The ways we currently work with filmmakers include:
Fund 2-3 short documentary films each year.
Our Docs in Action program provides finishing funds for up to three short documentaries each year. We then incorporate the finished films into our media organizing initiatives.
Provide free impact strategy to four films per year.
Open to filmmakers traditionally underrepresented in the documentary space, our competitive Impact Kickstart program awards free impact campaign strategy to four feature length film projects per year.
Issue calls for completed short films to be included in media organizing campaigns.
We partner with organizers to curate compilations of short films on critical social issues and then tour them to advance organizing and advocacy goals. Periodically we issue calls for media to be considered for inclusion in these campaigns. Check out Stories Beyond Borders for an example.
Contribute to learning around accountable filmmaking.
Many times communities don’t have access or resources to tell their stories on their terms, which too often enables inaccurate and extractive storytelling by outside filmmakers. We’re contributing to dialogue and shift in the documentary field via our StoryShift program. Check out testimonials from filmmakers practicing accountability to community and learn about upcoming panels and presentations where we’re covering these topics.
Offer a Works in Progress Lab.
Each year, in partnership with the Cucalorus Film Festival, we select five Black documentary filmmakers from an open application process to attend our Works in Progress Lab, a week-long lab led by leaders in the field such as Byron Hurt.
Craft impact strategy on a fee for service basis.
We occasionally have capacity for impact strategy development for feature film campaigns outside of our Impact Kickstart program. These opportunities are limited, and we select these projects through referrals from industry partners.