Oct 23🎬 What a day for Southern documentary storytelling! Our inaugural Southern Doc Fest brought filmmakers, artists, documentary lovers…performance and moments of connection throughout the day, Southern Doc Fest reminded us why creating space for Southern stories matters. Thank you to every filmmaker, artist, partner, volunteer, and attendee who helped make our first Southern Doc Fest one to remember. ❤️ We’re already thinking about what comes next. Until then, take a look back at some of our favorite moments from #SouthernDocFest! Thank you to @nsmediagroup for these awesome photos!Latest
Oct 23🎬 What a day for Southern documentary storytelling! Our inaugural Southern Doc Fest brought filmmakers, artists, documentary lovers…performance and moments of connection throughout the day, Southern Doc Fest reminded us why creating space for Southern stories matters. Thank you to every filmmaker, artist, partner, volunteer, and attendee who helped make our first Southern Doc Fest one to remember. ❤️ We’re already thinking about what comes next. Until then, take a look back at some of our favorite moments from #SouthernDocFest! Thank you to @nsmediagroup for these awesome photos!
From a family restaurant in Durham to the big screen at Southern Doc Fest.♥ 136 · Aug 24
🎬 Documentary lovers, filmmakers, and anyone who loves a good story…♥ 70 · Sep 9
🎬 Your documentary budget can make or break your project.♥ 65 · Sep 15
POV: you joined us and saw how freaking awesome a Southern community could be…♥ 63 · Sep 29
🎬 Welcome to The Doc Spot! This month, we’re spotlighting Theory of Change…♥ 54 · Oct 11
What stories are hiding in the archives, and how do you turn research into a…♥ 53 · Oct 1
From a family restaurant in Durham to the big screen at Southern Doc Fest.
♥ 136 · Aug 24
🎬 Documentary lovers, filmmakers, and anyone who loves a good story…
♥ 70 · Sep 9
🎬 Your documentary budget can make or break your project.
♥ 65 · Sep 15
POV: you joined us and saw how freaking awesome a Southern community could be…
♥ 63 · Sep 29
🎬 Welcome to The Doc Spot! This month, we’re spotlighting Theory of Change…
♥ 54 · Oct 11
What stories are hiding in the archives, and how do you turn research into a…
♥ 53 · Oct 1
Filmmaking GrantsEach year, SDF is proud to award grants to filmmakers telling stories they are connected to, that fully represent the complexity and nuance of the American South.
Fiscal SponsorshipSDF is currently sponsoring over 100 inspiring and important documentaries, collaborating closely on getting these projects funded, made, and seen.
- Maker After Dark
The Maker After Dark Series invites documentary makers into an intimate, late-night conversation with industry leaders, creating space to share real experiences, practical advice, and honest insights about the craft and career of filmmaking.
MentorshipThe SDF Mentorship Program is designed to pair filmmakers and industry experts with emerging and new filmmakers.
Reel southREEL SOUTH is a documentary series co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama PublicTelevision, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, and WABE.
- SDF Screenings
Southern Documentary Fund hosts screenings that showcase Southern stories and connect audiences with filmmakers through powerful documentaries and post-film conversations.
Southern Documentary ConveningThe SDF Annual Artists Convening takes place each spring in Durham, NC. Filmmakers from around the South and beyond are invited.
Southern Doc FestExperience the power of Southern storytelling at Southern Doc Fest, a one-day festival dedicated to authentic documentaries and the filmmakers behind them.
🎬 What a day for Southern documentary storytelling! Our inaugural Southern Doc Fest brought filmmakers…
Oct 23
🎶 A free documentary screening AND a conversation with the filmmaker?
Oct 19
🚨SOUTHERN DO FEST FILM ADDITION ALERT!🚨 There’s a new addition to the Southern Doc Fest lineup! 🎬…
Oct 815 likes
🚨 PASS SALES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED!
Oct 526 likes
🎬 Southern Doc Fest is powered by community! As we get closer to October 10…
Oct 512 likes
🚨 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO GET YOUR SOUTHERN DOC FEST PASS!
Oct 410 likes
📸 Come for the films.
Oct 332 likes
🚨 TWO DAYS LEFT TO BUY YOUR SOUTHERN DOC FEST PASS!
Oct 312 likes
⏰ THREE DAYS LEFT!
Oct 29 likes
The Lost Boys Of The County Fair1 min read · Sep 30
The Burden of Knowing2 min read · Sep 22
I BREATHE LIFE! The Story of Monica Daye and SUSO1 min read · Sep 20
Southern Documentary Fund Named a 2026 Mary Duke Biddle Foundation Multiyear Grant Recipient2 min read · Sep 14
Trails of Rosin Dust / Episode 1: Appalachian Dawn1 min read · Aug 30
Trails of Rosin Dust / Episode 4: Texas & the Southwestern Round Up1 min read · Aug 30.jpeg)
Trails of Rosin Dust / Episode 3: Yellow Roads & Trails of Tears1 min read · Aug 30.jpeg)
Trails of Rosin Dust / Episode 5: The Wild Wild West1 min read · Aug 30
About
Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) champions Southern documentary makers and stories. Inspired by our belief in the power of media to educate and change lives, we provide documentarians with diverse resources, including grants, fiscal sponsorship, community dialogue, training, and mentorship–all to promote Southern stories and lower barriers for documentary makers and underrepresented voices.
Southern documentary makers will be known and celebrated f o r their projects that educate, inspire, and entertain.
Providing access, educational opportunities, and resources for documentary makers and underrepresented voices
Revealing truths, large and small, about the world around us
Championing creativity and freedom of expression for Southern makers
Building community and connecting documentarians and audiences across the region