Presenting: The Storytellers in The 2026 ITVS Incubator Fund

We’re excited to present our first cohort of the Incubator Fund, a much-needed development program for early-stage, independent nonfiction storytelling across feature-length and short-form series. The Incubator Fund is grounded in the belief that work exploring underrepresented experiences, challenging assumptions or helping people see the world with greater clarity and compassion contributes to building the next wave of public media storytelling. 

For more than 30 years, we’ve supported some of the most acclaimed documentary films in America. With the ITVS Incubator Fund, we’re ensuring bold, new voices get the development support needed to grow their creative instincts and craft—and reach a wide audience.

The Scoop

The Incubator Fund provides each documentarian with up to $10,000 for early-stage development, along with editorial feedback and guidance from the ITVS team. Throughout the process, filmmakers maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control of their work.

This year’s cohort brings together curious and courageous storytellers committed to creating work that fosters understanding, sparks dialogue, and connects people across lived experiences.

From stories of everyday people fighting back against entrenched power structures, to queer people seeking home and happiness in rural communities, to gamers creating opportunities for people with disabilities, and more, the ITVS Incubator Fund filmmakers are forging dynamic, original work that brings fresh perspectives and human-centered storytelling to the forefront.

Explore the Stories

Our first 10 Incubator Fund stories represent voices from every part of the country, each offering a unique and original perspective on the world as they see it.

Across their work, you’ll find common themes, including the value of community, the search for identity and home, the power of dissent and solidarity, and the unifying force of common ground.

With the support of the ITVS Incubator Fund, they’ll have the resources to spark important conversations—and keep the story going.