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WASHINGTON D.C. – AFI Docs Filmmaker Forum- June 23-26

Over four days, the American Film Institute will present a variety of development and networking events for filmmakers and industry professionals at the 2016 AFI DOCS Filmmaker Forum. Each day, the Forum will explore a unique topic through keynote presentations, conversations, panel discussions and micro-meetings.

Open to Priority and Industry passholders as well as festival filmmakers, each day of the Forum will include breakfast and lunch. Purchase your AFI DOCS pass now.

AFI DOCS Filmmaker Forum
Thursday, June 23 through Sunday, June 26
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

AFI DOCS Festival Hub
421 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20004

Thursday, June 23

FROM DIVERSITY TO INCLUSION

The 2016 AFI DOCS Filmmaker Forum will cast a spotlight on issues of diversity, representation and inclusion within the documentary community. Independent producers and cultural critics will examine the key role public media has played in fostering diverse storytelling, and how it can continue to be relevant in the current media landscape. Topics covered will range from making sure diverse talent is not only brought on board but made to feel valued, and included; the meaning of “representation” in an age of widespread DIY distribution options; and the impact of class and sexism on the careers of all filmmakers.

8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Morning Refreshments

9:00 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions

9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Keynote
What if the road to inclusion were really an intersection?
W. Sean Kelly, Global Lab Leader at Deloitte

10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Panel
Beyond the Black/White Divide

11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Panel
Women’s Issues

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions and Micro-Meetings
TBA

2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Closing

Sponsored by Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Friday, June 24

TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

The Forum will turn its focus on the industry and institutions that play roles, for better and for worse, in either driving the diversification of documentary filmmaking forward or holding it back. The relevance of the issues behind the #OscarsSoWhite campaign to the documentary world, will be examined, as will the role played by industry gatekeepers. Efforts within public media to identify, train and retain a diverse group of senior and executive producers and other content leaders will also be highlighted.

8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Morning Refreshments

9:00 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions

9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Presentation
What #Oscarssowhite can tell us about the film festival circuit
Caty Borum Chattoo, Center for Media & Social Impact

Caty Borum Chattoo, Co-Director of the Center for Media & Social Impact at American University, discusses race and gender in documentary film based on new research, along with recent trade articles about the inclusion of women and directors of color.

10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Panel
The Hot Seat
Industry gatekeepers share their decision-making process of what projects they choose to support or not.

11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
In Conversation
PBS with CPB

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions and Micro-Meetings
TBA

2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Closing
Moving forward, what’s next?

Sponsored by Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Saturday, June 25

9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Morning Refreshments

9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
Panel
BIG IDEAS – SMALL PACKAGES: Short Format Documentary

Free from the constraints of the feature-length format, more documentary filmmakers are turning to shorter formats to tell their stories, reach larger audiences, change the world and, yes, even make a living. Suitable for short attention spans and low-to-no-budget filmmaking — and easily shareable — short documentaries can make a big impact despite their small size. Join a group of award-winning filmmakers to explore the advantages and opportunities that come with keeping it short.

Technology Panel TBA11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

12:15 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
TBA

Sunday, June 26

9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Morning Refreshments

9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Virtual Reality: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed? – Panel Discussion and VR Viewing

If 2016 is, as many have said, “Year One” in the Virtual Reality revolution, then AFI DOCS offers a unique opportunity to pause at this critical midpoint juncture and examine the incredible forward leaps made in this burgeoning creative space, as well as its limitations and prospects for future growth. Join a panel of VR makers, journalists, academics and industry insiders for a thought-provoking and insightful conversation about the past, present and future of VR and documentary.

Before and after the panel, experience some of the best and latest nonfiction VR projects.