Montreal, Friday, October 30, 2026 – Forum RIDM is pleased to unveil the lineup for its 22nd edition, presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF), which will take place from November 20 to 25, 2026. A flagship event for the documentary community, the Forum remains true to its mission of supporting documentary creators by offering them concrete tools for the development of their projects through workshops, discussions and networking activities, while facilitating the financing and distribution of their works through pitch sessions and the presence of guests from both Canada and abroad.
For 22 years, Forum RIDM has served as a privileged space for meetings and exchanges, bringing together each year over 400 documentary industry professionals from around thirty countries. Its rich and diverse programming includes several initiatives and not-to-be-missed events including Doc Lab Montréal (November 20 to 22) and its pitch sessions (November 23-24), Rough Cut Pitch (November 23-24), Face-à-Face (November 25), Expert Tables (November 23-24) and several Talks on current issues in the field of documentary cinema.
This new edition will kick off with the Opening Breakfast: People of the Industry (November 23) presented by the Bell Fund, a first opportunity to bring the community together and spark conversations. In the evening, the Opening Happy Hour, co-presented with DOC Québec, will offer a valuable opportunity to meet local and international guests and initiate enriching exchanges in a friendly atmosphere. Discussions will continue the following day with a second Networking Happy Hour (November 24), providing an ideal setting for new collaborations.
DOC LAB MONTRÉAL| From November 20 to 22
A key initiative of Forum RIDM, Doc Lab Montréal supports the development of bold documentary projects led by emerging filmmakers and producers from Quebec, Canada, and abroad. Over three days, mentors from diverse professional backgrounds guide participants who benefit from personalized support aimed at refining their artistic approach, strengthening their production strategies and fostering the emergence of high-potential creative documentaries. This intensive program ends with a pitch session in front of a panel of renowned industry professionals, offering visibility, constructive feedback, and opportunities for support through awards presented by Rogers, Eurodoc, Main Film, Grandé Studios, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), CineGround, Lightdox, Orizon 9, SLA Location, Bam Music, Royal Photo, DOK Leipzig, Lussier & Khouzam, Vidéographe, Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre (CFMDC), and T&S Coop.
The cohort brings together creators selected following a call for projects—which, for the first time, was open internationally—as well as participants from RACCORD and Wapikoni, for whom spots have been reserved. The initiative is supported by the Canada Media Fund’s (CMF) Changing Narratives Fund.
The 2026 cohort projects:
FEATURE FILMS
A Dinosaur’s Film directed by Samy Benammar (Quebec/Canada, France)
Alien Nation directed by Khaula Haider Malik, and produced by David Felix Sutcliffe (United States, United Kingdom)
Augustus directed by Anamê Gnanguenon, and produced by Éric Idriss-Kanago (Quebec/Canada)
Bocaina directed by Pedro Gonçalves Ribeiro, and produced by Thiago Macêdo Correia (Brazil)
dear fitz directed by Mustafa Uzuner (Quebec/Canada, Portugal, Türkiye)
I Birthed my Father directed by Layla Tosifi (Canada)
Le rap de la forêt directed by Ralff Therance Lhyliann, and produced by Erickey Bahati (Republic of the Congo)
Marcilla directed and produced by Martin Edralin (Canada)
Notes on Blindness directed and produced by Felipe López Gómez (Canada, Colombia, Italy)
Our Language directed by Barbara Kneževic, and produced by Jelena Angelovskiand Nathan O’Donnell (Ireland)
Senza Fine directed by Iván Castiñeiras Gallego, and produced by Tahar Kessi and Tamara Binet (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal)
Untitled documentary film on Ghassan Kanafani directed by Maya Serhan, and produced by Lama Al-Arian (Lebanon, United States)
SHORT AND MEDIUM-LENGTH FILMS
Am I Crying Loud Enough?directed by Kim Ninkuru (Quebec/Canada)
Differences Between U and Idirected by Roxana Baloiu (Quebec/Canada)
Land of the Midnight Sundirected by Félix Cayer (Canada) - in partnership with RACCORD
Nomades urbains directed by Manuel Kak'wa Kurtness (Mashteuiatsh/Canada) - in partnership with Wapikoni
Récits latentsdirected by Mélina Costa (Québec/Canada)
Rooted directed by Laurence Vollant-Vachon (Pessamit/Canada) - in partnership with Wapikoni
Shawafa directed by Lina Sarhani (Quebec/Canada/Morocco)
Still Life directed by Romane Garant Chartrand, and produced by Laurie Pominville (Quebec/Canada)
The Snail and the Giant Sunflower directed by Mehdi Balamissa (Quebec/Canada)
Une virée directed by Rosalie Pelletier (Quebec/Canada)
INDUSTRY MARKET - From November 23 to 25
DOC LAB MONTRÉAL PITCH
Pitch Doc Lab Montréal - Against the Grain| November 23
Presentation of six selected national and international feature film projects. Bold works that challenge the conventions of documentary cinema and rethink our perceptions of the world: A Dinosaur’s Film (Samy Benammar), Bocaina (Pedro Gonçalves Ribeiro), dear fitz (Mustafa Uzuner), I Birthed my Father (Layla Tosifi), Notes on Blindness (FelipeLópez Gómez), and Our Language (Barbara Kneževic).
