We believe in the importance of a diverse film & TV industry to be able to bring authentic stories to the screen.
We know Northern voices are under-represented in front of and behind the camera, with many barriers to industry. So, we’ve created a scheme to nurture emerging Northern voices to influence change in the industry from the ground up.
We support new talent with funding, mentorship, access to industry and a platform to display their work, empowering them to grow as confident documentary makers.
Applications for 23-24 are currently closed.
What is the Doc Fund?
In 2023-24 Northern Heart are looking to support 3 x emerging documentary filmmakers based in the North West of England. Every year we will have a theme and each applicant must apply with an idea for a short (up to) 10 minute documentary film they can make over the next six months.
23-24 scheme
Each winner will receive a £1,000 cash grant, mentoring, post production support, one industry pass to Sheffield DocFest ‘24 plus a screening of your film in a cinema, and more!
The theme for 23-24 is: WORKING CLASS.
With the theme ‘Working Class’ we’re seeking authentic documentary projects that celebrate and explore the lives, experiences and triumphs of the working class. We’re not expecting film essay’s, our hope is that you use this theme as a loose guide to your documentary project. You could be a working class filmmaker or your idea could offer a new perspective on working class identity.
Ultimately, our aim this year is to support those offering a voice to the working class and shedding light on their often-overlooked perspectives.
Meet the winners
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Roz Di Caprio
Roz is a filmmaker, artist and podcast producer. Having supported various film productions as Editor, 3rd AD and Production Coordinator, Roz has decided it's now time to embark on her journey as a filmmaker in her own right.
Roz is a graduate of Liverpool John Moores University, with a BA (Hons) degree in Film Studies and in 2023, she completed a short course in Digital Filmmaking with Edge Hill University and Liverpool City Region.
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Maria Luc
Maria Luc is a fresh face to the film directing scene and Viet-glish marks her debut professional film. Her work is informed by her life experiences, her passion for writing poetry and her background as a classical concert pianist. She is British with Vietnamese and Japanese heritage. She is a co-founder of the production company, A25 and is also an actress. She is vegan and a keen advocate of animal rights. A passionate lover of life, Maria’s interests are limitless with particular interest in cooking, cycling, doodling, and chilling.
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Olivia Hird
Olivia is a nonfiction filmmaker who produces sensitive studies concerned with human existence. Having freelanced as a jack-of-all-trades in the documentary filmmaking industry across TV, features, shorts, film festivals and workshop facilitation for several years, Olivia recently made the leap to producing her own films. Newly graduated from her MA in Visual Anthropology, she is focused on empathetic and compassionate storytelling which provides insight into the many ways of being and experiencing this multitudinous human life.
Honorary awards
New for 2024, we're presenting three honorary awards to three applicants who showcased talent and dedication in portraying working-class narratives.
These three filmmakers will receive a personalised mentoring session with an industry expert at Northern Heart, the chance to participate in industry masterclasses and an invite to the Doc Fund screening.
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Qasim Abdullah
Qasim is an aspiring film maker, eager to capture raw stories and the essence of humanity on screen. He’s grateful for the opportunity to receive an honorary award and take a transformative step into the industry.
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Anton Arenko
Anton Arenko is a documentary filmmaker originally from Stockport, Greater Manchester.
He studied Film Production at University for the Creative Arts graduating in 2020. During his time at university he became really inspired by the documentary genre and created his first major film A Manchester Story (2021) which charted the positive actions of those affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing. The film was awarded Best Documentary by the UK Film Review Festival. Currently Anton is based out of Blackpool, Lancashire and is still finding stories to tell.
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Roisin Hanley
Roisin is a filmmaking graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University with a passion for documentary cinema. Her previous videography experience is largely in the further and higher education sphere in addition to directing credits on various personal projects, most recently the web series ‘ChickenTown”. As a proud Wigan local, Roisin is interested in documenting life in the North West in collaboration with her community to shine light on under-represented stories.
The winners will receive
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£1,000 grant
A non-repayable grant courtesy of Wigan Council and Creative Lancashire. Spend wisely!
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Mentoring & Masterclasses
At least 3 mentoring sessions with Northern Heart to offer advice and guidance on making your short.
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Post Production support
Sticks & Glass will be providing each filmmaker the opportunity to have a professional sound mix and colour grade so your films look and sound great on the big screen!
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Cinema screening
We’ll celebrate your films by hosting a film screening in the North and South. This is the perfect chance to showcase your work on the big screen in front of industry guests and your friends and family.
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1 x Sheffield DocFest pass
Each filmmaker will be awarded an industry pass to Sheffield DocFest 2024. You’re welcome to soak up a week of films, industry talks and networking to help your career.
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and more!
There are no rules here. We set this up to help support new talent locally. Each winner becomes part of the Northern Heart family. We’re here to help you, whatever you need. Whether that’s office space, kit, editing facilities. Just ask.
