PROXIMA is the section of Doc at Work - Industry dedicated to Italian films in editing and post-production; an opportunity to discover the Italian documentary cinema of the immediate future and present it to programmers of international festivals and other film professionals.

A maximum of 6 titles will be selected; each project will have 5’ to pitch the film and will be able to show an excerpt of 12’ (maximum). One-to-One meetings with festival programmers, sales agents, distributors and other professionals will follow. 

Participation Requirements

Only projects that fully meet the following criteria are eligible for the selection:

• be a non-fiction film
• be a film intended for cinema distribution
• have a duration of more than 60'
• be a film of Italian production or co-production (including minority) and/or directed by an Italian director or a director based in Italy
• be in the advanced editing or post-production status
• expect the world premiere no earlier than January 2025
• not have already confirmed agreements for the Italian and international premiere

Submit your application

Applications must be sent until September 1st, 2025 through the following submission form.

To submit your application, you must attach a dossier (maximum 4 pages) containing the following information:

• technical details of the film and of the artistic and technical cast
• indications regarding the production, sources of funding already confirmed; any distribution agreements already in place (e.g. sales agents, TV, theatrical distribution, festivals, etc.); any participation in other markets, workshops or professional events in Italy or abroad
• indications on the status of the project and expected date of delivery
• synopsis and director's note
• images or other artistic materials

You will also be asked to send a Vimeo link (with download option) to the teaser or an excerpt from the film (maximum duration 15 minutes).

Selection

The results of the selection will be communicated privately after the 30th of September 2025.

 Conditions of participation

Participation in Doc at Work - Proxima is free of charge.

Director and producer of the selected films will receive free industry accreditation for the Festival dei Popoli, as well as an invitation to the festival networking activities. The festival does not cover travel and accommodation costs.