Pitch Doc Lab Montréal - Horizons| November 24
Unveiling of the six selected feature documentary projects. Captivating stories plunge us into the heart of unique journeys that place humanity at the core of their concerns: Alien Nation (Khaula Haider Malik), Augustus (Anamê Gnanguenon), Le rap de la forêt (Ralff Therance Lhyliann), Marcilla (Martin Edralin), Senza Fine (Iván Castiñeiras Gallego), and Untitled documentary film on Ghassan Kanafani(Maya Serhan).
Pitch Doc Lab Montréal - Short & Sweet| November 24
Presentation of 10 short and medium-length film projects from Quebec and across Canada selected for Doc Lab Montréal, a format that serves as a vital training ground for emerging voices in the documentary industry. The projects presented this year: Am I Crying Loud Enough? (Kim Ninkuru), Differences Between U and I (Roxana Baloiu), Land of the Midnight Sun (Félix Cayer), Nomades urbains (Manuel Kak'wa Kurtness), Récits latents (Mélina Costa), Rooted (Laurence Vollant-Vachon), Shawafa (Lina Sarhani), Still Life (Romane Garant Chartrand), The Snail and the Giant Sunflower (Mehdi Balamissa), and Une virée (Rosalie Pelletier).
Supported by the CMF, the Rough Cut Pitch offers a unique showcase for national and international auteur documentary projects in the editing or post-production phase, seeking to develop their international distribution and marketing strategies. Participants will present their projects in a pitch session to renowned industry professionals. Prizes will be awarded to the winning participants, courtesy of the Jacob Burns Film Center, POV Magazine, and Forum RIDM.
This year’s projects:
Beyond the Waves directed and produced by Chadi Bennani (Quebec/Canada)
Cumulusdirected and produced by Millefiore Clarkes, and co-produced by Jenna MacMillan (Canada)
Dobrila directed and produced by Mila Turajlic (Serbia, France)
Fenceddirected and produced by Gabriella García Pardo, and co-produced by Kellen Quinn (United States, Colombia)
Possible Worldsdirected by Aaron Zeghers, and produced by Simone Estrin (Canada)
Sierra Madre directed and produced by Karina Garcia Casanova (Quebec/Canada)
Son of the Streets directed and produced by Mohammed Almughanni, and co-produced by Rashid Abdelhamid (Palestine, Lebanon, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Songs for Tiny Beings directed by Mariana Flores Villalba, and produced by Nina Wara Carrasco (Mexico, Canada)
Producers’ Spotlight| November 23 and 24
This activity offers an opportunity to meet producers from the international delegations attending Forum RIDM, who will briefly introduce their companies and activities. It will give industry professionals a great opportunity to meet new partners, expand their networks, and open doors to future collaborations.
