The Checklist

Toronto and Yellowknife-based filmmaker Lesley Johnson shares insights from producing "And Still I Sing," a documentary following young Afghan singers under popstar Aryana Sayeed's mentorship as the Taliban returned to power. She discusses the unique challenges of coordinating international productions in politically volatilesituations, from establishing safety protocols and crisis management strategies to working with local fixers and protecting subjects who face severe restrictions. Learn howto assess project viability for international shoots, navigate cultural sensitivity as an outsider documentarian, and balance the ethical considerations of filming stories thatcould put subjects at risk while maintaining documentary integrity.

Bob Moore, Co-President and Creative Producer at EyeSteelFilm, shares insights from producing over 40 award-winning international co-productions including "Yintah" and"Twice Colonized," discussing how to evaluate project suitability, navigate different funding systems and tax incentives, and establish the essential legal frameworks beforecameras roll. He walks through the critical intellectual property issues filmmakers often overlook across jurisdictions, strategies for balancing creative vision with multipleinternational partners across cultural and language barriers, and how EyeSteelFilm's participatory filmmaking approach adapts to cross-border collaborations. Learn the practical logistics of coordinating teams across time zones, maintaining cultural authenticity in storytelling decisions, and handling the complex legal checklist that protects co-production partnerships from development through distribution.

Guggenheim Fellow Danae Elon draws from nearly three decades of documentary filmmaking to discuss navigating pushback when creating work about polarizingsubjects like identity, family, and contested spaces. She explores how filmmakers can maintain creative integrity while facing hostile reactions, the difference betweenprovocative storytelling and mere controversy, and practical strategies for conducting research on sensitive topics without losing your instincts. Learn how to assess whether a story is worth the conflict it will generate, handle the reality that your film may be weaponized by opposing sides, and move past the fear that paralyzes filmmakers sittingon powerful but potentially consequential stories.

Award-winning filmmaker and DOC National interim Executive Director Maya Bastian draws on 15 years of experience in conflict journalism and teaching filmmaking in war zones to discuss how to center well-being on documentary productions. She shares practical strategies for protecting both filmmakers and subjects when handling traumatic material, from supporting families fleeing violence in "Arrival Archives" to managing emotionally heavy moments on set and ensuring continued care after filming wraps. Learn how to align well-being standards across international co-productions with different cultural contexts, prioritize mental health support even on limitedbudgets, and what resources and industry-wide changes are needed to make trauma-informed filmmaking the standard practice.

Filmmakers João Vitor Corrêa and Nadine Valcin share their expertise on navigating the complex world of archival research for documentary projects, from knowing where to begin your search to managing rights clearances across institutional and community-based collections. They discuss how to balance your creative vision with available materials, budget effectively for archival footage, and avoid common pitfalls in the clearance process, drawing from their work on projects like "Black Life: Untold Stories," "Johanne tout simplement" ("Simply Johanne"), and various NFB documentaries. Learn how digitization has transformed archival workflows, the key differences between working with national versus personal archives, and strategies for tracking down historical materials that can elevate your storytelling.

Haida (Skidegate Eagle Clan) and Cowichan Tribes film producer Rosie Johnnie-Mills ofHouse of Copper Films discusses what Indigenous Narrative Sovereignty means indocumentary filmmaking and how to put it into practice. She shares insights onbalancing authentic cultural representation with broader accessibility, navigatingprotocols for incorporating traditional knowledge, and the specific barriers andopportunities within industry funding structures. Learn what changes are needed totruly support Indigenous self-determination in media creation, from collaborationpractices to cinematic techniques that center Indigenous agency and storytellingcontrol.

Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Liz Marshall discusses how to develop effectivemarketing strategies for purpose-driven documentaries, drawing from her experiencewith award-winning films like "The Ghosts in Our Machine" and "Meat the Future." Sheshares insights on adapting marketing approaches across different distributionchannels—from theatrical releases to Netflix—while balancing educational content withcompelling entertainment. Learn cost-effective strategies for independent filmmakers,how to leverage public speaking and impact campaigns, and ways to build authenticaudience connections that amplify important social justice and environmentalmessages.

Line producer Nicole McKechnie and documentary producer Lisa Valencia-Svenssontackle one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of filmmaking: managing yourproduction cashflow. They share practical strategies for navigating funding gaps,delayed payments, and unexpected expenses across different formats—from featuredocumentaries to series productions—while working with both domestic andinternational partners. Learn how to bridge irregular funding installments, prioritizepayments when cashflow gets tight, and maintain your creative vision despite financialconstraints, plus what changes in documentary funding models producers shouldprepare for.

Documentary filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper discuss the challenges andprotocols of filming in dangerous environments, drawing from their experience creating"Incandescence," an immersive NFB documentary about increasingly intense wildfires.They share essential insights on establishing safety boundaries with crews, navigatingrestricted zones and building relationships with authorities like BC Wildfire, andprotecting both people and equipment in extreme heat and smoke conditions. Learnwhat training, gear, and contingency planning proved critical when filming in activewildfire zones, plus how to build trust with Indigenous knowledge keepers whilebalancing impactful storytelling with crew safety and wellbeing.