2025 Southern Documentary Convening

June 6 – 8, 2025 

Durham, NC

Passes On Sale Now

Feb 15 – May 23, 2025

Southern Documentary Convening

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.

Volunteering

The Southern Documentary Convening takes a team and crew. Therefore Southern Documentary Fund is extending a call for volunteers! If you would like to donate your time to assist during the 3-day event, please complete this survey by May 1, 2025.

Venues

The events for the 2025 Convening will be held in multiple places. Please see the venues to the right.  

The Fruit

305 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701

Durham Arts Council

120 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701

Accessibility Information

SDF is committed to making its programs and the facilities we use accessible to people of all abilities. If you need special accommodations, please contact info@southerndocumentaryfund.org or call (919) 308-3714.

THE FRUIT has a ramp entry to the Main Level where all SDF events will take place. All rooms are accessible to patrons who use wheelchairs. Facility has signage for directions and dedicated accessible bathroom space. There is space available to accommodate wheelchair users with up front views of the program.

THE FRUIT attendees with limited mobility may be dropped off at the Main Entrance and use the ramp to enter the facility.   There is not any dedicated Handicapped parking.  There is free parking in the front of the building and paid parking on the right of the building. 

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms at THE FRUIT. 

THE FRUIT offers accessible floor seating space for attendees in wheelchairs, with mobility needs or with vision or hearing disabilities. Please reach out to SDF Accessibility team to let us know of your needs BEFORE the event, so that we can make the necessary accommodations.  Late notices may not be able to be accommodated.   

Trained Service dogs or miniature horses as defined by the ADA as Service Animals, are welcome.  Your Service Animal must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, please notify SDF at the time of ticket purchase so that a seat may be reserved for you.

Lodging

Preferred Convening Hotel

Durham Marriott City Center

201 Foster Street Durham, North Carolina, 27701

Other Hotels in the area

Please see the hotels in the surrounding area below

21C Museum Hotel Durham

111 North Corcoran St, Durham, North Carolina, 27701

SpringHill Suites Durham City View

705 South Mangum Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701

Residence Inn Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area

1108 West Main Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701

Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center

2102 West Main Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27705

Hampton Inn & Suites Durham/North I-85

1542 North Gregson Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701

FAQ

Please follow this link to purchases your passes for the Southern Documentary Convening : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-southern-documentary-convening-tickets-1203640062829?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Southern Documentary Convening takes place in downtown Durham, NC at a venue TBD.

Your safety is our top priority. Masks are not required but please use one if you are feeling ill. By purchasing event passes, you are acknowledging that health or safety requirements are subject to change and may be different by the time of the event.

Registration will be limited to 200 attendees.

Visit our Sponsorship page for more information. You can also contact us at giving@southerndocumentaryfund,org for more information.

You can pick up your pass starting at 4pm EST on Friday, June 6th at a place TBD. They will be available throughout the duration of the convening.

For those interested in volunteering for the Southern Documentary Convening, please contact info@southerndocumentaryfund.org.

The Southern Documentary Fund is dedicated to equitable access to our events. All venues are accessible and ADA compliant. For more information or to request additional accessibility accommodations contact info@southerndocumentaryfund.org or call 919-308-3714 for phone assistance. We will respond promptly and work with you on your request.

Our programming is unfolding right now.  We will release it as soon as we can.

The best way to stay in the loop on all important updates is by signing up for our Southern Documentary Convening newsletter right here. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive updates throughout the year. Also, keep our Southern Documentary Convening website bookmarked.

Under the Hotel Recommendations you can find a list of affiliates that includes a discount for hotels.

There are tons of things to do in Durham! Please click HERE to find out more. 

Schedule - tbd

The Southern Documentary Convening is a three-day event from June 6th – 8th for documentary enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals to come together, learn, network and engage through panels, workshops and more.  2025 programs will be listed soon!

Day 1

6 th Friday, June 2025
Click below for more information
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Check In

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Check In times and Location: TBA

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Day 2

7 th Saturday, June 2025
Click below to for more information
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Doors Open

Location: 

Check In times and Location: TBA

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Day 3

8 th Sunday June 2025
Click below for more information
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Doors Open

Location: 

Check In times and Location: TBA

Time: TBA

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2024 Southern Documentary Convening Sponsors

Producer

Sponsors

Director

Sponsors

Assistant director

Sponsors

Community partner

Sponsors

contact us to become a 2024 convening sponsor

Please contact us if you would like to become a 2024 Sponsor. Sponsorship helps secure key talent, organize impactful events, and cover essential operational expenses.

Support the Southern Documentary Convening today! Contact SDF at: GIVING@SOUTHERNDOCUMENTARYFUND.ORG

Support the Convening

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