Rough Cut Pitch - Horizons| November 23
An overview of four feature documentaries in the post-production phase. Each film offers sensitive and thought-provoking perspectives on the world around us through distinctive explorations of the human, political, and environmental issues shaping our societies. These teams are looking to strengthen their distribution and international marketing strategies. The selected projects this year: Beyond the Waves (Chadi Bennani), Cumulus (Millefiore Clarkes), Fenced (Gabriella García Pardo), and Son of the Streets (Mohammed Almughanni).
Rough Cut Pitch - Against the Grain| November 24
A glimpse into four bold projects currently in their post-production phase. These works push the boundaries of documentary cinema through their unique visions and strong formal approaches. Currently in post-production, these feature films are looking to develop their international distribution and marketing strategies. The projects are: Dobrila (Mila Turajlic), Possible Worlds (Aaron Zeghers), Sierra Madre (Karina Garcia Casanova), and Songs for Tiny Beings (Mariana Flores Villalba).
DISCUSSIONS
Opening Breakfast: People of the Industry| November 23
Every year, Forum RIDM’s programming champions the importance of a more inclusive industry that is open to all. In the spirit of making the industry a welcoming place, what if we first took the time to get to know the people behind the positions and titles? In this informal conversation, leading industry figures share their journeys, their outlook on the world and the experiences that shaped their career paths. To kick off its 22nd edition, Forum RIDM invites participants to take a moment to meet the people who shape our industry today.
Presented by the Bell Fund.
#DocSafe: Sharing Best Practices for a Safer Industry| November 23
#DocSafe is an initiative that aims to foster safer and more respectful working environments in the documentary industry. The founder Jane Mote will introduce the initiative, its goals, and the impact of its work. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion, inviting participants to share their experiences, insights, and best practices to collectively improve working conditions across the industry.
David vs. Goliath: Micro-Cinemas and Independent Exhibition Spaces| November 23
While documentary films struggle to find their place within commercial distribution circuits, micro-cinemas and other independent exhibition spaces play a crucial role in making them accessible, all while facing the challenges of surviving an increasingly fragile economic landscape. This panel will explore the challenges facing auteur documentary distribution today, as well as new strategies used to reach audiences and navigate the power dynamics that shape the visibility of these films.
Presented with the support of Orizon 9.
The Multi-hyphenate Filmmaker: Artistic Choice or Necessity?| November 23
Documentary filmmakers are facing growing precarity, spread thin by the numerous roles they must play. Whether it is for their own productions or for their peers, many filmmakers cover everything from cinematography to editing, sound recording, music composition and producing. This versatility is sometimes an artistic choice, sometimes an economic necessity and, quite possibly, a mix of the two. The wide-ranging experience of our panelists, all “multi-hyphenate filmmakers”, will demystify this approach to production and open up a broader discussion on a range of topics. This will include perspectives on evolving funding models, the conditions of creation and production, the recognition of different crafts and skills, and how to build sustainable careers in this industry. This discussion with filmmakers Sylvain L’Espérance, Priscillia Piccoli, Jonah Malak, Alexandre Chartrand and Claire Sanford, hosted by director and producer Catherine Legault, will be an opportunity to reflect collectively on the auteur documentary ecosystem and the conditions required to ensure it continues to thrive.
Presented by DOC Québec.
Coproducing with Canada| November 24
This discussion offers an overview of funding mechanisms and collaboration opportunities available to international producers looking to co-produce with Canada, as well as emerging professionals seeking to better understand the ins and outs of domestic co-production. An opportunity to gain insight into Canada’s audiovisual landscape, identify key entry points and explore the conditions that foster lasting partnerships.
Act Respecting the Professional Status of Artists: Demystifying the Legal Framework for Quebec’s Audiovisual Sector| November 24
This panel is led by experts from the legal sector, professional associations, and the audiovisual community who will examine the historical context, key principles, benefits, and limitations of the legislation governing labor relations between producers and audiovisual professionals in Quebec. Moderated by Melissa Raymond (lawyer, Lussier & Khouzam and AJAVA Board member) and Amélie Lambert Bouchard (Executive director, OBSDOC), this discussion will take place with Hugo Hamelin (Entertainment lawyer, ARTEM), Mylène Cyr (lawyer and Executive director, ARRQ), and Olivier D. Asselin (director, producer, and President of DOC Québec).
