Southern Documentary Fund

SDF Presents: MAMA BEARS at Cucalorus Film Festival
2022-11-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Thalian Black, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Southern Documentary Fund is pleased to present MAMA BEARS at the 28th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival.
Sara Cunningham and Kimberly Shappley are two mama bears — conservative, Christian mothers whose profound love for their LGBTQ+ children has turned them into fierce advocates for the entire queer community. Tammi Terrell Morris is a young African American lesbian whose struggle for self-acceptance exemplifies why the mama bears are so important. MAMA BEARS explores the journeys of these women who have allowed nearly every aspect of their lives to be reshaped by love. Although they may have grown up as fundamentalist, evangelical Christians, mama bears are willing to risk losing friends, family, and faith communities to keep their children safe. Shot in a poetic, deeply intimate style, Daresha Kyi’s touching doc explores the complex intersections of politics, religion, faith, and unconditional love.
There will be a post film discussion with Daresha Kyi (director) moderated by Meredith Persin (LGBTQ+ Program Specialist at UNCW), immediately following the screening.

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https://youtu.be/ltg8aFSrLB0
This program was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Art, and North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Documentary Work Sample with Filmmaker Sabrina Schmidt Gordon
2022-12-15 14:00
One of the most critical components of any documentary grant application is the work sample. In this interactive mentorship roundtable, documentary editor & producer Sabrina Schmidt Gordon will dive into the ways that you can craft an effective documentary work sample.
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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Fiscal Sponsorship 101: How to Fund Your Documentary Film
2023-01-26 12:00 - 13:00
Join SDF for a special webinar on fiscal sponsorship and how it can help you fundraise for your documentary film. SDF Program Manager Christopher Everett will provide an overview of the basics of fiscal sponsorship, including what it is and how it works. We will be joined by John Beder, a documentary filmmaker who has successfully used fiscal sponsorship to fundraise and complete his current film. This info session will also cover the application process and answer any questions you may have.
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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UNMARKED
2023-02-18 16:30 - 17:30 | Academy Center of the Arts, 600 Main St, Lynchburg, VA, 24504, United States
Join the Academy Center of the Arts in viewing UNMARKED, a film about the thousands of African-American grave sites and burial grounds for enslaved persons that have been disappearing over the years. In Virginia alone, stories of thousands at rest could vanish from history altogether if these locations are not restored and those with personal connections to these burial sites have recently begun to uncover and maintain locations across the state.
The documentary has appeared in nine film festivals, including the New Orleans Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival and was nominated for a Capital Emmy Award in 2021. The Academy is proud to highlight the efforts of Lynchburg locals, who helped to bring this film to life and to share the significance of this topic through the art of film for Black History Month.
This event will include live performances, poetry, and a panel discussion directly following the film. The panelists include Jerome Preston Bates (host), Brian Palmer (moderator), Chris Haley (co-director), Crystal Rosson (descendant), Brad J. Bennett (co-director), and Murrell Thornhill (co-owner of Tharp Funeral Home).
ABOUT THE DIRECTORSBrad Bennett is a Japanese-American filmmaker and Emmy-nominated producer based in Virginia. His first feature documentary, Forgive–Don’t Forget, chronicles the search for a family on the other side of the world in order to return an heirloom taken during World War II. The film won the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2017 Guam International Film Festival. Forgive–Don’t Forget was acquired by Gravitas Ventures in 2018 and released on Hulu and Amazon. Bennett has been featured in The Guardian, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe. He is the Co-director, Producer, and DP for UNMARKED.
Chris Haley is the co-director, archival expert, and co-writer of UNMARKED. As the Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland at the Maryland State Archives Research Department and the Utopia Film Festival in Greenbelt, Maryland, Mr. Haley has served on many prestigious boards in the world of African American genealogy as well as in the Arts.

