Programs

Accessible artist development opportunities for disabled filmmakers

Tinted blue, Two people touch hands while talking at Getting Real 2018.
Two people touch hands while talking at Getting Real 2018.
Tinted purple, Two people touch hands while talking at Getting Real 2018.
Jennifer Brea and Lindsey Dryden speak on stage in London, on the screen behind them, text says, "Woman with a movie camera preview. Unrest plus Q&A with director Jennifer Brea and producer Lindsey Dryden.

Professional Development Made Accessible

As part of our commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion, FWD-Doc is proud to innovate and partner with industry collaborators on accessible programs that focus on skill building, mentorship and networking for our members and disabled creatives around the globe.

Learn more about our active programs below.

Docs in Progress in partnership with FWD-Doc, funding in part by the National Endowment for the Arts

Docs In Progress has partnered with FWD-Doc for the Filmmakers with Disabilities Fellowship Program. It builds upon Docs In Progress’ long tradition of training filmmakers in the art and business of documentary filmmaking. The goal of this fellowship is to provide disabled filmmakers a facilitated support system as well as target training culminating with creating clear deliverables that are necessary to thrive creatively and professionally. Join a community of filmmakers and get the support to bring your documentary to life.

Meet the Fellows
In a grid, the Filmmakers with Disability Fellows: Adam Villani, Aschalew Chechebo, Breanna E. Perera, Corey Evans, Dashiell Meier, Derek Dabkoski, Isabella Vargas, Rachel Handler, Rachel Kolb

Berlinale EFM Toolbox Program

Participants Selected by FWD-Doc

The European Film Market (EFM) Doc Toolbox program is part of the EFM's Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. Launched in 2020, the program brings filmmakers together from across the world to expand their skills, build their networks, navigate the film market and more. Since 2023, FWD-Doc has sent members with disabilities to the program, to bridge the access between our members and the larger industry, and remain the only organization focused on disability to send members to the program.

Candid photo of EFM Toolbox members prepare to take a group photo.

Past FWD-Doc Participants

Reveca is a woman of color with dark brown hair, and short piecey bangs, smiling.

Reveca Torres
2024

Del is a white man with short graying hair, thin-framed glasses and a blazer.

Del Whetter
2023

Hannah Tookey
2025

Hannah Tookey is a white woman with light brown long hair and a black long-sleeve shirt. Behind her, a green wall.