Documentary Power Research Institute: Empowering Nonfiction Storytelling Activism to Uphold Democracy and Resist Authoritarianism

About This Project

Summary

The Documentary Power Research Institute produces public research and convenes topical conversations to strengthen the role and power of documentary storytelling in democracy, social change, and justice. By working with an international advisory committee – including activists, filmmakers, and leaders across the Global South and Global North working together – we identify the unique needs to support independent documentary makers speaking truth to power around the world.

Goals & Objectives

Authoritarianism is on the rise around the world, and clamp-downs on journalism and free media are on increasing. Empowering and resourcing independent nonfiction filmmakers is vital in this context.

Results & Impact

We produced an unprecedented global study, featuring interviews with 70 international filmmakers and spotlights on 50 films and campaigns. We also produced five in-depth documentary impact case studies that reveal how-to strategies for effective documentary activism in a variety of global contexts.