We can't wait to see you next year

What attendees have said

Amazing convening this year! Thank you for all of the intention and hard work that so obviously went into the planning. Edit Verzus was a revelation, by the way! What a wonderful way to get folks to rally around the most unsung heroes of doc filmmaking: editors!

Being from the south, I'm so encouraged that there's a space dedicated to southern storytellers, but that's so welcoming of people from all over.

I really appreciate all of the organizers, volunteers, and speakers for attending and bring such positive energy to the event.

As a Durham resident it's incredible to have something like this hosted in our backyard. I met so many people who traveling far and wide to get to the convening and I love fact that I can just drive a couple of miles 🙂

A level of clarity and camaraderie that I was seeking!

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.

The Southern Documentary Convening is hosted with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.

This takes a community:

2026 Convening Program flipbook

Industry Roundtables

Meet our industry partners that will be at the Industry Roundtable event!

Ainè Henderson

Series Producer at Independent Lens and Supervising Producer
ITVS

Alexandra Garcia

Executive Producer of Op-Docs
The New York Times

Dan Brawley

Executive Director
Cucalorus Film Foundation

Dominic Willsdon

Executive Director
International Documentary Association

Gabriella Bottoni

Director of Creator Success
Seed&Spark

James Mieczkowski

Producer
PBS NC

Ken Jacobson

Executive Director
Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute

Kira Boden-Gologorsky

Senior Development Producer
AJC Studios

Lani Simeona

Operations and Program Supervisor and Festival Director
BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival

Liz Stepp

Senior Director of Texas Lights
Austin Film Society (AFS)

Maggie Piazza Carroll

Video Consortium

Molly Murphy

Director of Partnerships and Innovation
Working Films

Natalie Bullock Brown

Director
Documentary Accountability Working Group

Nick Price

Series Producer
Reel South

Rish Aggarwai

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
Kinema

Susi Hamilton

Film Partnership NC

Will Dodson

Lecturer of Media Studies
UNC Greensboro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Southern Documentary Convening?

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, screenings and networking opportunities with industry professionals. The event aims to provide both practical skills and artistic growth through personal connections and relevant discussions.

Where can I get passes to the convening?

The convening will take place June 5 – 7, 2026 in Durham, NC. You can get passes via Eventbrite here.

When do passes go on sale?

Passes went on sale on February 16, 2026! Buy here.

How can I get involved?

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

Does the Southern Documentary Convening have accessibility?

All venues are accessible. Email info@southerndocumentaryfund.org for accessibility accommodations, questions or feedback. We will respond promptly and work with you on your request.

Is parking available?

Public parking is available on South Dillard Street down the block from The Fruit.

Additionally, parking is free across the street from The Fruit on weekends and after 6:00 PM on Fridays.

Do not park in The Fruit parking lot, those spaces are reserved for SDF and The Fruit employees.

**Please pay attention to posted parking signs and restrictions.**

Where can I access the full schedule for the Southern Documentary Convening?

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

What is there to do in Durham?

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