Behind the Lens: BIPOC Voices in Documentary Film

What does it take to build a sustainable career as a BIPOC documentary filmmaker in the American South? In this dynamic panel conversation, three documentary filmmakers will share candid insights from their journeys working across the region. From securing funding and building relationships with grant makers to developing marketing strategies and navigating distribution pathways, the panelists will offer practical advice rooted in lived experience. Grounded in the unique cultural landscape of the South, the discussion will also explore the power of community engagement—how to build meaningful partnerships, cultivate local audiences, and tell stories that resonate both regionally and nationally. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a seasoned creative, or an industry supporter, this conversation will provide real-world strategies, hard-earned lessons, and inspiration for navigating the documentary field with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Panelists are documentary filmmakers Resita Cox, Rodrigo Dorfman, Rahi Hasan, and Saleem Reshamwala.

Moderated by Christopher Everett, Artistic Director at Southern Documentary Fund.

Sponsored by

Program Partner