DOC was formed as the Canadian Independent Film Caucus (CIFC) in 1982 to represent the interests of documentary filmmakers. Today DOC has over 750 members and six chapters from coast to coast: BC + Yukon; Alberta; Manitoba; Ontario; Quebec; Atlantic.DOC’s National office leads on research and advocacy work that aims to strengthen the ecosystem for documentary production while DOC chapters provide community support, professional development and networking opportunities. DOC negotiates preferential professional rates and discounts for our members. We are committed to serving our members and strengthening Canada’s documentary sector and culture.
MANDATE
The Documentary Organization of Canada / l’Association des documentaristes du Canada
(DOC) is a member-driven, not-for-profit, National Arts Service Organization, with charitable status. Its mandate is to:
- Support, promote and develop the art form of documentary creation;
- Advocate on behalf of its members to foster an environment conducive to documentary production; and
- Strengthen the sector within the broader screen industry.
MISSION
The Documentary Organization of Canada / l’Association des documentaristes du Canada (DOC) is the collective voice of Canada’s independent documentary creators. DOC:
- Promotes Canadian documentary creators, documentary culture and the documentary community;
- Champions the creative, social and cultural contributions of documentary, including its role in fostering civic engagement and a democratic society;
- Advances the rights of documentary creators from historically marginalized, underrepresented and misrepresented groups in Canada to hold agency in storytelling and production;
- Advocates for a thriving ecosystem for the production and distribution of documentaries across all platforms;
- Advocates for equitable access to resources, fair compensation and safer spaces for all documentary creators;
- Promotes a culture of documentary making based on honest creative exploration, inventiveness, respect, reciprocity, and responsible and ethical documentary practices;
- Connects and supports diverse documentary creators across Canada; and
- Fosters connections with documentarians and stakeholder organizations internationally.
VISION
Documentary is widely recognized as an essential part of Canada’s social fabric, fostering understanding and activating democratic discourse and social action.
Canada’s thriving community of independent documentary creators benefits from a sustainable financing ecosystem, and distribution networks that bring Canadian documentaries to communities big and small, nationally and internationally.
Documentary production is rooted in a culture that values creative exploration, diversity of voice and expression, and deeply ethical practices anchored in respect, reciprocity and collaboration.
Canada’s history of documentary storytelling is known and celebrated by society while new generations of creators are supported to constantly reimagine the genre.
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
These values continually guide and inspire us in all areas of our internal and external activities, operations, programs and advocacy.
- Respect
- Inclusivity
- Equity
- Transparency
- Responsibility
- Reciprocity
- Cultural pluralism
- Representation
- Collaboration
- Humility
- Service
- Active
- Openness