Industry Sessions
This year’s programme spans urgent global issues and everyday practicalities — from protecting press freedom and protest rights, to rethinking how we fund, collaborate and create impact.
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"There are too many Ukrainian films" - NO THERE ARE NOT
Documenting the war in Ukraine remains crucial for maintaining historical accuracy and ensuring accountability. Join us to highlight the voice of the filmmakers and dig into the ARTE collection, Generation Ukraine.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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A United Front: Transforming Climate Storytelling through Collaboration & Creativity with Liz Bonnin
How can filmmakers and TV producers come together to shift the dial on climate change communication, creating powerful stories that inspire action and celebrate impact?
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Addressing Disinformation through Games
Disinformation poses a global threat to society. Join a lively discussion with industry experts on the potential for building awareness of our vulnerability through games.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Archives and Artificial Intelligence
Explore the perils and possibilities of AI on our collective archives, and how we protect veracity and transparency while exploring the opportunities this technology has to offer.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Craft Session
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Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd BBC Docs Download for Freelancers
Join the team behind Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd for an in-depth panel discussion for freelancers exploring the making of their feature documentary.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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BAFTA Presents: From Sofas to Solutions - How Popular Entertainment Is Inspiring Climate Action
From upcycling challenges to travel adventures and lifestyle makeovers, some of the UK's most loved entertainment formats are putting sustainability centre stage.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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BBC Studios Presents: A-List Talent in Factual Filmmaking
Explore how A-list Hollywood talent can transform factual programming, as industry experts delve into case studies and dynamic partnership strategies behind world-class Factual talent collaborations.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Behind the Scenes of Success with Joanna Natasegara
What lies behind the spotlight of awards and critical acclaim? Multi-award-winning filmmakers Joanna Natasegara and Andy Mundy-Castle lift the lid on what success really means.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Branded Storytelling: The New Frontier of Filmmaking?
Branded content isn't a dirty word. Discover how filmmakers are teaming up with brands to fund and tell authentic stories - without compromising creativity or integrity.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Building Bridges, Backing Stories
Three of Europe's leading documentary funders explore how they support filmmakers and foster international co-productions amid shifting landscapes in production, distribution and global collaboration.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Centring Care in Documentary Production
What prevents filmmakers from placing protection for participants, audiences and film teams at the heart of our documentary practice?
  • Industry Programme
Industry Craft Session
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Channel 4 First Cut Pitch
Five new directors pitch to a panel of industry experts for the chance to win a commission for their first 60-minute film on Channel 4.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Pitch
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Channel 5 and The Strange Case Of Lucy Letby: Are Documentaries Being Left Behind?
Channel 5 was the first broadcaster to openly question the Letby verdict in two documentaries that uncovered key evidence, shaped legal proceedings and redefined investigative storytelling.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Climate Spring Documentary Pitch
What is good climate content? Join us to find out. This entertaining session sees four creatives pitch their climate docs, with the winner receiving 10k.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Pitch
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Crowdfunding Our Stories: The Future of Financing Independent Documentaries
Discover how filmmakers and movements are raising six figures through grassroots crowdfunding, sidestepping gatekeepers to finance bold, independent features from the ground up.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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DFC Presents: Where the Grass Is Greener - Could Policy Be the Answer?
Join leading international voices rethinking how advocacy and collective action can strengthen the documentary ecosystem by building sustainability and forging meaningful connections with audiences.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Documentary Film Council (DFC): Annual General Meeting
Join the DFC for their 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) - a vital moment to reflect on the past year's challenges and achievements, and to strengthen connections across the UK's documentary community.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Filmmakers in Exile: The Creative Power of Resistance
This session delves into the practices of documentary filmmaking by dissenting voices under the contemporary Russian dictatorship.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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For Your Consideration: The Cost of an Awards Campaign
Join a panel of international, multi-award winning producers for a revealing deep dive into the true cost of running a high-stakes 'Best Documentary' awards campaign.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Impact through Indigenous Participation: Beyond Representation to Agency
Panellists from several Indigenous communities discuss how Indigenous participation in documentary filmmaking can move beyond representation to true agency, ensuring lasting impact for communities.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Into the Ether: Radio Documentary Forgets Itself
What happens to a documentary medium that evaporates into the air? Audio-maker Eleanor McDowall offers a fragmentary glimpse into the forgotten history of creative radio docs.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Craft Session
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Meet the Commissioners
What drives a commissioner's choices beyond the written brief? Discover how authentic connections and conversations can turn your documentary pitch into commissions.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Petra Costa Director Masterclass
Oscar-nominated director Petra Costa reflects on her distinctive documentary practice, blending the personal and political, in this in-depth masterclass.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Craft Session
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Pitch Perfect with ESPN: Harnessing the Power of Archive Material in Documentary
Join ESPN and industry experts for a panel on effective pitching strategies, emphasising archive use in documentaries, insights on accessing footage and showcasing successful case studies.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Session
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Play It Right: Music, Docs and the Legal Beat
Music shapes your story, but rights can derail your film. Doc'n Roll leads a deep-dive into licensing, fair use and distribution, plus tips from industry pros.
  • Industry Programme
Industry Craft Session

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