We back independence
We back storytelling by artists, journalists, filmmakers who have creative and editorial control. Not dictated by governments, by corporate interests or the algorithm.
We believe independent media is an essential ingredient in any functioning democracy and is the last line of defence against rising autocracy. Providing a plurality of visions, reflections on the world we’ve made and the world we want to build. Driving accountability and speaking truth to power. Deepening our humanity and connection to one another.
We champion the makers of independent media - the tenacious, the curious and the bold - making work because they must, engaging audiences by any means necessary. From community cinemas to public broadcasters, social media platforms to global streamers. Influencing the mainstream from the margins and creating personal and collective transformation.
We reject the insidious notion that “mass audiences” only want simple ideas, explained quickly. We reject the monoculture of bread and circuses, of endless true crime and celebrity helmed content dictated by market logic. We are all human after all. Hungry for nuance, for complexity, for authenticity, for the personal and the profound. And never more than now, at this critical moment in history.
After 19 years in the field, we know that funding independent artists, storytellers, filmmakers, journalists works. Yes the distribution mechanisms have been disrupted by big tech, by market forces and by politics. But let's not confuse this with some notion that citizens don’t want or need pluralism of ideas.
It is time to build back a richer and more resilient public square and If we feed the system at the grassroots, with increased direct funding to artists and local cultural organisations in every region, then the ecology of public and corporate media upstream will be transformed.
It is reconstruction time but we are multitude. Doc Society is proud to work alongside a constellation of cultural allies and legacy institutions, networks of practitioners and cultural activists who together are dedicated to building a better future for independent media in every region, imagining a new global media ecosystem that is decolonised and decentralised.
We are all in.
