A Practical Webinar Series for Documentary Filmmakers

SURVIVING & THRIVING AS A DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER

A practical webinar series for filmmakers

The documentary world is shifting fast: funding models are changing, streamers are reshaping the industry, and filmmakers are expected to be more adaptable than ever. This in-depth webinar series equips documentary filmmakers with practical skills, strategic insight, and direct access to industry voices to help you keep making work and building sustainable careers.

From international funding and youth funds, to mobile filmmaking, digital platforms, NGO partnerships, streamers, co-productions, and AI, this series speaks directly to the realities filmmakers face right no, in South Africa and globally.

Each session includes industry experts, experienced filmmakers, and decision-makers, with space for critical discussion and audience Q&A.

FULL WEBINAR PROGRAMME

22 Jan How to Apply to the IDFA Bertha Fund (2026)

29 Jan How to Shoot Broadcast-Quality Footage on Your Cellphone

5 Feb How to Get Good Sound When Filming on a Phone

12 Feb Exploring Digital & AVOD Platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Substack & More

19 Feb Principles of Editing (Including Cutting on Your Phone)

26 Feb How to Apply for the IDC Youth Fund

5 March Working with NGOs and Funders to Make Activist Films

12 March A Critical View: How Will Streamers Like Netflix Change the Industry?

19 March How to Work with Netflix in South Africa

26 March Working with Showmax / Canal+

1 April New Film Distribution Ideas

9 April Co-Productions: Challenges and Opportunities

16 April AI and Filmmaking

WHO IS THIS FOR?

• Documentary filmmakers (emerging & established)
• Independent filmmakers working outside traditional systems
• Activist, mobile, low-budget and advanced filmmakers
• Producers interested in funding, platforms, and co-productions

WHY BUY A TICKET?

• Practical, immediately usable knowledge
• Direct engagement with funders, platforms & industry insiders
• Insight into where documentary filmmaking is headed
• Affordable access to high-value industry conversations

Make films. Find funding. Reach audiences. Adapt to change.

COST:

• R50 per webinar for non-members
• Free for DFA Members
• Join the DFA for R300/annum for students and R400/annum for professionals - see the DFA Website

PLATFORM:

ZOOM (Online)

• You'll find the zoom link on your ticket stub

For more info please contact [email protected]

For more detail on specific webinars, please see below:

22 January

How to Apply to the IDFA Bertha Fund (2026)

This session unpacks how to apply to the IDFA Bertha Fund, one of the world’s leading documentary funding opportunities. It includes a live Q&A with Selin Murat from IDFA, insights from funded filmmakers, and guidance from the DTIC on accessing EMIA funding for international markets. Learn what funders are really looking for, key deadlines, and how to position your project competitively.

29 January

How to Shoot Broadcast-Quality Footage on Your Cellphone

A practical discussion on making strong documentary films using a mobile phone. The panel explores the pros and cons of mobile filmmaking, visual styles (vlog vs traditional documentary), planning shoots, briefing collaborators, shooting techniques, and common mistakes to avoid.

5 February

How to Get Good Sound When Filming on a Phone

Sound is critical to professional filmmaking. This session focuses on planning for sound, phone positioning, recording additional audio, using microphones, and doing sound checks on your phone — ensuring your films don’t fall short due to poor audio.

12 February

Exploring Digital & AVOD Platforms

This discussion explores how filmmakers are using platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, and Substack to build audiences, monetise content, and grow their careers. It includes real examples and strategies for working beyond traditional broadcasters.

19 February

Principles of Editing (Including Cutting on Your Phone)

Editing is about storytelling, not software. This session covers structuring a documentary short, creating rhythm and pace, building emotion, and crafting strong endings — with practical insight into editing on mobile devices.

26 February

How to Apply for the IDC Youth Fund

Although the IDC Youth Fund exists, no documentary filmmakers have accessed it yet. This session explains eligibility, application requirements, and how documentary projects can qualify. It also addresses broader challenges facing youth filmmakers.

5 March

Working with NGOs and Funders to Make Activist Films

A practical guide to partnering with NGOs to fund and produce activist documentaries. Topics include finding partners, setting clear roles, ethical considerations, proposal writing, budgets, distribution, and leveraging NGO tax benefits.

12 March | 6–8pm

A Critical View: How Will Streamers Like Netflix Change the Industry?

A critical discussion with academics and filmmakers on how streamers are reshaping the South African documentary industry, their responsibilities to local sectors, and what these shifts mean for independent filmmakers.

19 March | 6–8pm

How to Work with Netflix in South Africa

Netflix responds to questions from filmmakers, offering insight into its role in South Africa, how it understands audiences, pitching guidelines, and common mistakes — alongside advice from filmmakers with Netflix experience.

26 March

Working with Showmax / Canal+

This session explores how Showmax and Canal+ are commissioning content for African audiences, what they look for in documentary projects, and practical advice from filmmakers who have worked with these platforms.

1 April | 6–8pm

New Film Distribution Ideas

A forward-looking discussion on alternative documentary distribution models, emerging platforms, sustainable business approaches, and how filmmakers can reach audiences beyond mainstream outlets.

9 April | 6–8pm

Co-Productions: Challenges and Opportunities

An overview of international co-productions, including treaties, DTIC rebates, funding structures, and real-world lessons from filmmakers who have navigated cross-border collaborations.

16 April | 6–8pm

AI and Filmmaking

A critical conversation on how AI is impacting documentary filmmaking — from development to archives. The session explores opportunities, risks, ethics, copyright, and how filmmakers can engage AI without undermining the industry.