OPEN CALL

LENScape 2026: Documentary Shorts from Southeast Asia

Deadline: 30 November 2026, 2359hr Singapore Time

LENScape: Documentary Shorts from Southeast Asia is a short film programme that celebrates the creative spirit of the documentary form. Co-organised by Objectifs and In-Docs and in partnership with Asian Film Archive, the selected short films will screen in Indonesia in 2027, and Singapore in May 2027, as part of the Singapore Documentary Festival. The programme welcomes films of all topics and themes.

Films with environmental themes will have the opportunity to win the inaugural Silvana S Film Award from the Silvana S Foundation, a non-profit organisation that empowers photographers and filmmakers in Asia Pacific. Worth SGD 8,000, the award will be presented to a documentary filmmaker whose film responds to the environmental themes and issues. The film should acknowledge the myriad ways in which we are linked with others and the environment, exploring how we each have an impact on our communities, including non-human species.

Co-Organised by


In Partnership with


Supported by

What Selected Projects Receive

Opportunity to screen your short film in Singapore during the Singapore Documentary Festival in May 2027 and in Indonesia at a later date.

One film responding to environmental themes will be awarded the Silvana S Film Award of SGD8,000.

Budget return flight and accomodation for Silvana S Film Award recipient to attend the screening programme in May 2027 in Singapore.

Who Should Apply

We welcome filmmakers who meet the following criteria:

  • Filmmakers must be of Southeast Asian nationality.
  • The submitted documentary short film must have been completed in 2025 or 2026.
  • The duration of the submitted short film must be 30 minutes or less (including opening and end credits).
  • We welcome films that approach documentaries with a creative storytelling approach. Films can be conventional, visual experiments or in hybrid formats.
  • Films with themes about the environment are eligible for the Silvana S Film Award
  • No premiere status is required.
  • Selected films might be presented as a travelling showcase at other festivals. Objectifs and In-Docs will update the selected filmmakers if there is a planned showcase.
  • All entries must be completed and submitted through the online application form before 30 November 2026, 11:59pm (SGT).
  • Please ensure that the preview links of your film are accessible. Submissions with inaccessible film links will be disqualified. 
  • Objectifs and In-Docs will notify applicants of the selection results by December 2026.
  • Objectifs and In-Docs will not provide individual explanations on the non-selection of a film.
  • Rights of the materials submitted will solely belong to the applicant.
  • The applicant is responsible for all necessary copyright clearances for materials used in their submitted works, and shall fully indemnify Objectifs and In-Docs from any damage resulting from copyright infringement lawsuits from other parties.

How To Apply

01

Director's Bio & Headshot

Please provide a short biography and portrait of the director.

02

Film Synopsis & Information

This includes the duration and year of the short film.

03

Preview link to short film

Please ensure that the link and any password are accessible. Submissions with inaccessible film links will be disqualified. 

04

Film posters or stills

Timeline

30 November 2026,
2359hr Singapore Time

Application deadline

November – December 2026

Film curation for festival and film selection for award

December 2026

Announcement of selected films and award winner

May 2027

Screening at Asian Film Archive in Singapore during Singapore Documentary Festival

2027 (date TBC)

Screening in Indonesia

Application & Selection

Successful applicants will be informed by December. We regret that we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants. 

Queries about the LENScape Open Call can be emailed to puiyee@objectifs.com.sg.

APPLY NOW

Deadline: 30 November 2026, 2359hr Singapore Time