Key Application Details
Please note: completed films (features, series) are not eligible for Spotlight on Documentaries. Projects cannot have been screened publicly in any previous event or been submitted to festivals prior to June 2024.
Documentary projects previously selected for inclusion in Spotlight on Documentaries are ineligible to be re-submitted in subsequent years.
It is strongly advised that you first review the application and prepare your materials offline, as many fields have essay-type answers and word count limits. Prepare written application materials in a separate text document, then use this to come back and complete your online application. All projects must be submitted via online application. Applications must be complete and all pertinent materials and fees must be received by The Gotham for your submission to be considered.
A complete application includes the following:
– A submitted, paid online application.
– A password-protected link to a work sample (within the application).
Application is open to both Gotham members and non-members:
Gotham Members
Regular Deadline: May 16, $95
Member-Only Extended Deadline: May 30, $110
Members can save their applications before submitting
Non-Members
Regular Deadline: May 16, $125
Non-members cannot save their applications before submitting
Learn more about Gotham membership
Written applications must be submitted online by midnight (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time – HST) on the deadline.
Please read all FAQs & Guidelines before beginning application.
Format Submission
Within the online application, you must submit a password-protected link to the work sample of your project. Viewing links are the required submission format for video material. Work samples should be at least 6 minutes and usually no more than 20 minutes. Projects in the rough cut stage can submit a maximum 30 minutes of edited footage or identify (timecode) the 30 minutes of a longer cut the committee should watch.
If you have additional comments about your submission that you feel are important for the review committee to know, you should include these as part of the written application at the end of the “Artistic Statement.”
Access to Your Information
For accepted projects, information entered in the online application (including financial information) will be printed in the Spotlight on Documentaries section of the Project Forum Online, which is made available only to the attending industry interested in meeting with your project. Limited information on key creative team and project summaries will also be printed in The Gotham Week Project Market Catalogue and on The Gotham Week website. The Gotham will NOT make financial/development information available to the public.
If your project is accepted into the Project Market, you will have a limited-time opportunity to make changes before publication. The Gotham reserves the right to copy-edit synopses and biographical material where necessary.
If your project is accepted to the Project Market, you will also submit up to two samples to be viewed by registered industry guests to assist them in planning their meeting requests – a short 2-3 minute trailer and an up to 20-minute longer sample.
Acknowledgement of Receipt
Shortly after submitting your online application, you will receive an automated email acknowledging that your information has been received, which will include a copy of your written application.
Confidentiality
Spotlight on Documentaries submissions are screened by the Gotham Week Screening Committee. Submissions are confidential and are not made available to anyone outside the committees.
Gotham Week is attended by select members of the press but is not open to film/television critics for review purposes. Projects are not available for review.
Acceptance Notification
All applicants will be notified of acceptance status by mid-July. Preliminary calls from the Gotham concerning your entry do not indicate acceptance. If your project is accepted, you grant us permission to showcase your project at the Project Market.
Acknowledgement of Support
Projects selected for the Project Market are required to acknowledge the Gotham in their closing credits. We ask that you include the Gotham’s logo and an acknowledgement that the project was “Supported by The Gotham Film & Media Institute” in your credits.