The HER Docs Foundation invites documentary filmmakers to participate in the fifth edition of HER Development, a workshop for women directors. The workshop will take place as part of the HER Docs Film Festival & Forum on September 29–30, 2026, in Warsaw.

We welcome applications from cis, trans women directors and non-binary persons working on their first or second documentary film (mid-length or feature-length). Projects should be at the development or early production stage.

The workshop will be led by film marketing expert Joanna Solecka, producer Anna Wydra, and director Zuzanna Solakiewicz.

In an intimate and supportive setting, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the potential of their projects, the challenges of the creative process and production, and gain an understanding of the basic tools of film marketing.

Participation is free of charge, but the number of places is limited. Applications should be sent to info@herdocs.pl by September 3, 2026.

Applicants will be notified of the results by email no later than September 10, 2026.

Applications should be submitted as a PDF and include:

• full name, email address, and phone number,
• a short biography and filmography,
• a logline (1–2 sentences summarizing the film),
• a film synopsis (1–2 pages),
• a director’s statement (max. 1 page),
• a motivation letter including a brief description of the current stage of the project and its most important needs (max. 1 page),
• if available, video materials (teaser, trailer, or film excerpts/scenes; the material should be available via a Vimeo link and should not exceed 10 minutes in total).

The workshop is funded by the Polish Film Institute, with the support of the Andrzej Wajda Centre for Film Culture.

The industry programme HER Docs Forum will take place on October 1–2, 2026. Follow programme updates on herdocs.pl and our social media channels.