Wanna Go to Summer Camp for Documentary Filmmakers? Apply to Oregon Doc Camp

Are you a seasoned documentary filmmaker looking for inspiration, education and camaraderie? Do you have a project you’re working on that could benefit from peer feedback? Could you use a break from your everyday life to concentrate on your documentary career? If you answered “yes” to any or all of the above, you might want to apply to Oregon Doc Camp, a four-day retreat for nonfiction filmmakers in the Oregon woods.

Now in its fifth year, Oregon Doc Camp, which runs from May 31-June 3, is an opportunity for documentary filmmakers to build community and develop their careers in the great outdoors of Oregon. Over 50 filmmakers will gather in the woods of Silver Falls State Park to attend workshops, screen works in progress, and share stories from the field and the cutting room. And yes, there will be campfires—and s’mores.

“It takes a lot to make documentary films. Money. Time. Courage. I see Doc Camp as a crucial way to help sustain filmmakers,” said Doc Camp Director Jackie Weissman.

Oregon Doc Camp

This year’s Doc Camp, which is presented by NW Documentary, will feature keynote speaker Alexandria Bombach, the award-winning cinematographer, editor and director whose feature length documentary On Her Shoulderspremiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, for which she won Best Directing in the U.S. Documentary competition.

Other featured speakers include filmmakers Doug Block, (112 Weddings), Amy Benson (Drawing the Tiger), and Cornelius Swart (Priced Out) as well as Jax Deluca, Director of Media Arts at the National Endowment for the Arts. Block will also be on hand to offer documentary life coaching sessions.

Moderated panels will cover topics from “Career Sustainability” to “Social Justice & Cinema.” In addition to attending screenings, workshops and panels, attendees will have time to hike and enjoy the natural surroundings.

According to the web site, in order to register, you must first apply:

• This includes submitting a brief bio, your resume, and an example of current and prior work. You must have at least one feature documentary brought to market/festival, or various short documentaries brought to market/festival to attend.
• Applications are reviewed by staff to ensure that applicants have the relevant experience to get the most out of Doc Camp.
• You will be notified within 2 weeks about the status of your application.
• Once approved, your registration fee will be due. This fee includes the entire weekend of dynamic programming, networking, food, lodging, and rest and relaxation in a beautiful location.

Your registration fee includes programming, networking, food & lodging. Depending on your choice of accommodation, the fee ranges from $375 to $625.

The deadline to apply is April 30, 2018. Find out more about Oregon Doc Camp here and apply here.