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
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
Related Events
Plan C: A Documentary on Abortion Pill Access
This event is co-sponsored by the Institute of Politics (IOP) at HKS and the Women and Public Policy Program. It is presented by The Shorenstein Center’s Documentary Film in the Public Interest Program.
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.
Defending Dissent: Screening and Discussion of Award-Winning Documentary, “Boycott”
This event is part of the Documentary Film in the Public Interest Initiative. It is co-sponsored by the Carr Center’s Human Rights Film Series (Harvard Kennedy School) and the Religion, Conflict, and Peace Initiative (Religion and Public Life at Harvard Divinity School).
