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Full Frame Fellows Program

    2026 Full Frame Fellows Program

    The Full Frame Fellows Program is designed to educate, motivate, and nurture students interested in the documentary form. During the four days of the festival, participating students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in everything Full Frame has to offer: films fresh on the circuit, classics from years past, engaging panel discussions, and the filmmaking community as a whole.

    Fellows also enjoy private sessions with legendary filmmakers. Previously, we have hosted conversations with D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, Ryan White, Bernardo Ruiz, Stanley Nelson, Ross McElwee, Kirsten Johnson, Steve James, Peter Nicks, Marshall Curry, Albert Maysles, Julie Goldman, and James Longely, among others.

    Full Frame works with colleges and universities around the country to host students at the festival. Each participating program is responsible for the selection of students. At this time, Full Frame does not accept individual applications from students directly. 

    If you are interested in participating with your program, please contact Sadie Tillery. More information about the 2026 Fellows Program is also included below.

     

    ITINERARY & FELLOWS SESSIONS                                                                                                                

    The 2026 Fellows Program will feature a set itinerary of screenings. When Fellows arrive, they will have preprinted tickets for the itinerary events. Fellows Passes also allow access to screenings via the Last Minute Line so that students may attend additional screenings of their choice.

    Alongside screenings, the Fellows Program features two Fellows Sessions, which are moderated conversations with filmmakers only open to Fellows. The Fellows Sessions will take place midday Friday and Saturday, with lunch provided by Full Frame.

     

    ADVISORS

    Advisors are professors or administrators who accompany their students to the festival. They are expected to have a Fellows Pass and participate in all Fellows events. Advisors are also the liaison between the participating school and Full Frame during the lead up to the festival. They organize the selection of students, collect student information, forward itineraries and festival details, and arrange travel and accommodation.

     

    LOGISTICS

    Fellows are expected to attend the entire festival, Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 19. Accommodations, travel, and expenses are handled by each participating school, not by Full Frame.

     

    SELECTION OF STUDENTS

    Each participating school determines which students attend. Some programs have had interested students submit applications, while others invite a particular class to take part.

    Many participating students are well-versed in documentary film history and production. Others may not be film majors, but have an interest in non-fiction work or the potential use of documentary for social change. We invite each school to determine participating students who will find value in the Fellows Program.

     

    COST

    Full Frame is offering two package options for 2026:

    • Package of up to eight (8) Fellows Passes for $1,500    
    • Package of up to five (5) Fellows Passes for $1,000

    These allotments include passes for Advisors. For example, if a school purchases the package of up to eight passes, they could bring two advisors and six students. The breakdown of students and advisors is up to each school. Whether some or all of these passes are ultimately used, the fee will remain the same.

    Each Fellows Pass includes:

    • Preprinted tickets to: Opening Night Film, Opening Night Party, all Fellows Program itinerary screenings, and Sunday Awards Barbecue
    • Admission to two exclusive Fellows Sessions with complimentary lunch
    • Last Minute Line access to screenings when there is not a required event

     

    TO PARTICIPATE

    Please contact Sadie Tillery to reserve your package of Fellows Passes before January 30, 2026. Space in the program is limited, and packages will be reserved first come, first served.

    Please note, credentials are arranged through the Full Frame Programming Office. Fellows Program Passes are not available through the Duke University Box Office, directly. 

     

    KEY DATES & DEADLINES

    • Friday, January 30 – Fellows Program Reservation Deadline
    • Friday, March 6 – Payment Due
    • Friday, March 13 – Passholder Names Due
    • Friday, April 3 – Itinerary Sent to Advisors