Since 2018, the Antenna Rough Cut Lab has supported Australian documentary filmmakers at a crucial stage in the creative process. Working with projects in rough-cut form, the Lab provides filmmakers with dedicated time, expert mentorship, and constructive feedback to help strengthen their films before completion.

Over the years, the Antenna Rough Cut Lab has brought together leading documentary filmmakers, editors, producers, programmers, and industry leaders from around the world to mentor participating teams. Selected mentors include Viktor Kossakovsky, Mandy Chang, Penny Lane, Elizabeth Lo, David Osit, Heino Deckert, Rachel Leah Jones, Ina Fichman, Maëlle Gueneuet, Mads K. Mikkelsen, Anne Köhncke, Orly Ravid, Kellen Quinn, Caitlin Mae Burke, and Chris Boeckmann.

Many projects that have participated in the Lab have gone on to premiere at leading international festivals including Sundance, Visions du Réel, Sheffield DocFest, SXSW, Hot Docs, Sydney Film Festival and MIFF, reaching audiences around the world and receiving critical acclaim. The films featured below represent a selection of the diverse and ambitious documentaries that have been part of the Rough Cut Lab over the years.