The IFP’s unique Independent Filmmaker Labs are now accepting applications for the 2012 programs. The Labs, which consist of year-round mentorship for first-time filmmakers along with focused seminar and instruction weeks, have recently seen alumni success at Sundance (Terrence Nance’s An Oversimplification of Her Beauty), Slamdance (Keith Miller’s Grand Prize winner Welcome to Pine Hill), in theaters (Dee Rees’s Pariah) and, upcoming, at Berlin (Lucy Mulloy’s Una Noche), SXSW (Matt Ruskin’s Competition title, Booster), and on TV (the POV screening of Michael Collins’ Give Up Tomorrow).

From IFP:

IFP’s unique year-long mentorship program supports first-time feature directors when they need it most: through the completion, marketing and distribution of their films. Focusing exclusively on low-budget features (<$1million), this highly immersive program provides filmmakers with the technical, creative and strategic tools necessary to launch their films – and their careers. Through the Labs, IFP works to ensure that talented emerging voices receive the support, resources, and industry exposure necessary to reach audiences. Open to all first time feature documentary and narrative directors with films in post-production.

The deadlines — and application links — are as follows:

Documentary Lab: March 9.
Narrative Lab: April 6.