DOC NYC PRO 2023 Spring Season

Documentary filmmaking has a long tradition of working to effect social change, but what can you do to make sure your work has an impact? How do you craft an impact campaign from start to finish that is tailor made to elevate the issue your film illuminates? Partnering with local and national organizations is a key ingredient to create lasting change, but how do you initiate and sustain these relationships? Join Odyssey Impact’s Evy Constantine and director Nailah Jefferson (Descended from the Promised Land: The Legacy of Black Wall Street) who will share their insights on how to elevate your film to inspire action and offer examples of films with effective campaigns.

DOC NYC Audience Award winning film 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture was a crowd pleasing hit at the 2022 festival and the most viewed film in the festival’s history. The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and director Rocky Roggio set a new standard for building upon her impactful subject matter by creating a devoted audience and raising funds through social media. Learning from Rocky’s innovative methods will inspire filmmakers to chart their own path in the social media landscape.

Get your film out into the world! Film festivals are a great vehicle for an audience to discover your film. But there are so many options! How do you know which festivals best suit your film? How can you strategize to save money on submission fees while maximizing impact? Once you’re invited to a festival, how do you make the most of the experience? Jeanelle Augustin, Manager, Film Fellowships and Artist Development at NBCUniversal Media, will offer tips on how to create an intentional and well-honed festival strategy.

Curious how to bolster your distribution know-how? Recent shifts in the distribution ecosystem have opened the door to creative and innovative distribution ideas. When filmmakers can’t rely on traditional tactics, new approaches to distribution are needed. Join Nick Canfield (The Reverend) and other guests as we explore how to sell, promote and release your films in a whole new way.