. +82-31-936-7381