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Fresh Docs: GRANDMASTER: THE VIC MOORE STORY
2023-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | THE CARY THEATER, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC, 27511, United States
Southern Documentary Fund is pleased to present a free work-in-progress screening of GRANDMASTER: THE VIC MOORE STORY, by Christopher Everett as part of our Fresh Docs program.
In 1965, Vic Moore became one of the first African Americans to win a major karate competition. Now over 50 years later, Vic Moore is locked in a race against time to pass his knowledge of Shuri-ryū Karate to the next generation of martial artists as he struggles with the health repercussions of a strenuous martial arts career.
Doors will open at 6:30pm, film will start at 7:00pm. There will be a post film discussion with Christopher Everett (director & producer), Victor Moore (subject of film), and moderator Dr. Alonzo Alexander (Director, Imhotep and Kyran Anderson Academies at NC State Science House & Purple Belt in Shotokan Karate) immediately following the screening.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Christopher Everett is an independent film director, producer and curator, based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Christopher is the Program Manager at the Southern Documentary Fund and is the founder of Speller Street Films and Black Kung Fu Cinema. He’s a recent Firelight Media Doc Lab Fellow and is the guest curator at The Cary Theater in Cary, NC for their Kung Fu Film Series. His debut feature documentary WILMINGTON ON FIRE, chronicles the 1898 Wilmington Massacre. He’s currently in post-production on WILMINGTON ON FIRE: CHAPTER II and also GRANDMASTER: THE VIC MOORE STORY which looks at the life and teachings of martial arts pioneer Grandmaster Victor Moore. He’s also currently in production on WE BUILT THIS: PROFILES OF BLACK ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS IN NC.
ABOUT FRESH DOCS
Fresh Docs is Southern Documentary Fund’s work-in-progress screening series. These screenings give SDF makers an opportunity to showcase their work fresh from the edit suite, and receive structural, editorial, and Point-of-View feedback from qualified professionals such as documentary media makers and production specialists.

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Archival Research for Your Documentary with Filmmaker Emily Harrold
2023-02-28 13:00 - 14:00
Join Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) for an interactive mentorship roundtable with award-winning filmmaker Emily Harrold. Learn from a seasoned professional as she shares her expertise on the art of archival research. Discover the best resources for finding and organizing archive and third-party visual materials for your documentary, and gain a deeper understanding of the research phase of the filmmaking process. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from an experienced filmmaker.
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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Educational Distribution with Filmmaker John Beder
2023-03-27 12:00 - 13:00
Join Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) for an interactive mentorship roundtable with Emmy-nominated filmmaker John Beder. During this webinar, John will share his expert knowledge on how he successfully distributed his film for educational purposes, resulting in over 60 screenings worldwide. Utilizing his film COMPOSED as a case study, John will walk you through his outreach materials and distribution strategies, giving you the tools you need to reach a wider audience. Don’t miss your chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights from a seasoned filmmaker.
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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Mastering Film Compliance and Delivery with Producer Shawna Brakefield-Haase
2023-04-27 12:00 - 13:00
Join Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) for an interactive mentorship roundtable featuring Shawna Brakefield-Haase, president of The Brakefield Company and a two-time Emmy Award® nominee and winner of an Emmy Award® for documentary producing. This event will feature a Compliances and Delivery Boot Camp that will equip you with essential knowledge on administrative, legal, and clearance compliance and delivery requirements for major distributors, streamers, and networks. By understanding these requirements early on in the pre-production phase, you can ensure that your film is insurable, marketable, and deliverable. Shawna will share her own personal checklists and highlight the importance of creating a comprehensive wrap book. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned industry professional!
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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2023 Southern Documentary Convening
2023-05-19 15:00 - 2023-05-21 19:00
The Southern Documentary Convening is a three-day conference for first-time, emerging and experienced documentary makers taking place annually 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.
Registration includes: Admission to all convening panels, workshops and networking events. SDF will provide coffee, bottled water, lunch and light snacks throughout the convening.
Free Parking is available on site.
*Schedule TBA
For more information, please visit: https://southerndocumentaryfund.org/southern-documentary-convening/

