DocuLab: From Concept to Reality

DocuLab: From Concept to Reality is a two-session workshop designed to guide aspiring documentary filmmakers through the core stages of storytelling.

DocuLab: From Concept to Reality is a two-session workshop designed to guide aspiring documentary filmmakers through the core stages of storytelling. n

Participants will progress from developing a compelling concept and conducting purposeful research, to planning their production and mastering the fundamentals of ethical, effective shooting and interview techniques.

Participants will learn how to shape a documentary narrative, work strategically with limited resources (especially in the micro-indie context), and gather the material needed to begin assembling a strong rough cut.

This workshop is ideal for anyone ready to transform a real-world story into a powerful visual document.

Schedule

Session 1: Wednesday, February 4, 6pm-9pm, 2026.

Session 2: Wednesday, February 11, 6pm-9pm, 2026.

Outline

Session 1:  Concept, Research, and Pre-Production (3 hours)

• Defining the documentary subject and thesis (the "why").
• Techniques for effective research, finding archival materials, and securing access to people and places.

Session 2:  Production, Interviews, and Post-Strategy (3 hours)

• An overview of the necessary gear and basic techniques for quality documentary shooting.
• An overview of the post-production workflow (from assembly to rough cut).

Participants will need access to:

Please bring a notebook and a pen or a mobile device to take notes.

Instructor

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Patrick Kabeya is a Congolese-Canadian award-winning Documentary Producer currently based in Ottawa, Canada. With his films, Kabeya has earned a reputation for creating stories with a focus on Congolese colonial and political history and Pan-African historical figures. His six short documentary films and two full-length features have screened collectively in over 40 festivals across the globe, landing one ‘Audience Choice’ award for “Congo – A Political Tragedy” and getting nominated for the UNESCO Flemish Commission African Documentary of 2020, for his latest film ‘From Patrice to Lumumba’.

In 2021 he mentored the inaugural BIPOC creator program with the Digi60 festival. He also worked as a Line-producer for the Being Black In Canada series, Ottawa cohort 2021/2022. In the future, Kabeya plans to write and produce a Pan-African history series which will aim to highlight Pan-African leaders such as Thomas Sankara, Steve Biko and more.

Workshop Pricing

This workshop is $75 for Members and $135 for Non-Members. To access our member pricing, join our membership at https://digitalartsresourcecentre.ca/joinus/.

Fees for this workshop can be waived if access to funds is a barrier to participation. For more information please email [email protected]

Accessibility

All doors at DARC have accessibility buttons to press for automatic entry. DARC is located on the main floor (one story above ground) of the Arts Court building. DARC’s main entrance is located at 67 Nicholas Street which is fully wheelchair accessible. Alternate wheelchair-accessible entry is available through 2 Daly Ave at the Arts Court main entrance or the Ottawa Art Gallery. Elevator access is available from 9AM – 11PM.

DARC staff are available and happy to assist with all inquiries and requests regarding physical access. We also welcome inquiry, feedback, and resources regarding accessibility and accessibility improvement by phone (613.238.7648 x. 6) or by email at [email protected].

Cancellation Policy

DARC is unable to provide course attendee refunds for cancellations. DARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if necessary.