DocuWeeks Theatrical Documentary Showcase Call for Entries

The IDA is currently the only entity helping independent US nonfiction filmmakers qualify for Oscar--an exceedingly difficult thing to do under the best of circumstances. 

IDA's 13th annual DocuWeeks Theatrical Documentary Showcases, which take place in August in both Los Angeles and New York, has just posted their early bird deadline of April 14.  This program helps to qualify new feature and short nonfiction works for Academy Award consideration by providing participating filmmakers seven-day commercial theatrical runs in the LA and NY markets, shorts only screening in Los Angeles, per Academy requirements. 

There is more information here about consideration qualifications (which are, admittedly changing and morphing due to ongoing community demand for said changes).  It is the filmmaker's responsibility to submit his or her own application, with the IDA providing proof of advertisement, guide listings and theatrical runs for submission to the Academy prior to the Academy deadline. 

There is an online submission process to apply to the DocuWeeks program through Without a Box.  Entries must be made by midnight, May 11. The regular deadline is April 27 ($150); early bird deadline carries a fee of $100; and the final deadline fee on May 11 is $250.  Successful applicants are notified mid-June.