Digi60 Filmmakers’ Summer Accelerator
August 24-27, 2026 | DARC & ARTS COURT

Four days of intensive workshops, mentorship, and community for emerging filmmakers.

The Digi60 Filmmakers’ Summer Accelerator returns for 2026 — a four-day intensive workshop series dedicated to skills-building for Ottawa’s new and emerging filmmakers. Taking place August 24-27, 2026 at Arts Court, this program welcomes participants looking to accelerate and amplify their skills, knowledge, and network in Directing, Producing, Acting, or Screenwriting.

The 2026 Summer Accelerator coincides with Capital Pride (August 22-30), and we warmly welcome and celebrate Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmaking community, encouraging them to join us. Digi60 provides a safe space regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. All identities across the spectrum of gender are welcome.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Digi60 will begin confirming registered participants starting July 31, 2026.

Day-Time Programming

Four days of intensive workshops in small-group settings, run from 10 am to 5 pm across four key streams: Directing, Producing, Acting, and Screenwriting.

With workshops led by industry leaders, from Ottawa, Toronto and beyond, participants will tackle theory, hands-on learning, and mentorship-focused activities.

By the end of the week, participants will have gained new skills, networked with industry professionals, and built a foundation for their filmmaking career.

DETAILS

• Workshop sessions take place at Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., 10 am to 5 pm daily.

• There are 10 seats available in each stream.

• This accelerator will prioritize equity-denied communities from the Ottawa-Gatineau area between 18 and 30 years of age.

• Eight seats in each stream are reserved for equity-denied* participants under 30.

• A waitlist is available for those over 30 or who do not identify as equity-denied.

• Participants will not need to bring any tools or materials, though a notebook or laptop is welcome.

• Lunch will be included.

• Workshops and presentations will be made primarily in English; some content will be presented in other languages including French with English subtitles.

• This program is committed to the UN Global Compact 50-30 challenge.

*Digi60 defines traditionally equity-denied communities as Indigenous (including First Nations, Inuit and Métis), BPOC including refugees and newcomers, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, Women+ (including trans and gender non-conforming), Persons with a Disability, and Francophone.

THE FOUR STREAMS

HOW TO APPLY

• Select one of four streams: Directing, Producing, Screenwriting, or Acting.

• Complete the Digi60 Summer Accelerator application form and provide a statement of intent on what you hope to learn or experience at the Digi60 Summer Accelerator.

• Upon acceptance, registered attendees pay a non-refundable registration fee of $400 to secure their spot.

• If you are facing a financial barrier to participation, please indicate this on the registration form or reach out at info@digi60.org.

Please note that Digi60 will prioritize traditionally equity-denied* communities first. Participation and acceptance are not guaranteed.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Digi60 will begin confirming registered participants starting July 31, 2026.

OPTIONAL Evening PROGRAMMING

Evening programming is optional for registered participants and also open to the general public for a small admission fee. Evening programming is a great opportunity to foster your network of peers and build relationships with industry professionals.

Evening programming may include:

• An Industry Mixer - meet Ottawa and visiting film and TV professionals in a relaxed setting.

• Film screenings and director Q&As.

• Panel discussions on funding access for first-time feature filmmakers, pitching projects, and produced creatives’ case studies.

• Intimate wrap celebration to close out the week with the cohort.

Full evening programming details will be announced in the lead-up to the Summer Accelerator.

Digi60 is proud to be an inclusive space and welcomes applicants to share their identity and experiences in their application.

Questions?

Contact Digi60 at info@digi60.org or visit www.digi60.org, and join us as the next wave of new and exciting filmmakers in the city.

Partners & FUNDERS

The Digi60 Summer Accelerator is made possible through the support of our funding partners and community collaborators.

Digi60 gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the City of Ottawa