Documentary Film in the Public Interest

Attracting an increasing global audience, documentary films have become a driving force through which people understand politics, culture and the issues of our time. From nuanced examinations of policy to the discovery of new perspectives and the unpacking of complex histories, documentary media reflects, examines and explores the world around us. Though the history of the form traverses the span of over a century, recent years have seen massive growth in its popularity and significant change to how these films are financed, crafted and seen With its continued focus on the intersection of media, policy and the public sphere; the Shorenstein Center is expanding its work to examine issues facing documentary film practice, its media ecosystem and its role in civic life. Through fellowships, screenings, convenings, prizes and related initiatives, the Shorenstein Center’s Documentary Film Initiative will engage with scholars, filmmakers, journalists, and industry leaders around the major questions facing the documentary film industry today. 

Staff

Sara Archambault
Program Director

Enrique Pedráza-Botero
Special Projects Manager

Fellowships

The Documentary Film in the Public Interest Fellowship program is designed to support new research, analysis, innovation and provocation around core issues facing the documentary field. Through the fellows’ projects, the Shorenstein Center will engage in examinations of best practice, industry ecosystems, public impact and media policy. 

Click here to learn more about the fellowship program and how to apply.

News

Announcing the inaugural class of fellows for documentary film professionals and scholars

This fall, the Shorenstein Center is thrilled to welcome its first cohort of documentary film fellows under the auspices of the center’s newly-established Documentary Film in the Public Interest research initiative. Documentary films play a vital role in our civic culture by investigating injustices, unearthing forgotten histories, connecting to new perspectives and speaking truth to

Read More »

Shorenstein Center Launches Documentary Film Research Initiative

In an ongoing effort to deepen and broaden its focus on the intersections of media, policy and the public sphere, the Shorenstein Center is expanding its work to examine issues facing documentary film practice and industry, and the medium’s role in civic life.   As their global audience grows, documentary films have become a driving

Read More »

Related Events

Beyond Utopia

The Shorenstein Center’s Documentary Film in the Public Interest program is helping to spread the word for a screening of the documentary film, Beyond Utopia. The film screening is part of the GlobeDocs Film Festival 2023. To purchase tickets, please select the registration button and follow instructions on the GlobeDocs website.

Read More »