Resources

PBS: P.O.V. P.O.V. (a cinema term for "point of view") is television's longest-running showcase for independent non-fiction films. P.O.V. premieres 14-16 of the best, boldest and innovative programs every year on PBS. Since 1988, P.O.V. has presented over 225 films to public television audiences across the country. P.O.V. films are known for their intimacy, their unforgettable storytelling and their timeliness, putting a human face on contemporary social issues.

HBO Documentaries HBO Documentary Films offers a full spectrum of stellar, non-fiction programming by acclaimed documentary filmmakers. Taking viewers from the little-known, hidden corners of society, to the incredible lives of the world's fascinating inhabitants and from the shocking reality that is everyday America to astonishing destinations around the world, HBO and Cinemax's powerful, uncompromising and award-winning films are among the most critically-acclaimed and award-winning programs within the documentary genre.

Independent Film Channel IFC is the first and only network dedicated to independent film and related programming, 24 hours a day, uncut and uncensored. Operating under the mantra 'always, uncut,' IFC presents feature-length films, thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door and Heavy Load, shorts, animated series, original series such as the sketch comedy The Whitest Kids U' Know and the new comedy series Z Rock as well as television's most comprehensive independent film library.

Sundance Channel Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression.

Docmaker Destinations Documentary Films .Net attempts to provided information on documentaries in four ways. Film Central - Coverage includes reviews, film releases, updates on upcoming films, and essays covering various aspects of documentary films. Resource and Festival Directory - Launched in a new easy to use database format in 2007. Listings are provided to studios and television networks which have a history of releasing documentary films, general film information sites which have a significant focus of documentary films, film festivals, production companies, film schools, funding sources, and many other resources that relate to filmmakers. Film Directory - This site is about the appreciation of documentary films, and as such, we attempt to provide as much exposure to documentary films as possible. In 2006 the documentary review database was launched (with a better format in 2007). Anyone can add documentary films to the database and anyone can then review films for themselves. Community - New to our launch in 2006, Documentary Films .Net is providing a forum. The publisher of this site has benefited from the use of forums in other fields, and feel now is the time to provide a community that can be used by viewers, filmmakers, and all those interested in documentary films.

D-Word The D-Word hosts discussions about the art, craft, business, and social impact of documentary film. Our Public Topics are open to all. Professionals can become Members of The D-Word and access a wide range of ongoing discussions in our Business, Creative, Social, and Technical Topics.

Independent Features Project After debuting with a program in the 1979 New York Film Festival, the nonprofit IFP has evolved into the nation's oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers, and also the premier advocate for them. Since its start, IFP has supported the production of 7,000 films and provided resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers--voices that otherwise might not have been heard. IFP believes that independent films enrich the universal language of cinema, seeding the global culture with new ideas, kindling awareness, and fostering activism.

indieWIRE The leading news, information, and networking site for independent-minded filmmakers, the industry and moviegoers alike, indieWIRE launced on July 15, 1996 and re-launched with a bold new approach on January 12, 2009 (press release). Winner of the Webby Award for best film website, indieWIRE was lauded as a "must read" by Variety, branded the "online heartbeat of the world's independent film community" by Forbes, and dubbed "best indie crossroads" by film critic Roger Ebert.

Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers Since 1978, The Independent has been the leading source of information for independent, grassroots and activist media-makers, providing inspiration and information for their films and video projects, as well as creating connections to the larger independent media community. With a reputation of documenting the origin and growth of independent film, the crucial mission started originally by the Association of Independent Video & Filmmakers (AIVF) continues. Independent Media Publications, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, aims to inform, promote, encourage and mobilize the independent and grassroots media arts movement.

International Documentary Association Since 1982, the International Documentary Association has worked to promote nonfiction film and video, support the efforts of documentary film and video makers around the world and increase public appreciation for the documentary form.

Independent Television Service The Independent Television Service (ITVS) brings independently-produced, high-quality public broadcast and new media programs to local, national and international audiences. The independent producers who create ITVS programs take creative risks, tackle complex issues and express points of view seldom explored in the mass media. ITVS programs enrich the cultural landscape with the voices and visions of underrepresented communities, and reflect the interests and concerns of a diverse society.

Docuclub DocuClub is a film screening series of works-in-progress documentaries based in NYC. Each month, a filmmaker presents a rough cut of her film. Afterwards, a moderator facilitates a discussion between filmmaker and audience. Constructive feedback from these sessions informs the finished film. Past films that have been screened at DocuClub include Born Into Brothels, The Boys of Baraka, and Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.

Downtown Community Television Center DCTV has taught over 50,000 students, most of them members of low-income and minority communities, the essentials of television production. DCTV offers over 150 low-cost video and electronic media training workshops to 2,000 students a year. DCTV's members rely on DCTV's facilities to produce new and innovative work that truly reflects the points of view of all constituents in our society.

Center for Independent Documentary The Center for Independent Documentary was founded in 1981 to collaborate with independent producers to create films and videos on issues of contemporary social and cultural concern. These programs have been broadcast nationally and locally on public and cable television, won numerous awards, and all are in distribution nationwide to educational markets. At a Massaachusetts state house ceremony, the Center was awarded the Commonwealth Award as Outstanding Cultural Organization in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Cultural Council for ”excellence, dedication, and vision in giving voice to independent New England documentary filmmakers and for broadening the audience for this medium.”

Renew Media Renew Media is a not-for-profit organization established in 1990 by the Rockefeller Foundation. Renew Media fosters independent artistic expression by supporting the creation, dissemination and public awareness of independent media in all forms. Renew Media encourages media artists to redefine, explore and create innovative visions that reflect our diverse culture and helps connect those works to a broad audience.

Movie Marketing Update The Movie Marketing Update tracks the latest movie, DVD, and television marketing trends and techniques in order to help entertainment marketers to stay informed.

Full Frame Film Festival The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is an annual international event dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of non-fiction cinema. Each spring Full Frame welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from around the world to historic downtown Durham, North Carolina for a four-day, morning to midnight array of over 100 films as well as discussions, panels, and southern hospitality. Set within a single city block, the intimate festival landscape fosters community and conversation between filmmakers, film professionals and the general public.

Sundance Institute Sundance Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and theatre artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work.

SXSW South by Southwest (SXSW, Inc.) is a private company based in Austin, Texas, with a year-round staff of professionals dedicated to building and delivering conference and festival events for entertainment and related media industry professionals. Since 1987, SXSW has produced the internationally recognized Music and Media Conference & Festival.

docfest The New York International Documentary Festival is an annual event created in 1998 to present new and classic international documentaries to New York City audiences.