The Documentary Film Council is a new sector-wide organisation for the UK's independent documentary film industry.
BUT BEFORE THAT…..
Throughout 2021 and early 21 I served as research assistant supporting a project based out of University West England, Bristol - UK Feature Docs Project (UKFD). It was a three-year study of the UK feature-length documentary film industry: that section of the film and television industries dedicated to the production of feature-length documentaries for theatrical or broadcast exhibition.
From 2018-2021, the UK Feature Docs team worked with industry stakeholders to develop proposals for a new policy framework for the documentary sector. This research was published in two policy reports (see below)
I joined in towards the end of the project and helped with various administrative roles, and also located, scanned, and archived all documents relevant to the history and the development of Sheffield International Documentary Film Festival (Doc/Fest).
The two reports are available to download here
Keeping it Real: Towards A Documentary Film Policy for the UK is based on the findings of a survey of over 200 UK feature documentary producers and directors. The survey covers diversity and inclusion – including age, class, disability, ethnicity, sexuality, gender and caring responsibilities – geography, income, financing and training. It reveals a chronic lack of funding, support and coordination at the heart of the UK’s feature documentary film sector.
Making It Real: A Policy Programme for UK Documentary Film comprises a new industrial strategy for documentary based on inclusivity, sustainability and the creation of optimum conditions for success at home and internationally.
At the core of the programme is a set of proposals for a new organisational structure, which would run alongside measures designed to address structural issues and boost funding across the industry.
Both pieces of work directly informed the development and genesis of the new member led, grass-roots organisation DOCUMENTARY FILM COUNCIL which launched officially in 2023. The DFC aims to:
Build a democratic organisation with the remit and resources to represent the UK’s independent documentary film sector within the wider screen industries at home and abroad.
Facilitate transparent communication within the documentary community, both between different sub-sectors in the industry and across the nations and regions of the UK.
Enable effective, coordinated action to address the key issues facing the independent documentary industry.
Fingers crossed this great inititave secures the funding and support required to help deliver these goals, it’s been a privilege to be a small part of its growth, and a member, who celebrates and advocates for screen heritage and archive culture.
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