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Scripting the Documentary with Filmmaker Emily Harrold
2023-07-26 12:00 - 13:00
Hours upon hours of footage with no sense on how to move forward with editing? Join documentary filmmaker Emily Harrold for this nuts-and-bolts conversation about how to organize, prepare, and script your documentary film — from raw footage to finished film.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from an experienced filmmaker.
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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2023 SDF Production Grant Information Session #2
2023-08-15 16:00 - 17:00
SDF is hosting information session #2 for the 2023 Production Grant. This session will give an overview of SDF’s Production Grant, eligibility requirements, and tips for writing a successful application.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the grant process.
The information session will take place on Tuesday, August 15, 4pm EST via Zoom. This session will be recorded and made available.
*Please note that live captioning is available for all virtual public events. To make a request for any other accessibility-related accommodation, ask a question, or give us your feedback, please email us at info@southerndocumentaryfund.org to discuss your specific needs. We will respond as soon as possible and will do our best to work with you on your specific request. If you require assistance by phone, please call us at 919-308-3714.
Please notify us of any requests as early as possible, and note that requests made within 5 days of the virtual event cannot be guaranteed.

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Pitch Decks & Sizzle Reels: A Case Study
2023-08-23 12:00 - 13:00
Join Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) on Wednesday, August 23 at 12PM EST for an interactive mentorship roundtable with Shawna Brakefield-Haase, a two-time Emmy Award® nominee and winner of an Emmy Award®.
In this roundtable, Shawna Brakefield-Haase will talk about the process of creating a pitch deck and sizzle reel, what elements should always be included and knowing your audience. Joining her will be filmmaker Bryce Leavitt. Together they will break down their latest project materials and how they resulted in getting financing.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from seasoned industry professionals!

Local Fundraising Strategies
2023-09-20 12:00 - 13:00
Filmmaker John Beder shares a case study on how he was able to raise money for his documentary HOW TO SUE THE KLAN from state, city, and community funding partners. Competing against the country or world for film funds can be daunting, but John will share some tips and ideas on how to fund your film closer to home.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from a seasoned industry professional!

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival - IN THE BUBBLE WITH JAIME
2023-09-21 19:00 - 20:30 | THE CARY THEATER, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC, 27511, United States
The 2023 BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival opening night film is presented in partnership with the Southern Documentary Fund.
In South Carolina, African American Jaime Harrison takes on Republican incumbent Lindsey Graham to run for US Senate. In a state with one of the largest Black populations in the US, Harrison faces not only a global pandemic but a legacy of racial injustice that makes winning an uphill battle.
Filmmaker Q&A to follow screening.
Join us for a reception at BREW Coffee Bar immediately following this event.

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May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story (Durham, NC Premiere)
2023-11-16 18:30 - 21:00 | The Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC, 27701
May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story follows the rise, breakup, and reunion of Little Brother, the critically acclaimed and widely influential Hip-Hop group from Durham, North Carolina.
A music documentary in the tradition of films like Beats Rhymes & Life, Zappa, or 20 Feet From Stardom, May the Lord Watch details the vast impact of the preeminent 2000s group, composed of rappers Phonte, Big Pooh and (formerly) producer 9th Wonder.

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How to Make Money with Your Documentary
2024-01-31 12:00 - 13:00
You’ve spent months or even years completing your documentary, but you don’t know what to do next or how to make money from your project? Join SDF Artistic Director and documentary filmmaker Chris Everett for a conversation on how to monetize your documentary film using a DIY (do it yourself) approach.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from a seasoned industry professional!

SDF Presents: HOW TO SUE THE KLAN at NC Black Film Festival
2024-05-18 16:45 - 18:00 | Thalian Black, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
SDF Presents: HOW TO SUE THE KLAN at the NC Black Film Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina
HOW TO SUE THE KLAN is the story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case, fighting to hold them accountable for their crimes and bring justice to their community. Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate.
Filmmaker Q&A to follow screening.
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

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Beyond the Shot List: Finding Your Documentary's Look (webinar)
2024-09-04 12:00 - 13:00
Beyond the Shot List: Finding Your Documentary’s Look
Join us for an interactive webinar featuring award-winning director and cinematographer, Andrew H. Brown, renowned for his film “Between the Rains” which clinched the Best Cinematography award at Tribeca Festival 2023. Nominated again in 2024 for the IDA Award for Best Cinematography, Andrew will delve into his unique process of discovering the visual aesthetic for his documentary films. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable cinematography insights and tips.

