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Against a dark blue background the workshop title reads, "DocuLab: From Concept to Reality" Above the title on the left is the logo of DARC. Below the title are the logos of DARC funders. The top right corner reads, "In-Person Workshop, 67 Nicholas St, February 4 & 11, 6pm - 9pm EST

DocuLab: From Concept to Reality

February 4 & 11, 2026

Instructor: Patrick Kabeya

Register

Learn the core stages of documentary filmmaking in this two-session workshop.

Overview

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

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.

Target Audience

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

Outline

Session 1: Concept, Research, and Pre-Production.

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

Session 2: Production, Interviews, and Post-Strategy

  • 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). 

Dates

Session 1: Wednesday February 4, 6pm – 9pm

Session 2: Wednesday February 11, 6pm – 9pm

Instructor

Patrick Kabeya

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.

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 inquiries, feedback, and resources regarding accessibility and accessibility improvement by phone (613.238.7648 x. 6) or by email at access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.

Visit https://digitalartsresourcecentre.ca/access/ for information on how to get to DARC, language barriers, fragrance policy, and access to programming.

Cancellation Policy 

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

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About DARC's Workshops

Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) provides training in a varied range of disciplines related to filmmaking and media art while making a dedicated effort to create a pathway to an intersectional education. We aspire to be a platform for creative support and community building through active participation and exchange of knowledge. Our workshops and courses explore the ways in which technical and conceptual frameworks can be used as tools to improve your creative practice. DARC’s educational offerings are open to members and the general public engaged in the creation of non-commercial, independent productions and work.

Who Is Eligible to Register for Workshops?

Workshops are open to Digital Arts Resource Centre members and the general public engaged in the creation of non-commercial, independent productions and work (Non-commercial, independent productions are productions for which the director retains copyright and artistic control, and for which the production is neither being produced for a client nor for the purpose of advertising or promotion).

Who Is Ineligible to Register for Workshops?

Digital Arts Resource Centre does not offer our workshops to persons employed by any government body or any major corporation if the resources are being used to facilitate benefit for one’s employer or for corporate professional development within one of these kinds of organizations. Our workshops are heavily subsidized as they are available only for independent artists/learners who cannot typically afford to take corporate rate workshops. You can find non-subsidized workshops from our friends at SPAO or Henry’s.

Workshop Pricing

A reduced or waived fee is available if workshop fees present a financial barrier. We understand that everyone’s situation is different. When registering for workshops, we ask that you honestly examine your privilege (i.e. education, generational wealth, parental or community support, partnership status, and other circumstances that may provide a safety net when financial setbacks occur). For more information please email us.

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 access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.

Cancellation

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