U.K., Canada & U.S. Doc Associations Form Alliance

The U.K.’s Documentary Film Council (DFC), Canada’s Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) and the U.S.’s International Documentary Association (IDA) have formed an alliance to share research and collaborate on cross-border advocacy efforts.

“Despite the different contexts we’re working in, it’s really striking how similar the challenges are,” said Steve Presence, joint acting CEO of the DFC. “There is so much work to do to improve the outlook for documentary filmmakers in the U.K. The more we can coordinate with international bodies working on the same fundamental issues, the better—whether that’s on funding, regulation, advocacy, inclusivity or the value of public-service media.”

“We can all see the present and coming challenges to the sector on a political, financial and technological level,” added Abby Sun, director of programs at the IDA. “I know that together we are stronger, both in the U.S. and internationally. Doc makers are some of the most resourceful, committed and agile people in the industry, and right now, we all need to pull together.”

Julian Carrington, executive director of DOC, commented, “DOC’s 40-year history shows that robust advocacy has been essential to sustaining Canada’s independent documentary community. Our members regularly undertake production partnerships with international colleagues, and an international advocacy alliance is a natural extension. This partnership can only empower us in confronting the challenges that face our industry globally.”

The three announced this alliance as part of a panel at Sheffield DocFest that was programmed and produced by Emily Copley, joint acting CEO of the DFC, in her role as senior producer of talks and sessions at Sheffield DocFest. The Documentary Association of Europe (DAE) also took part in the panel.