How can documentary filmmakers get through the process of clearing and gaining licensing rights to use music in a project? How do you find and work with a film composer?Music & Casting Supervisor/Executive Producer Aurelia Belfield of Trailblazer Studios will give us an overview of the process of using music in your documentary. View Recording

Finding the funds to make your documentary is a massive challenge. In order to do so, you will need to be ready to pitch your project to potential financial backers. In this interactive mentorship roundtable discussion, Alexis Galfas will tell us how to pitch to investors. RSVP

What exactly is fiscal sponsorship and how can documentary makers benefit from this program? Join the Southern Documentary Fund for a virtual session where we discuss the basics of fiscal sponsorship, the application process, and answer any questions you may have regarding the program.We will also be joined by documentary filmmaker Emily Harold for a […]

The director-editor relationship is an integral part of the documentary filmmaking process. How do the director and editor navigate their relationship with each other?Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) hosts an interactive mentorship roundtable discussion with Emmy- and ACE Eddie-nominated documentary editor Carla Gutiérrez (JULIA, PRAY AWAY, RBG) on forming collaborative relationships and why the relationship between […]

Celebrate the mighty spirit of Lena Mae Perry and her church gospel noisy crew with a special hometown premiere of this award-winning, soul-lifting documentary film experience. Perry is the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and as far away as Ireland over the […]

Applications are open for our 2022 Production Grant! SDF will be awarding $10,000 each to five filmmakers directing their lenses at powerful Southern stories. We encourage filmmakers at all levels to apply for this funding opportunity. The 2022 Production Grant wouldn't be possible without the generous support of the MacArthur Foundation.We will be hosting two […]

Join SDF for the 2022 Production Grant Information Session, which will introduce the grant eligibility guidelines and provide a general overview of the newly revised Doc Core application. The Documentary Core Application is a collaborative effort by grantors who regularly fund documentary projects to standardize application requirements, with the aim of fostering greater access and […]

From concept to completion, four-time Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Isabel Castro gives us an overview of the process used in her latest film MIJA, a documentary that dives into the world of a young woman hustling harder than anyone else, because for her and her family, “making it” isn't just a dream—it's a necessity. This interactive […]

Join SDF for our 2022 Production Grant Information Session #2, which will introduce the grant eligibility guidelines and provide a general overview of the newly revised Doc Core application. The Documentary Core Application is a collaborative effort by grantors who regularly fund documentary projects to standardize application requirements, with the aim of fostering greater access […]

Southern Documentary Fund is pleased to present a free work-in-progress screening of IN THE BUBBLE WITH JAIME, by Emily Harrold as part of our Fresh Docs program.In South Carolina, African American Jaime Harrison takes on Republican incumbent Lindsey Graham to run for U.S. Senate. But what happens when the COVID epidemic sets in? In a […]

Every budget tells a story. A well-written one is both a road map for your production and a reflection of the creative vision of your film. This discussion delves into how to write your first budget, general budgeting principles, as well as methods and software. The interactive roundtable will include brief case studies and opportunities […]

Are you in need of funding for your documentary and wondering where to find money to make and/or finish your film? Documentary filmmaker Sabrina Schmidt Gordon will dive into the many ways that you can fund your project. This interactive mentorship roundtable will include brief case studies and opportunities to ask questions.*Please note that live […]