New service set to expand documentary reach
Posted on 15 Apr 2025
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
The power of documentary filmmaking to spark awareness, connection and social change has been given a boost with the launch of a new initiative by Documentary Australia.
DocAccess is designed to make it easier for community groups and organisations across the nation to host screenings of documentaries that address some of the most pressing social and environmental issues.
The initiative provides access to tools, resources and step-by-step guidance on how to organise public screenings of more than 50 documentaries.
The available films cover 10 broad topics:
- Environment
- Human rights and social justice
- Youth and education
- Indigenous
- Women and girls
- Culturally and linguistically Diverse
- Health and wellbeing
- The arts
- LGBTIQ+
- Disability
Documentary Australia CEO Dr Mitzi Goldman said screening a documentary can bring people together around an issue they care about and help foster understanding, empathy and action on important social issues.
She said DocAccess helps users choose the right film for their needs, promote their event and understand what they need to do on the day, and provides practical tips to make the screening a success.
“We believe that everyone, no matter where they live, should have access to powerful stories that inform, inspire and unite,” she said.
“DocAccess is about breaking down barriers - whether geographic, financial or logistical - to ensure communities across Australia, including regional towns and remote centres, can use documentary film as a catalyst for connection and change.”
That ethos has been on show recently in the not-for-profit and charity sector, which has shown multiple screenings of US-based fundraiser Dan Pallotta’s documentary UnCharitable.
The film, which follows Pallotta’s bestselling book of the same name on the economics of the charity sector, has become required viewing for many fundraisers and charity sector workers around the world.