Leading documentary associations from the UK, Canada, and the US have announced the formation of a new international alliance to coordinate support for independent documentary film at Sheffield DocFest.
During a well-attended panel organised by the UK’s Documentary Film Council (DFC) and moderated by UK producer Krishan Arora, speakers from the DFC were joined by representatives from the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC), the International Documentary Association (IDA) in the US and the Documentary Association of Europe (DAE). The panel was programmed and produced by Emily Copley, Joint Acting CEO of the DFC, in her role as Senior Producer of Talks & Sessions at Sheffield DocFest.
Following a lively discussion of policy strategies to protect the documentary sector from multiple shared challenges, DFC, IDA, and DOC have agreed to share research and collaborate on cross-border advocacy efforts. Each will also promote the other associations.
For the DFC, Joint Acting CEO, Steve Presence emphasised the importance of international co-operation: “Despite the different contexts we’re working in, it’s really striking how similar the challenges are. There is so much work to do to improve the outlook for documentary filmmakers in the UK”. He added: “The more we can coordinate with international bodies working on the same fundamental issues, the better – whether that’s on funding, regulation, advocacy, inclusivity or the value of public service media”.
IDA Director of Programs Abby Sun said, “We can all see the present and coming challenges to the sector on a political, financial and technological level. I know that together we are stronger, both in the US and internationally. Doc makers are some of the most resourceful, committed and agile people in the industry, and right now we all need to pull together”.
Julian Carrington, DOC’s Executive Director, said: “DOC’s 40-year history shows that robust advocacy has been essential to sustaining Canada’s independent documentary community. Our members regularly undertake production partnerships with international colleagues, and an international advocacy alliance is a natural extension. This partnership can only empower us in confronting the challenges that face our industry globally”.
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