lab: Displaced Women Pitch is a two-month pitch development program for women working in film with a migrant or refugee background who are living in the UK. Our mission is to help displaced women reclaim their voice in the film and TV industry by supporting them as they develop, refine, and present their own short film projects.

The program welcomes both documentary and fiction shorts exploring themes of displacement, identity, finding home, and starting over in a new culture. Participants will work closely with top British industry mentors through weekly group and one-to-one sessions, receive hands-on feedback, and prepare a professional pitch deck and verbal pitch.

The lab culminates in a live pitching event in London, offering each participant the chance to present their project to an industry audience and build meaningful professional connections.

lab: is produced by Lab Films Global Ltd., a creative company founded by displaced filmmaker who believe that every perspective deserves to be seen and heard.

Awards & Prizes

Six selected participants (3 in documentary and 3 in fiction) will join our intensive two-month pitch development program.
The program itself is the award: participants will work closely with leading UK industry mentors, including:

- Emma Whitlock (award-winning documentary producer, BBC, Discovery Channel, Channel 4)
- Peter Webber (director, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Emperor)
- Christopher Morrison (screenwriter, script editor & story consultant; BBC, Warner Bros., Netflix, Red Planet Pictures)
- Elisa L. Iannacone (Canon Ambassador, international photojournalist and cinematographer, TEDx speaker)
- Christopher Simon (producer and actor, The Sweeney, Miss You Already)
- Sophie Lipsey (producer and head of creative development at New Sparta Films)

Winners will receive:

Two months of personalized group and one-to-one mentorship.
Professional feedback on their project and pitching skills.
A refined pitch deck and verbal pitch.
A presentation of their project live at a special industry pitching event in London, gaining direct visibility and new professional connections.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
The lab: Displaced Women Pitch is open to women working in film (directors, writers, producers, or cinematographers) with a migrant or refugee background who are currently based in the UK. Applicants must have previous experience in film, media, or visual storytelling.

Project requirements:
You must be developing a short documentary or fiction film (up to 30 minutes) that explores themes of displacement, migration, identity, or finding home.

Application process:
To apply, you must submit:
– Completed application form
– Logline and synopsis
– Pitch deck (PDF or similar)

Selection:
Six participants will be selected (3 in documentary, 3 in fiction) based on the strength and originality of their project, personal motivation, and eligibility criteria. Selection will be made by the lab: team and mentors.

Program structure:
The program consists of two months of group and individual online mentorship, culminating in a live pitching event in London in March 2026. Attendance at the live pitch is required. The live pitch will take place at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, London.

Intellectual property:
All intellectual property rights remain with the applicant. By applying, you agree that lab: and its partners may promote your participation (with your consent) for educational and publicity purposes.

If your project is produced or publicly presented after participating in the lab:, you agree to credit lab: Displaced Women Pitch and the relevant mentors in your project materials (e.g., pitch deck, press releases, film credits).

Code of conduct:
All participants are expected to engage respectfully, collaborate openly, and support a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all.

Fee and refund:
The $10 application fee is non-refundable, regardless of selection outcome.
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  • Tassia Quirino

    Participating in the lab: Displaced Women Pitch was a truly transformative experience. The mentors were incredibly supportive, and the involvement of established professionals from different areas of the industry helped shape our project into a strong and well-rounded pitch.

    The program provided invaluable support at every stage of development. It helped us refine our written proposal, craft a compelling pitch with the guidance of a professional coach, and build meaningful industry connections through an in-person pitching event in London. I also had the opportunity to meet and learn from an inspiring group of fellow filmmakers.

    I gained so much from this experience, both professionally and personally, it was genuinely life-changing. Marharyta, the founder and project lead, went above and beyond to support participants throughout the program and continued to offer guidance even after the lab had ended. Her dedication and commitment made a lasting impact on all of us.

    June 2026
    Helpful