I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted into the 2026-2027 cohort of the Collaborative Studio at UnionDocs Center for Documentary Art! This eight-month program is a unique opportunity for artists and filmmakers to collaborate on short film projects that engage with local stories in New York City.

I transitioned into a documentary practice after nearly a decade working in video art and alternative education. As my art began to ask bigger questions of how governments and institutions shape our individual lives, I grew interested in ways to involve other voices and collaborators into lens-based projects. My participation in the CoLab aligns with a critical point in my career where I want to explore cooperative approaches to filmmaking. The skills and theories I’ll build through the program will guide my long term goals of forming ethical participant relationships in films and crafting nuanced, place-based stories.



To make this opportunity a reality, I’m seeking your support. I’ve received a partial scholarship to attend the program and aim to raise $1,800 to cover the remaining cost of tuition. Any contribution will make a meaningful difference.

Attending the CoLab will enhance my filmmaking practice in ways that include:

– Growing my network in the documentary arts community.
– Building on my current documentary skills while also exploring new methods of research and production.
– Encountering a diverse set of creative practices through my cohort mates, program mentorship, and visits with guest artists.
– Showcasing the work I co-create during the program through public screening opportunities in the local community.
– Fine tuning my personal voice and interests in the wide field of non-fiction storytelling

Thank you for supporting this next chapter of my creative work. ♥

Chantal Feitosa-Desouza is a medium-agnostic storyteller from Queens, NY. She works within non-fiction filmmaking, video installation, independent publishing, workshops, and public programs. She holds an MFA in Art with a focus on documentary and social practice from Carnegie Mellon University. She received her BFA in film/animation/video from Rhode Island School of Design.

Her work has been featured in exhibitions, publications, and film festivals in the US, Mexico, and Brazil. She has curated film screenings at the Carnegie Museum of Art and interned for Black Star Film Festival’s short film division. She currently works as the video producer for the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Building on her former experience as an arts educator, her work is drawn to the challenge of translating complicated concepts into accessible, public knowledge.

Website: https://chantalfeitosa.com/