Full Breakdown
Catapult Film Fund Announces 2026 Research Fellows
4/3/2026, 1:15:20 PM
Overview of the 2026 Research Fellows
The Catapult Film Fund has selected five filmmakers as its 2026 Research Fellows, each receiving $10,000 to support the development of their documentary projects. The cohort includes Isabel Castro, Lauren Domino, Amber Fares, Ivan MacDonald, and Igor Myakotin. This initiative aims to provide essential early-stage funding and mentorship, addressing the chronic underfunding in the documentary field during the critical research phase of filmmaking.
Profiles of the 2026 Research Fellows
Isabel Castro
Isabel Castro is a five-time Emmy-nominated Mexican-American filmmaker known for her work on "Mija" and "Selena y Los Dinos." Her upcoming project, "Untitled Los Angeles," will explore the experiences of migrants navigating the complexities of the American Dream.
Lauren Domino
Lauren Domino is an award-winning producer recognized for her work on the Oscar-nominated documentary "TIME." She is directing her first film, "Butts: A Backstory," which examines societal perceptions of body image through the lens of a museum exhibition.
Amber Fares
Amber Fares is an Academy Award-nominated director whose latest film, "Coexistence, My Ass!," was shortlisted for an Academy Award. Her project will investigate political identity and ideology in Alberta, Canada.
Ivan MacDonald
Ivan MacDonald, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and member of the Blackfeet tribe, focuses on indigenous narratives. His project addresses the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls through a documentary titled "When They Were Here."
Igor Myakotin
Igor Myakotin is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work highlights queer survival in oppressive environments. He is currently directing his debut feature documentary, following his acclaimed projects "Queendom" and "Welcome to Chechnya."
Importance of Early-Stage Support
The Catapult Film Fund, established 15 years ago, aims to enhance sustainability in the documentary sector. The Research Grant program, launched in 2020, was developed after discussions with filmmakers about the barriers they face, particularly the lack of funding and community support during the research phase. Diane Becker, an Academy Award-winning producer, serves as the lead advisor for this year's fellows, emphasizing the significance of the early stages of filmmaking.
Official Statements
Diane Becker remarked, “The early stage is where real discovery and magic happen... It’s a privilege to spend time with this talented cohort as they explore these important questions.” Megan Gelstein, co-director of Catapult Film Fund, noted that the program protects the fragile early stage of filmmaking, allowing filmmakers to explore their ideas before they take shape.
Conclusion
The 2026 Research Fellows program by Catapult Film Fund represents a vital investment in the future of documentary filmmaking, providing crucial resources and mentorship to a diverse group of filmmakers. This initiative not only supports individual projects but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the documentary field.
