DOCULAB: DOCUMENTARY LABORATORY

Call for entries for documentary projects in the editing stage

To support documentary filmmakers and their projects in the early stages of editing, requiring analytical and conceptual guidance with a view to completing post-production processes, the 18th edition of DocuLab: Documentary Laboratory will take place during the 41st edition of the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), from 17th to 25th April 2026.

 

To submit a project to DocuLab: Documentary Laboratory, applicants must complete the online submission form, available at the following link: https://vp.eventival.com/ficg/2026 from Wednesday 17th September to Friday 5th December 2025, by 18:00 (Central Mexico Time – UTC-6).

 

Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, and a good command of English is recommended, as some of the activities will be conducted in English. 

 

Selected projects will receive:

 

  • The opportunity to present their film to national and international professionals attending DocuLab.
  • Shared accommodation in Guadalajara, Mexico for the duration of DocuLab.
  • Accreditation with access to industry activities, masterclasses, screenings, and the Guadalajara Film Market.

 

Important: Unfortunately, DocuLab is unable to cover transportation expenses for selected participants.

Requirements

  1. Applicants must be citizens of one of the 19 Ibero-American countries with a documentary film project currently in the editing stage. 

 

  1. Eligible countries include: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and from the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Spain, and Portugal. Although Puerto Rico is not officially part of the Ibero-American region, DocuLab extends its invitation to Puerto Rican filmmakers due to the shared language and cultural ties. 

 

  1. Applicants holding residency or dual citizenship from any of the aforementioned countries are also eligible, provided they submit the necessary documentation during the selection process. 

 

  1. Projects that have participated in, or been selected for, more than one Work in Progress laboratory prior to DocuLab will not be accepted.

 

  1. The following materials must be submitted: 

 

  • Create a profile on the Eventival platform (https://vp.eventival.com/ficg/2026), to access and fully complete the submission form.
  • A password-protected streaming link to the film (no WeTransfer), with English subtitles (mandatory for selection).

 

Important: The submitted version must be between 60 and 90 minutes in length, including credits. Submissions consisting of teasers, trailers, or incomplete cuts outside this time range will be automatically disqualified.

 

  1. Submissions containing false information regarding nationality or editing stage, or that are incomplete, will be disqualified. 

 

  1. Only films that present the first or second cut for this call will be considered. Documentaries at an advanced stage of editing or completed in their entirety will not be accepted. 

 

  1. Submissions must be made individually. In the case of a co-directed film, only the submitting director will be invited. If additional directors wish to attend, all related expenses must be covered by the project team. 

 

  1. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure they have a valid passport, visa and/or any required documents to enter Mexico. 

 

  1. If selected, participants must send a digital file of the film with English subtitles (via Vimeo, WeTransfer, Google Drive, MyAirBridge, etc.) to trafico@ficg.mx a digital file of the cut of the film via online (Vimeo, Wetransfer, google drive, Myairbridge) and two (2) Blu-ray copies, also with English subtitles, to the FICG offices. A deadline for sending these materials will be communicated following the selection announcement.

 

  1. All shipping costs for exhibition materials must be covered by the participant and must be sent via private courier (Mexican postal services are not reliable for this purpose). 

 

  1. Submission to DocuLab is free of charge. 

 

  1. The selected projects agree to insert the DocuLab and FICG logo in the final copy and give the corresponding credits. 

 

  1. Selected projects may be eligible for various post-production and mobility awards offered through DocuLab.

Selection process

The final selection will be made by a Selection Committee comprising professionals and specialists in the documentary field. 

Results

Results will be communicated via email to selected directors, who must then confirm their attendance and participation.

Conditions of participation

  1. By registering for this call, the participant declares under oath that they are the legitimate holder of all rights over the information, documents, and materials submitted, and that they have obtained all necessary authorizations for participation in the program. 

 

  1. It is hereby established that if, as a result of this activity, the participant violates any intellectual property right of a third party, it will be his/her responsibility, and he/she agrees to hold FICG harmless from any liability in the event of a possible claim regarding intellectual property and copyrights.

 

  1. Participants grant FICG a non-exclusive, free, and revocable authorization to use the information, documents, materials, and content submitted, solely for purposes related to evaluation, promotion, and dissemination of the program. This authorization does not imply any transfer of ownership or exploitation rights.

 

  1. Participants authorize FICG to use their name, image, company name, materials, and any general information contained in the submitted documentation exclusively for cultural, promotional, informational, or dissemination purposes, without generating any obligation of remuneration, payment, or financial compensation. This authorization does not imply the transfer of intellectual property rights over the submitted works or projects.

 

  1. Registration and participation constitute express acceptance of all the provisions contained in this and related calls, as well as the guidelines, internal policies, and administrative decisions issued by FICG, which shall apply throughout all stages of the process. Failure to comply with one or more clauses may result in cancellation of participation or disqualification from competition.

 

  1. FICG maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward disrespectful behavior, harassment, or any situation that endangers the integrity of guests, the organizing committee, the public, or volunteers.

 

  1. Both parties agree that FICG is the sole owner of the logo, brand, and visual identity associated with the call, project, competition, award, and/or event, which may be modified if necessary. Any use of these materials is subject to prior written authorization from FICG.

 

  1. Participants are strictly prohibited from creating, printing, reproducing, or using any materials that include, but are not limited to, the image or branding of the Guadalajara International Film Festival, without prior authorization.

 

  1. The evaluation and selection of participants will be carried out by a committee appointed by FICG. The committee’s decisions are final and unappealable. No individual feedback will be provided for non-selected projects.

 

  1. Any situation not covered by this call will be interpreted and resolved by FICG, which reserves the right to make modifications, adjustments, or updates to this call at any time, if deemed necessary for the proper development of the program. Likewise, any disputes arising from the interpretation, application, or execution of this call will be resolved definitively and without appeal by FICG.

 

  1. Participation, selection, award, or exhibition of a project does not imply the existence of an employment, commercial, partnership, or joint venture relationship between the parties. Each party shall remain fully independent and legally separate, assuming its own rights and obligations before third parties. Participation does not constitute an agency or representation relationship; therefore, participants may not present themselves as agents, representatives, or legal proxies of the Guadalajara International Film Festival.

 

  1. It is the responsibility of foreign participants to possess a valid passport, entry permit, and/or visa required to enter Mexico.

 

The FICG, located at Av. Periférico Norte Manuel Gómez Morín 1695, Zapopan, Jalisco, will use your personal data solely for purposes related to your participation. Please review the privacy notice at https://ficg.mx/es/avisos

 

For more information, write to: doculab@ficg.mx

DocuLab: Documentary Laboratory

Re-Think

Re-Start 

Re-Imagine

REGISTER YOUR PROJECT HERE

PRIVACY NOTICE: The Guadalajara International Film Festival, domiciled at Avenida Periférico Norte 1695, Rinconada de Azalea, Zapopan, Mexico; will use your personal data collected for: all the points described in this call for entries and will also store the projects for documentation purposes. For more information about the treatment and the rights you can assert, you can access the comprehensive privacy notice through the following link https: https://ficg.mx/aviso-privacidad/