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SDF Presents: HOW TO SUE THE KLAN at BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival
2024-09-05 19:00 - 20:00 | THE CARY THEATER, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC, 27511, United States
SDF Presents: HOW TO SUE THE KLAN at BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival
How to Sue the Klan is the story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case, fighting to hold them accountable for their crimes and bring justice to their community. Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate.
The screening will be followed by a 30 min post film conversation with the filmmaker and a reception in Brew Coffee Bar.

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Look Different (Meetup for Triangle Documentary Filmmakers)
2024-10-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Queen Street Magic Boat, 406 N. Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27703
Look Different (Meetup for Triangle Documentary Filmmakers)
Date / Time: October 3rd | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (EST)
Location: Queen Street Magic Boat (406 N. Queen St, Durham, 27703)
Join us for Look Different, a quarterly meetup for Triangle documentary filmmakers, on Thursday, October 3rd at Queen Street Magic Boat in Durham, NC. The local documentary scene feels a little fragmented lately. Let’s get together and try to fix that. There will be screenings, discussion, and snacks.
Hosted by: Saleem Reshamwala & D.L. Anderson
Sponsored by: Southern Documentary Fund
Free to attend

Negotiating Contracts for Independent Documentary Producers (webinar)
2024-10-11 12:00 - 13:00
Negotiating Contracts for Independent Documentary Producers (webinar)
Date / Time: October 11th | 12 PM – 1 PM (EST)
In this webinar, we’ll talk about the latest set of guidelines from the Documentary Producers Alliance on Negotiating Contracts for Independent Documentary Producers. Independent documentary producers face a variety of complicated challenges, including how to make a living from their work. So, volunteer members of the Documentary Producers Alliance came together over the course of two years to develop this set of best practices as a resource for work-for-hire doc producers to be better equipped to navigate the doc landscape, which lacks clear rules around sustainable working conditions and compensation for producers. The guidelines are a tool for independent documentary producers as they consider and define working relationships with rights holders. They are the first of their kind, including a recommended rate table for producers, what terms producers should consider within a contract, and a glossary of key terms and phrases.
This webinar is presented by J.R. Hardman, Board Member of the Documentary Producers Alliance.

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Podcasting: Past, Present, Future (webinar)
2024-10-25 12:00 - 13:30
Podcasting: Past, Present, Future (webinar)
Date / Time: October 25th | 12 PM – 1:30 PM (EST)
Are you an audio creator who is trying to navigate the current podcasting landscape and wondering where and how you might fit in? The industry is generating a lot of headlines and discussion about what’s next and possible amid financial ups and downs, market saturation, and growing corporate influence. In this session, Stephanie Kuo (VP of Content, PRX) provides an overview of the stakes, trends and players in the world of podcasting as well as what it takes to produce a desirable, feasible and viable podcast in 2024 and beyond.
This webinar is presented by Stephanie Kuo, Vice President of Content at PRX

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Kinema Screening: Wilmington on Fire
2025-02-20 19:00 - 21:30
Join us for a powerful screening of Wilmington on Fire, a compelling documentary by director Christopher Everett that explores the untold history of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre—one of the most harrowing yet overlooked events in American history.
Before Tulsa, before Rosewood—there was Wilmington. In 1898, Wilmington, North Carolina, was the state’s largest city, home to a majority Black population, a thriving Black middle class, and a biracial Republican-Populist fusion government. On November 10, 1898, an armed mob of white supremacists, backed by the Democratic Party, carried out a violent coup, massacring African Americans and forcing thousands to flee, permanently reshaping the city’s future.
Through rare photographs, original research, and testimonies from historians and descendants, Wilmington on Fire uncovers a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of the post-Reconstruction South. This must-see documentary not only revisits a buried chapter of history but also examines its lasting impact today.

