The cataclysmic federal defunding of public media, coupled with a narrowing scope of interest from commercial platforms, has resulted in limited broadcast and digital distribution options for public interest documentary films. In the absence of traditional pathways to audiences, the documentary field must recalibrate.

Experiment 4

Leveraging Digital Ads for Archival Films 

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Learning Goal

Can the Color Congress membership, a diverse array of film organizations across the U.S., coalesce into a grassroots exhibition network capable of screening films for wide dissemination?

Approach

Designed as an opportunity to foster dialogue, build solidarity, and connect communities through storytelling, the experiment constructed a “Resistance & Joy Screening Tour” designed to amplify voices too often sidelined in traditional distribution. 

Key Takeaways

  • 80%

    of membership expressed interest in hosting a screening

  • Pairing

    themes of “resistance” with “joy” was essential in drawing people out

  • 500

    attendees engaged across 21 screenings

Featured Films

  • ASIAN BITCHES SPEAK

    Directed by Janet Chen

  • Out of Focus

    Directed by India Martin

  • HANDS PERFORMANCE

    Directed by Rashaad Newsome

  • KA ʻĀʻUMEʻUME: NAVIGATING HOME

    Directed by M. Kaleipumehana Cabral

  • TALKING WALLS

    Directed by Marcellus Armstrong

  • OHIO IS IN THE HEART

    Directed by Sonia Desai Rayka

  • ON ALL FRONTS

    Directed by Joua Lee Grande

  • SOMETHING ABOUT THESE WATERS

    Directed by Malaya Ulan

  • THE PEOPLE COULD FLY

    Directed by Imani Dennison

  • TERNURA RADICAL (RADICAL TENDERNESS)

    Directed by Celina Galicia

  • AMMA’S PRIDE

    Directed by Shiva Krish

Films Nominated by

A-Doc, BlackStar Projects, Bitchitra Collective, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Black Public Media, Femme Frontera, Firelight Media, Scribe Video Center, Sisters in Cinema

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