Mission

The Southern Documentary Fund is a nonprofit arts organization that cultivates documentary projects made in or about the American South. We serve as a leading advocate for powerful Southern storytelling, providing filmmakers and artists with professional support, fiscal sponsorship, and connecting them with creative community. Check out our 2013 promo trailer here: https://vimeo.com/63919945

What We Do

Inspired by our core belief that documentaries have the power to change lives, SDF is dedicated to serving as the South’s most trusted resource for artists and non-fiction filmmakers by providing:

Support: The organization’s helpful, friendly staff is available for on-the-ground professional support services that enable artists and filmmakers to complete their projects and films as well as launch them into the world.

Education: The Southern Documentary Fund is provides professional programming and workshops that enable artists to hone their skills and advance documentary storytelling.

Exhibition: The organization is host to signature public events that showcase the Southern documentary creative community, connecting artists and filmmakers with audiences that celebrate independent media.

Distribution: The Southern Documentary Fund will be a resource for new channels of media sharing and innovative ideas to disseminate completed projects.

Advocacy: As a leading activist for the power of documentaries both regionally and nationally, the organization amplifies the Southern voice so our projects receive exposure within the industry.

Community: The Southern Documentary Fund is a creative community where artists thrive. We provide a place where artists can gather to inspire one another, have the opportunity to showcase their works in progress among peers, and share best practices.

Sponsorship: The organization will be a trusted grant manager, working on behalf of, or in partnership with, institutions that provide financial support for powerful documentary projects.