BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Southern Documentary Fund - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southern Documentary Fund
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Halifax
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20250309T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20251102T050000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20260308T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20261101T050000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20270314T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20271107T050000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260605T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260607T200000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260212T211945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T174338Z
UID:20708-1780646400-1780862400@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Southern Documentary Convening
DESCRIPTION:The Southern Documentary Convening is an annual three-day conference for first-time\, emerging and experienced documentary makers taking place this year in Durham\, NC. Attendees will benefit from workshops\, panel discussions\, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. The event aims to provide both practical skills and artistic growth through personal connections and relevant discussions.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/southern-documentary-convening/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Regular-Convening-2026-postcards.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T093000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260511T164154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T164154Z
UID:21879-1780736400-1780738200@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Keynote Speaker: Christalyn Hampton
DESCRIPTION:My Turn to Call ‘Action!’ \nAfter years working behind the scenes as a producer\, what does it take to step into the director’s chair—especially as a Southern documentary filmmaker rooted in place\, history\, and community? This keynote explores the transition from supporting someone else’s vision to claiming your own voice\, shaped by the cultural landscapes and lived experiences of the South. Passion may spark the journey\, but it’s clarity of purpose and determination that carry it forward. For those called to create\, lead\, and tell stories grounded in truth\, memory\, and regional identity\, this conversation speaks directly to you.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/keynote-speaker-christalyn-hampton/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Christalyn-Hampton_Photo-credit-Shenika-Linen-scaled.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T094000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T104000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260428T160401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T160440Z
UID:21780-1780738800-1780742400@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:The Rise of Native Media Sovereignty (presented by Vision Maker Media)
DESCRIPTION:For generations\, Indigenous stories were told from the outside—shaped by voices that didn’t live them\, and too often reduced to stereotypes. But that tide is turning. Today\, Native filmmakers are reclaiming the lens\, using documentary film to challenge old narratives and tell stories with truth and care. This shift is about more than representation—it’s about ownership\, from development to screen to distribution. \nIn this panel\, our storytellers reflect on their journeys and the importance of creating from within\, so that when the world sees Indian Country\, it sees it through Indigenous eyes. \n 
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/the-rise-of-native-media-sovereignty-presented-by-vision-maker-media/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Convening-2026-54.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260423T192357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T192357Z
UID:21679-1780743600-1780747200@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Fundraising for Your Documentary w/ Darcy McKinnon
DESCRIPTION:Feeling overwhelmed by the fundraising process? Not sure how best to get your film funded? This workshop will cover the basics of fundraising for documentary projects in an ever-changing landscape\, including the types and impacts of different kinds of financial investments\, setting up your legal and financial entity\, how money is tied to distribution\, and the development of funding materials. Participants will leave with an understanding of the doc industry landscape\, and the tools to build a fundraising plan that matches their filmmaking goals.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/fundraising-for-your-documentary-w-darcy-mckinnon/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Convening-2026-34.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T143000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260427T202257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T202257Z
UID:21750-1780752600-1780756200@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Keeping it Short: The Future of Short-Form Documentary Distribution
DESCRIPTION:Short-form documentaries are reshaping the nonfiction landscape—finding audiences across film festivals\, public broadcasting\, streaming platforms\, and social media. This dynamic panel explores the evolving distribution ecosystem for short docs\, from funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to vertical storytelling and platform-specific releases. Industry experts will share insights on reaching audiences\, navigating festivals\, leveraging digital platforms\, and building sustainable pathways for short-form work in a rapidly changing media environment.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/keeping-it-short-the-future-of-short-form-documentary-distribution/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Convening-2026-52.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T154500
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260428T161742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T161742Z
UID:21783-1780757100-1780760700@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Screen: Creating Immersive Experiences for Documentary Audiences
