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Feb 15 – May 23, 2025
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.
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.
The events for the 2025 Convening will be held in multiple places. Please see the venues to the right.
305 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701
120 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701
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.
Please see the hotels in the surrounding area below
111 North Corcoran St, Durham, North Carolina, 27701
705 South Mangum Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701
1108 West Main Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701
2102 West Main Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27705
1542 North Gregson Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27701
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.
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. Check out our program below!
Check In
Location: The Fruit
Time: 2:00 PM
Welcome Mixer
Join us for a lively Welcome Mixer to kick off the Southern Documentary Convening—an evening of connection, conversation, and community with fellow filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives.
Location: The Fruit
Time: 3:00 PM
SDF Presents: The In Between
Location: Durham Arts Council
Time: 7:00 PM
After her brother’s death, a filmmaker returns to her Texas border hometown to document their roots—only to uncover his own footage that brings him vividly back to life. The film explores memory, identity, and growing up Mexican American along the U.S.-Mexico border. A post-film discussion will follow with filmmaker Robie Flores and ITVS Senior Manager of Production, Michael Kinomoto.
Location: The Fruit
Time: 8:00 AM
Check In – Coffee & Muffins!
Southern Documentary Convening Keynote Speaker: Elaine McMillion Sheldon
This year we are excited to announce that the Southern Documentary Convening 2025 Keynote speaker is non other than Elaine McMillion Sheldon! To learn more about Elaine McMillion Sheldon please click here.
Location: The Fruit
Time: 3:00 PM
Panels:
Enjoy our expert led workshops and panels! We are so excited to offer our makers community the opportunity to flourish!
9:40 AM: The Importance of Creative Collectives
11:00 AM: The Distribution Playbook
1: 30 PM: TBA
2:45 PM: Fundraising for your Documentary
Location: The Fruit
Industry Roundtables
Connect with fellow filmmakers and meet leaders in the field at the Southern Documentary Convening Industry Roundtable. This interactive event offers a unique opportunity for candid conversations, industry insights, and meaningful relationship-building across the documentary world.
Location: The Fruit
Time: 4:00 PM
SDF Presents: KING COAL
KING COAL is a poetic exploration of the coal industry’s impact on Central Appalachia—its history, communities, and enduring myths. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon blends beauty and reflection in a bold reimagining of documentary storytelling. A post-film discussion will follow with Sheldon and SDF Artistic Director Chris Everett.
Location: Durham Arts Council
Time: 7:00 PM
Southern Documentary Convening Reception
Join us for the Southern Documentary Convening Reception—an evening of celebration, connection, and community with fellow filmmakers and storytellers from across the South. Enjoy refreshments and conversation as we honor the power of Southern documentary.
Location: Durham Arts Council
Time: 9:00 PM
Coffee and Muffins!
Location: The Fruit
Time: 8:30 AM
Workshops and Panels
Enjoy our expert led workshops and panels! We are so excited to offer our makers community the opportunity to flourish!
9:40 AM: Audio Doc Workshop
10:15 AM: Mental Health for Makers
Location: The Fruit
Thank you for your participation!
Sponsors
Sponsors
Sponsors
Sponsors
Sponsors
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
© 2025 Movely. All Rights Reserved.
Southern Documentary Fund
Durham, NC 27701
info@southerndocumentaryfund.org 919-308-3714
P.O. Box 2614, Burlington, NC 27216
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.
