Documentary filmmaking can be a lonely pursuit. Now in its 7th year, Oregon Doc Camp provides a chance for documentary filmmakers to build community and develop their careers amidst the natural beauty of Oregon. Oregon Doc Camp is now accepting applications for this year's event, which will be held from May 14-17 at Silver Falls State Park, about an hour and a half south of Portland.

This year’s programming will focus on 2 themes: Story and Impact. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from an impressive roster of nonfiction filmmakers and other industry experts, including this year’s keynote speaker, the legendary Frederick Wiseman.  


Over the course of his 50 + years career, Wiseman has won numerous awards, including 4 Emmys, a MacArthur Fellowship, and an Honorary Award for lifetime achievement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors. ​His most recent films include ​At Berkeley​ (2013), National Gallery​ (2014), ​In Jackson Heights​ (2015), ​Ex Libris -​ ​The New York Public Library​ (2017), and Monrovia, Indiana​ (2018).

“Frederick Wiseman has always been on top of my list for dream speakers,” says Doc Camp Director, Jackie Weissman. “One of the themes we always focus on at Doc Camp is how to sustain a career in this field, and Frederick Wiseman has mastered that part of the artist’s dilemma. He’s modeled a standard we all aspire to, and we’re thrilled to have him share his accumulated wisdom with us at Doc Camp this year.”

On Friday, May 15, filmmakers Mike Palmieri and Donal Mosher (The Gospel of Eureka, October Country) will be among presenters who explore the concept of story. Other presenters include producer Amy Dotson, the newly appointed Director of the Northwest Film Center and inaugural curator of film and new media at the Portland Art Museum, and filmmaker, producer, and educator Courtney Hermann.

On Saturday, May 16, presenters will discuss the issue of impact in documentary filmmaking. Among the presenters are Miriam Larkin, Manager of Development at Vulcan Productions, Tracy Nguyen-Chung and Eseel Borlassa from After Bruce, a PR and marketing agency for independent film, and impact producer, Courtney Sheehan, the founder and principal at Context Moves.

Frederick Wiseman’s keynote will take place on Sunday, May 17. In between screenings, workshops, and roundtable discussions, attendees will have the chance to share their work with their peers, socialize and to explore the natural beauty of Silver Falls State Park.

According to the Oregon Doc Camp 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 and lodging. Depending on your choice of accommodation, the fee ranges from $400 to $750.

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2020. Find out more about Oregon Doc Camp here and apply here.          

Source: Oregon Doc Camp