Presented by the Documentary Network (OBSDOC) and the Association des juristes pour l’avancement de la vie artistique (AJAVA).
Archaeology of a Story: The Creative Potential of Archives in Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney| November 24
How can a new narrative emerge from images of the past? This case study explores the research and creative process behind Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney, directed by Matthew Rankin. From research to editing, the film’s team will unpack the choices that made it possible to shift the meaning of archival images, create new associations, and construct a distinctive reading of memory. A reflection on the creative possibilities of working with archival material and on archives as a medium to be reinvented and rewritten.
Creation Across Multiple Territories| November 24
Outside major cities, filmmakers and producers are developing their own ways of producing, storytelling and bringing films into circulation. This discussion proposes a shift in perspective. Rather than approaching these practices through the notion of margins, which always implies the existence of a center, we will map the plurality of cinematic territories. How do geographical, economic and cultural realities shape creative and production practices? What networks, production models and circuits of circulation emerge across these different territories? And how can these various trajectories transform our understanding of what constitutes national, local or international cinema?
Presented by the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC).
Lessons in cinema: Xi Feng’s Perspective on Editing| November 25
Through excerpts from Shifting Baselines, La Guardia Blanca, Caiti Blues, and The Shimmering Shadows, the film editor invites the public into her world: the world of editing, where images are reimagined and stories are transformed. Moderated by Jason Fox (founder and editor-in-chief of World Records), this master class with Xi Feng explores the narratives that are developed in the edit, the artistic choices that shape it and the ways rhythm, the pairing of images and silence can open up new perspectives on a film.
Experimental Documentary Storytelling| November 25
This discussion brings together filmmakers whose works are being presented at RIDM this year and who each explore the creative possibilities of documentary cinema, pushing its boundaries to develop new ways of telling real life stories through experimental approaches. Moderated by Benjamin R. Taylor (artist, programmer, and founder of VISIONS and la lumière collective), the discussion will be with Sharlene Bamboat (filmmaker, Haralez: The Noisy Beginnings of the Cradle),Guillaume Vallée (filmmaker, The HoloRazutis of Saturna), andAmanda Lickers and Miri Chek (visual artists and performers, Constellations).
Presented by the Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ).
Filming Catastrophe: What Does Cinema Still Have to Say?| November 25
What is cinema's place in the face of catastrophe, whether political, social, humanitarian or environmental? Bringing together the perspectives of filmmakers and industry professionals, this discussion will investigate what cinema can still tell, show or question when confronted with the societal realities that overwhelm us. It will also explore how images bear witness to these events, shaping our understanding of the world and contributing to building a collective memory. The discussion will also address the ethical and aesthetic challenges of filming in times of crisis: how can violence be represented without turning it into a spectacle? What role do a film’s subjects, their stories and their images, play? And how can cinema position itself between testimony, representation and taking a stand?
Presented by NAWAL.
International Co-production Lunch | November 23 and 24 (by invitation only)
This activity connects 2026 Forum RIDM international producer delegations with local producers to foster networking and encourage future co-production on documentary projects. The lunch on November 24 is presented by the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC).
Expert Tables | November 23 and 24 (registration required)
Designed to spark exchange and support professional growth, these sessions offer special access to recognized industry experts. The discussions are the perfect opportunity to gain more industry expertise, insight into commissioning and funding goals and overall professional practices—while asking questions directly to the source. Each session lasts 30 minutes and accommodates up to 5 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Matchmaking Between Doc Lab Montréal Filmmakers and Producers | November 24 (registration required)
One-on-One meetings connecting producers and Doc Lab Montréal filmmakers with shorts, medium-length or feature films projects in development. A valuable opportunity to explore potential collaborations. The filmmakers from Doc Lab Montréal who will participate in this networking activity are Laurence Vollant-Vachon (Rooted), Kim Ninkuru (Am I Crying Loud Enough?), Roxana Baloiu (Differences Between U and I), Mehdi Balamissa (The Snail and the Giant Sunflower), Félix Cayer (Land of the Midnight Sun), Manuel Kak'wa Kurtness (Nomades urbains), Mélina Costa (Récits latents), Lina Sarhani (Shawafa), Samy Benammar (A Dinosaur’s Film), Mustafa Uzuner (dear fitz), and Martin Edralin (Marcilla).
