by FilmInk Staff
“Documentary making has taught me two things: money comes when you reach the right people, and the film industry could afford to be much kinder. So I built I SEE DOCO LAB to disrupt how films get made — to nurture storytellers and connect their projects with money.” – Sal Balharrie, Founder, I SEE DOCO LAB
Founded by Australian writer–director Sal Balharrie, supported by philanthropist Collis Ta’eed, I SEE DOCO LAB is a philanthropic-backed online accelerator designed to support independent documentary storytellers and connect their projects with philanthropists who recognise both a responsibility and an ability to invest in cultural change. Balharrie and Ta’eed believe this is the future of documentary filmmaking.
Participation in I SEE DOCO LAB is offered to the film-maker FREE of cost.
Applicants to I SEE DOCO LAB must nominate a specific project goal they want to achieve. From there, six projects — and up to 18 filmmakers — are selected to take part in a 12-week online program. Participants receive weekly study modules to complete in their own time, supported by weekly mentoring and monthly pitch sessions, goals become tangible, critical momentum builds, and next steps become clear.
Balharrie’s recent feature documentary, LIKE MY BROTHER, was funded by 76 philanthropists. “Without their kindness, belief and support, the film would not exist. With recent experience in cinema release and a two book deal with Harper Collins I have valuable experience in what it takes to create, fund and market a big story,” says Balharrie.
Each I SEE DOCO LAB cohort concludes with the opportunity to vie for a AUD $20,000 philanthropic cash award, along with a long-term support pathway through the I SEE DOCO LAB alumni network — a community committed to work of substance, courage and cultural value. In return, filmmakers commit to helping grow a global community of creative generosity.
In our current global landscape, this level of support could feel too good to be true. However, a quick read of the website manifesto and you’ll come to understand the thinking behind this world first platform.
I SEE DOCO LAB MANIFESTO — BELIEF #1 Dissenting voices are being silenced at the very moment we need them most. Stories shape culture. Culture shapes policy. Policy shapes lives.
Balharrie has identified a moment and built a model in direct response. “I SEE DOCO LAB is a space built on kindness, clarity and the belief that the future of independent documentary requires disruption and a new operating system — one designed to support filmmakers who are prepared to do the hard work, for audiences who want the truth, supported by philanthropists who have benefited from good fortune and want to meaningful ways to give back by shaping a better future for all,” says Balharrie.
Applications are NOW OPEN to filmmakers globally. The only current requirements are English-language capability and a stable internet connection. I SEE DOCO LAB plans to scale and license its content into non-English-speaking countries as the model expands.
Applications for the next intake are NOW OPEN.
Applications close 31.03.2026
More information: iseedoco.com