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Writing Your Own Grant Applications
2025-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Writing Your Own Grant Applications
Date/Time: February 26th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Starting your own documentary film project can feel overwhelming, but crafting a strong grant application and pitch materials is an essential step to get you on the right path. In this webinar, documentary filmmaker Robie Flores will share the valuable lessons she’s learned from applying for funding and how she used feedback from both successful and unsuccessful rounds to refine her approach and strengthen her voice as an emerging director.
This Webinar is presented by Robie Flores, Director.

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Music Cue Sheets
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Music Cue Sheets
Date/Time: March 26 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (EST)
Music cue sheets may seem like an administrative task, but they can have a significant impact on your projects and revenue. Poorly managed cue sheets can lead to legal complications, lost income, and unnecessary stress.
Join Director and Producer Gerald K. Barclay in this webinar for a detailed guide on the critical role cue sheets play, the benefits they offer and the overview of other music licensing options you should know about
This Webinar is presented by Gerald Barclay, Director and Producer.

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Kinema Screening: You Gave Me a Song
2025-04-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Virtual Screening
Kinema Screening: You Gave Me a Song

Kinema Screening: You Gave Me a Song
Date: April 16, 2025
Location: Kinema Virtual Screening
Join us for a special virtual screening of You Gave Me a Song, an intimate portrait of 84-year-old old-time music pioneer Alice Gerrard. This heartfelt documentary traces Alice’s lifelong journey preserving and performing traditional music. Through a blend of candid rehearsals, archival recordings, and personal reflections, the film captures her enduring spirit and the powerful legacy she continues to inspire.
Get your tickets now to experience the story of a woman who shaped American roots music and still sings with soul!

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Mentorship Webinar: Animation In Documentary
2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
Often, documentary films rely solely on talking heads, verité footage, and archival to tell a story. One of the most compelling ways to improve the visual recipe, to break up the standard visuals of documentary, is to incorporate animation into your film. This webinar will cover animation styles, budgets, methods for building illustrations and visual ideas, storyboarding, DIY animation, when to use animation, when not to use animation, and more.

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Kinema Screening: Bloom
2025-05-15 19:00 - 21:30 | Virtual Screening
Bloom
May 15, 202
Virtual Screening
7:00PM (EST)
Join us for the virtual Kinema Screening of Bloom followed by a Q&A with directors Allison Rieff and Elizabeth Miller-Derstine!
About the film:
Journey with three couples and the doulas they partner with to achieve a safe and confident birth experience. Bloom, a feature-length documentary explores the work doulas are doing to fill gaps in the medical system. Doulas partner with expectant parents to assist them in advocating for themselves during pregnancy and birth. Having an educated advocate by one’s side during birth can not only safeguard against trauma but, quite literally be the difference between life and death, notably for BIPOC birthing parents. Following an ensemble cast of doulas and birthing parents, the feature-length film encompasses a breadth of experiences and challenges of giving birth at this moment. Stories about challenges in gynecological care are making headlines right now for important reasons. Those stories do need to be told and the public needs to understand those consequences. But while those stories are about how America makes it harder for people who need gynecological care to receive that care, this story is about the people who are making healthcare access an easier and positive experience.

Mentorship Webinar: Ideation and Aesthetics: Creating Documentary Films for Ya Folks
2025-05-28 12:00 | Virtural Webinar
Join us for an engaging and transformative workshop designed to empower filmmakers and storytellers who are passionate about representing and uplifting their communities through the art of cinema. “Ideation and Aesthetics: Creating Documentary Films for Ya Folks” invites participants to explore the intersection of creative ideation and visual storytelling, focusing on how film can serve as a powerful medium for cultural expression and community representation in a time where your unique voice is needed!

Mentorship Webinar: Shared Visions: The Director-Cinematographer Collaboration
2025-06-25 12:00 | Virtural Webinar
The collaboration between a director and cinematographer sits at the heart of great visual storytelling – but how do we develop these important relationships? Join award-winning cinematographer and director Sarah Hennigan for a conversation about establishing new creative collaborations and how to go about cultivating a shared vision for your project.
