Leading documentary associations from the U.K., Canada and the U.S. are forming a new international alliance to coordinate support for independent documentary film.

The announcement was made Monday (June 23) on the final day of Sheffield DocFest, at a panel organized by the U.K.’s Documentary Film Council (DFC) and moderated by U.K. producer Krishan Aurora. Speakers from the DFC joined by representatives from the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC), the International Documentary Association (IDA) in the U.S., and the Documentary Association of Europe (DAE).

The DFC, IDA and DOC revealed that, following a discussion of policy strategies to protect the doc sector from multiple challenges, they have agreed to share research and collaborate on cross-border advocacy efforts. Each organization will also promote the other associations.

“Despite the different contexts we’re working in, it’s really striking how similar the challenges are. There is so much work to do to improve the outlook for documentary filmmakers in the U.K.,” said DFC joint acting CEO Steve Presence (pictured right) in a statement. “The more we can coordinate with international bodies working on the same fundamental issues, the better — whether that’s on funding, regulation, advocacy, inclusivity or the value of public service media.”

Added IDA director of programs Abby Sun (pictured second from right): “We can all see the present and coming challenges to the sector on a political, financial and technological level. I know that together we are stronger, both in the U.S. and internationally. Doc makers are some of the most resourceful, committed and agile people in the industry and right now we all need to pull together.”

“DOC’s 40-year history shows that robust advocacy has been essential to sustaining Canada’s independent documentary community,” said DOC executive director Julian Carrington (pictured centre). “Our members regularly undertake production partnerships with international colleagues, and an international advocacy alliance is a natural extension. This partnership can only empower us in confronting the challenges that face our industry globally.”

This story originally appeared in Realscreen

Photo by Anisa Sabiri