Documentary filmmaking can be isolating work–especially if you live far from a filmmaking hub. Oregon Doc Camp, now in its sixth year, provides an opportunity for documentary filmmakers to build community and develop their careers all while enjoying the natural beauty of Oregon.

From May 30 to June 2, 75 filmmakers will gather at Silver Falls State Park, about an hour and a half south of Portland, to attend workshops, screen works-in-progress, and share stories from the field and the cutting room. And, of course, there will be s’mores and swapping industry tales around the campfire.


“Making documentary film takes a lot of courage, energy, and funding. Documentary filmmakers need to sustain themselves in what is often a long, time-consuming process. Oregon Doc Camp provides a much-needed supportive community in a restorative environment,” said Doc Camp Director Jackie Weissman.

The theme of this year’s Doc Camp, which is presented by NW Documentary, is funding and fearlessness in documentary filmmaking. The keynote speaker, presented by Keynote Sponsor, Oregon State Parks, is award-winning filmmaker Laura Nix, whose latest documentary, Inventing Tomorrow, premiered at Sundance 2018.

Other guest presenters include Academy Award-nominated Skye Fitzgerald (Lifeboat), Iyabo Boyd, filmmaker and founder of Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and distributor Jim Browne of Argot Pictures. Moderated panel discussions will feature consultant Mia Bruno, VR producer Kerri Lynne Thorp, Liz Cook-Mowe, Director of Documentary Film at Kickstarter, and other experts in the field.

Moderated panel discussions will cover topics related to funding, distribution, festival strategy, and 360 filmmaking. In addition to attending screenings, tech demonstrations, workshops and panels, attendees will have time to socialize, hike and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Oregon Doc Camp 2018Oregon Doc Camp 2018Credit: Jan Sonnenmair Photographer

According to the website, 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 $400 to $750.

The deadline to apply is April 30, 2019. Find out more about Oregon Doc Camp here and apply here.     

Source: NW Documentary