Face-à-Face| November 25
The Face-à-Face offers meetings in “speed dating” format between project holders (producers, filmmakers and distributors), and industry representatives (public and private broadcasters, distributors and sales agents, festival programmers, and representatives of institutions and other funding bodies). A unique opportunity to form new partnerships and expand the reach of new projects.
The award ceremony celebrating the projects from Doc Lab Montréal and the Rough Cut Pitch will take place on November 25 at the Cinémathèque québécoise’s Salle Norman-McLaren, as part of the Forum RIDM Closing Cocktail, presented by the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM), marking one last opportunity for networking with professionals from local and international documentary communities.
NFB's Open House| November 20
The NFB is delighted to open its offices during RIDM! Those interested will have the opportunity to chat with filmmakers, creators, and the NFB team, explore their creative spaces, and learn about opportunities for collaboration. A perfect opportunity to take a break and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.
PRICES
Passports for Forum RIDM activities can be purchased via the website and will continue to be available until the end of the industry market.
RIDM + Forum Passport: $300
RIDM + Forum + Face-à-Face Passport: $490
Student Forum Passport: $50
Individual ticket - Forum RIDM Talks: $10
2026 EDITION FORUM PARTNERS
The 22nd edition of Forum RIDM is made possible thanks to the support of our partners and collaborators. Forum RIDM particularly wishes to thank the Gouvernement du Québec, the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications (MCC), the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie, Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, as well as its Presenting Partner, the Canada Media Fund (CMF).
Forum RIDM also acknowledges the support of its principal partners, Tamron and Rogers, as well as its associate partners: Chiledoc, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the Bell Fund, the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC), NAWAL, the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM), the Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ), RACCORD, DOC Québec, Orizon 9, CineGround, Grandé Studios, Eurodoc, Royal Photo, Main Film, Bam Music, SLA Location, Vidéographe, Lussier & Khouzam, the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre (CFMDC), T&S Coop, Jacob Burns Film Center, Dok Leipzig, Lightdox, and POV Magazine.
Forum RIDM acknowledges the invaluable support of its collaborating and catering partners, as well as the partners of the Bourses TaCIC - Tremplin Territoires (franC doc, 411 Films, MÖ Films, Saint-Fortunat Films, TaCIC, Les Films de la Baie, Peartree Productions, Microclimat Films, Paraloeil, SPIRA, Bande Sonimage, and Social T) and Peter-Wintonick Grant (EyeSteelFilm, John Walker Productions, Kensington Communications, Colonelle Films, Parabola Films, Bunbury Films, Canada Wild Productions, Invisible Hand Productions, Cinema Politica, and Intuitive Pictures).
Forum RIDM exists year-round, thanks to collaborations with festivals and cultural organizations around the world, which enable us to support the career development of Quebec professionals. Thanks to numerous bilateral agreements, over the past year, Quebec and Canadian professionals have had the opportunity to travel to DocsBarcelona (Spain) and Cannes Docs (France). These activities are made possible thanks to the financial support of the Gouvernement du Québec and Telefilm Canada.
About Forum RIDM
Forum RIDM is a landmark event for the documentary industry in North America. This market brings together more than 400 professionals from some thirty countries for mentoring sessions, project pitches, discussions on industry issues, and matchmaking and networking activities. Year-round collaborations with global festivals and organizations actively enhance the international profile of Quebec’s documentary community.
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances, and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voices, and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors.
Forum RIDM’s 22nd edition, presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF),
will take place from November 20 to 25, 2026.
at the Cinémathèque québécoise, National Film Board of Canada and UQAM - Coeur des sciences, Salle Polyvalente (SH-4800), Pavillon Sherbrooke
Information: ridm.ca/en/forum-ridm/forum@ridm.ca
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For interview or visual material requests, please contact:
Caroline Rompré | pixelleX communications | 514-778-9294 |caroline@pixellex.ca