Melani at Hot Docs

Clothesline Media’s Melani Wood got a unique behind-the-scenes glance at Hot Docs, the annual Canadian International Documentary Festival that was held in Toronto early this month. Melanie, a Dartmouth native, was one of just eight emerging documentary filmmakers chosen for the documentary Channel Doc Accelerator Scholarship Program.

“The program focused primarily on the business side of the festival - learning about pitching, distribution and networking - hopefully things to make me a better producer,” says Melani who was the only Atlantic Canadian chosen to take part. 

According to Hot Docs, the goal of the program “is to foster a new generation of Canadian documentary filmmakers by providing real-world skills development and economic opportunities within the documentary film, television and digital media industries.”

Part of the scholarship includes a mentorship program whereby Melani and the other participants will be paired with a mentor in their region. The experience was educational and inspiring, says Melani. But it was also great fun. “I was lucky enough to catch a few great films as well!”