The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) has appointed Toronto-based Julian Carrington as its new executive director.

Carrington (pictured) assumes the role effective June 9, replacing Sarah Spring, who stepped down on March 14 of this year and is now the executive director of the Canadian Journalism Collective. According to a release yesterday (June 5), Carrington’s mandate includes strengthening DOC’s national and regional advocacy efforts, enhancing programs and services for members and amplifying the voices of Canada’s documentary creators both domestically and internationally.

Prior to joining DOC, Carrington served as the managing director of the Racial Equity Media Collective, a role he assumed in May 2023. From January 2018 to March 2023, he also served in several roles with the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, including distribution manager and senior industry manager.

From 2015 to 2024, Carrington was a programmer with the Toronto-based Planet In Focus Environmental Film Festival. He also serves on the boards of POV Magazine, the Images Festival and the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators.

“Julian’s in-depth knowledge of our community, legal training, deep relationships with creators and sector partners alongside his groundbreaking programming accomplishments will bring a unique blend of creative advocacy, policy expertise and industry knowledge to this organization,” said Min Sook Lee, DOC national board chair, in a statement.

“These are critical times for documentary makers, and Julian understands the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.”

Image courtesy of the Documentary Organization of Canada