Southern Documentary Fund

Safety, Free Expression, and Access in Uncertain Times
2026-06-07 10:15 - 11:15 (America/Halifax)
At a moment when truth-telling is increasingly contested, this timely conversation explores the evolving balance between safety and free expression in documentary filmmaking. Bringing together filmmakers, advocates, and industry leaders, this panel will examine how the field can actively protect freedom of expression by providing direct support to filmmakers at risk due to the political, social, or cultural impact of their work. Panelists will also highlight the importance of sustained advocacy efforts to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of the documentary community at large. In addition, the discussion will address the shifting media landscape—specifically, how recent mergers among major studios and media conglomerates may affect documentary filmmakers’ access to critical news archives and source materials. As gatekeeping structures evolve, what does this mean for storytelling, accountability, and historical record?

Mentorship Webinar: How to Make Films at the End of the World with Resita Cox
2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtural Webinar
The current media landscape requires filmmakers and producers especially to reimagine how they assist in birthing critical stories at the end of the world—emphasizing self-actualization through storytelling while implementing unique spiritual producing practices that stand against the current status quo. This webinar explores how media makers must assume an important role in the creative process, exchanging industry standards for embodied practices used to build lasting, transformative relationships with the story, crew members and film participants, prioritizing relationship-building and impact along the way, not just at the conclusion of the journey.
