Too Hot to Handle: The Future of Political Documentaries

Political documentaries are an endangered species where many fear to tread. Can their future be safeguarded and what opportunities does the new world order present?

US funders and distributors are turning their backs on films viewed as politically sensitive, while on the international stage threats against filmmakers and festivals – designed to silence and intimidate them – are growing. What can be done to safeguard films that play an essential role in shining a light on some of the most important issues of our time? What are the alternative funding and distribution models? How can filmmakers be better protected? And are there opportunities for making films considered persona non grata? Filmmakers on the frontline share their experiences and discuss how to defend the rights of audiences to view these films.

Speakers:
Havana Marking (Director, Marking Films Inc – Undercover: Exposing the Far Right & Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer)
Ben De Pear (Founder, Basement Films – For Sama & Gaza's Kill Zone)
James Jones (Producer/Director, Jones Films – Antidote & On the President’s Orders)
Barbara Truyen (VPRO Commissioning Editor International Co-productions & Strategic Partnerships)

Moderator: Prash Naik (Co-Founder, Creators Counsel)