This summer, CNEX launches CNEX DOC ACADEMY, a new international professional development program for documentary creators. Bringing together internationally acclaimed directors, editors, and producers, the Academy supports filmmakers in advancing their projects through thematic workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and cross-cultural exchange.
CNEX DOC ACADEMY consists of four programs: Short Docs Lab, Editing Lab, Producers’ Lab, and Storytelling Lab. Open calls will be announced in phases. Participation is free of charge for all programs, and all workshops will be conducted in English.
Storytelling Lab
Storytelling lies at the heart of documentary filmmaking. From choosing a subject to shaping a perspective and structuring the narrative, the development of a story often determines the creative direction of a documentary. CNEX Academy – Storytelling Lab invites documentary filmmakers to participate in an intensive workshop with international mentors and industry professionals.
4 mentors are internationally acclaimed documentary filmmakers, producers, and editors — Jean Tsien, Kim A. Snyder, Lisa Cortés, and Roger Ross Williams. Drawing on decades of experience across directing, producing, and editing, they have each developed distinctive approaches to storytelling while exploring issues of history, society, and the human condition through documentary. Throughout the workshop, the mentors will work closely with selected participants through one-on-one consultations and group discussions, helping them refine their story’s core, strengthen character development and narrative structure, and discover the storytelling approach best suited to their projects.
Through one-on-one consultations, project discussions, case studies, and panel sessions, participants will explore different approaches to documentary storytelling, character development, and narrative structure.
The lab aims to help filmmakers clarify their creative direction, strengthen their story structure, and lay a stronger foundation for the further development of their projects.
Participation in the workshop is free.
▶ Workshop location: Taipei, Taiwan
Eligibility Requirements
The Storytelling Lab will select a total of four teams, two Taiwan-based projects and two from Asia. We welcome any filmmaker with a story worth telling.
- The submitted project must be a documentary project and may be at any stage of production.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- As the workshop will be conducted with international mentors, applicants should have sufficient English proficiency to discuss their project proposals.
- If selected, participants are required to attend the full workshop. Applicants who cannot participate in person will lose eligibility.
Application Submission
- Application and participation in the workshop are free. Applications must be submitted online through the application website by 23:59, 4, Oct, 2026.
- Selected participants will be announced at the end of Oct, 2026.
