HER Development

HER Development is a unique workshop program for women directors working on their first or second documentary film – medium or feature-length. Conducted in an intimate group of women creators and experts, it promotes openness, free exchange of experiences and in-depth analysis of the creative process.

Participants, selected through an open call, gain space to develop their projects, discuss artistic and production challenges and acquire valuable knowledge about marketing and presence on the film market.

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.

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

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.