Will This Year’s Sundance Save Documentary Distribution?

As the 2024 Sundance Film Festival approaches, writer Anthony Kaufman reports that people in the independent documentary scene are emphasizing the need to find new ways to distribute these films effectively. They’re urging filmmakers to explore innovative distribution methods, set realistic expectations, secure funding for distribution early on, and connect creatively with their audience. The lineup at this year’s festival appears to have fewer celebrity documentaries, which might not align with the broad audience focus of streaming platforms. A recent report highlights the struggle for documentaries, even with distribution deals, to break even, underscoring the industry’s need to better support filmmakers.