DESCRIPTION:How can documentary filmmakers and curators turn a screening into a powerful live experience? This panel explores creative ways filmmakers and curators are designing immersive events—combining film\, conversation\, performance\, and community engagement—to deepen audience connection with their stories. Panelists will also discuss strategies for funding these experiences\, from grants and partnerships to ticketed events that can help generate support and raise funds for your documentary project.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/beyond-the-screen-creating-immersive-experiences-for-documentary-audiences/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Convening-2026-55.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T174500
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260427T202957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T202957Z
UID:21753-1780761600-1780767900@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Industry Roundtables
DESCRIPTION:Connect directly with the people shaping the documentary landscape at the Industry Roundtables. In small-groups documentary makers have the opportunity to connect with leading partners within the filmmaking field. There will be chances to ask questions\, share your work\, and build meaningful connections that can move your project forward.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/industry-roundtables/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Convening-2026-53.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T191500
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260511T164705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T164705Z
UID:21881-1780772400-1780773300@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:The Southern Lens Award Presentation
DESCRIPTION:To be presented annually at the Southern Documentary Convening\, the Southern Documentary Fund Southern Lens Award honors documentary makers and supporters for their significant achievements and dedication to amplifying stories from the American South. \nThis award celebrates those who create\, promote\, and champion authentic Southern narratives—recognizing the important role they play in shaping a more inclusive\, complex\, and truthful understanding of the region. Whether through filmmaking\, advocacy\, mentorship\, or community engagement\, recipients of the Southern Lens Award are dedicated to uplifting the voices of Southern storytellers and ensuring their work reaches broader audiences. \nThis year\, SDF is proud to honor Darcy McKinnon with the Southern Lens Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to documentary storytelling and her continued commitment to supporting filmmakers and meaningful nonfiction work. Through her dedication to collaboration\, mentorship\, and impactful storytelling\, Darcy has helped foster a stronger and more connected documentary community—uplifting stories that inspire dialogue\, understanding\, and change across the South and beyond.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/the-southern-lens-award-presentation/
LOCATION:Durham Arts Council\, 120 Morris St\, Durham\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Darcy_McKinnon_Color_0343_V1-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T203000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260427T203456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T194854Z
UID:21756-1780773300-1780777800@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:SDF Presents Screening: Roleplay
DESCRIPTION:Faced with rampant sexual violence on their college campus\, a group of college students spend a year creating an immersive play from their real-life experiences. Building characters and scenes based on the sexual politics of their campus\, the student actors confront hard truths. The film follows this process with a lyrical lens\, blurring the lines between reality and performance\, moving between verite of campus life and the confessional vulnerability of the rehearsal room. \nPosing urgent questions about the toxic legacies imparted on the next generation\, Roleplay explores the roles we play as we grow into who we are: how they hurt us\, heal us\, and shape who we become.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/sdf-presents-screening-roleplay/
LOCATION:The Fruit\, 305 S Dillard St\, Durham\, NC\, 27701\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening,SDF Screenings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Copy-of-2026-Convening-Ticket-Sales.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T203000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20260606T220000
DTSTAMP:20260604T222727
CREATED:20260511T195613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T195613Z
UID:21896-1780777800-1780783200@southerndocumentaryfund.org
SUMMARY:Southern Documentary Convening Reception
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Durham Arts Council for an evening of celebration\, conversation\, and community as part of the 2026 Southern Documentary Convening. The Convening Reception will bring together filmmakers\, industry leaders\, artists\, and supporters from across the South for a special gathering centered on the power of documentary storytelling. The evening will feature a post-screening conversation with filmmakers and special guests\, offering audiences an opportunity to engage more deeply with the stories\, creative process\, and themes explored on screen\, followed by the presentation of the Southern Lens Award to Darcy McKinnon in recognition of her outstanding contributions to documentary filmmaking and her continued dedication to supporting bold\, authentic storytelling from the American South. Guests are invited to celebrate\, connect\, and continue the conversation alongside fellow attendees in a welcoming and vibrant community space in the heart of downtown Durham.
URL:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/event/southern-documentary-convening-reception/
LOCATION:Durham Arts Council\, 120 Morris St\, Durham\, NC\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Southern Documentary Convening
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PIC32-2-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Southern Documentary Fund":MAILTO:chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR