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Thursday, November 7

BREAKFAST

8:30am
-9:30am
Come early for social time and breakfast before heading to the sessions.…

The Morning After: Analyzing the 2024 Presidential Election

9:30am
-10:15am
Double Exposure 2024 opened days after the United States emerged from a fraught presidential election, marked by mistrust and fear for the future of the nation. This session brought together experts who watched  closely the battle for votes. What did this election, in its tactics and results, tell us about where Americans are as a people, how alliances and values are shifting, and where the United States is headed?…

Are Documentaries Journalism? When Prosecutors Decide

10:20am
-11:20am
In 2024, the US Justice Department made an alarming claim. In a bid to obstruct reporting on the prosecution of a Michigan man accused of terrorism, it argued that documentaries don't count as journalism, and should not enjoy journalistic privilege. Speakers examine the case of Trevor Aaronson, The Intercept reporter who is battling this claim, and other cases in which prosecutors have taken it upon themselves to define what is legitimate journalism. This panel explored the implications of prose…

Generative AI: Toward Best Practices in Doc Production

11:25am
-12:40pm
As the film industry continues to explore AI's potential for speeding production and opening new creative realms, complex ethical challenges and implications are emerging apace. Industry experts discussed topics such as intellectual property rights, bias in AI algorithms, spotting fakes, media credibility, and the potential impact of AI on creative jobs in filmmaking. The conversation fostered a deeper understanding of how filmmakers can responsibly integrate AI into their projects while upholdi…

Lunch

12:45pm
-1:30pm
Break bread with old friends and new after the morning sessions. There's lots more to come.…

Cross Country: Unpacking Regionalism in Documentary Filmmaking

1:30pm
-2:40pm
In response to a growing call for narratives outside the media hubs of New York and Los Angeles, regional organizations have emerged to support filmmakers in capturing the diverse experiences and perspectives of America’s heartland. Have they succeeded in revealing the complexities behind the nation’s polarization, and what insights have a more regional approach allowed filmmakers to uncover? Panelists discuss the impact of these films on audiences and the broader cultural discourse across the c…

Can Audiences Trust Us?

2:45pm
-3:55pm
Documentary filmmakers and journalists alike face a daunting challenge amid historically low public trust in media and deep divisions on significant social and political matters. What can filmmakers do to earn, and keep, audience trust in their work? Panelists who are leading by example in this field share their lessons learned and the standards that now guide them. Special thanks to panel sponsor, the PBS Public Editor.…

Into the Deep Blue: A Conversation with the Outlaw Ocean Project

4:00pm
-5:00pm
There is perhaps no space on the planet more In Flux | Out of Bounds, more impenetrable, than the deep sea. Oceans cover 70 percent of the earth's surface, with all but 20 percent of this area an uncharted mystery, beyond any law. Convinced there was more to tell after a special assignment for The New York Times, Ian Urbina launched the Outlaw Ocean Project to investigate the high seas. Working with a team that includes a resident cinematographer, Ben Blankenship, Outlaw Ocean has exposed human …
Friday, November 8

BREAKFAST

8:30am
-9:30am
Come early for social time and breakfast before heading to the sessions.…

Envisioning the Future: Sustainable Solutions for Filmmakers

9:30am
-10:40am
Filmmakers are currently facing critical issues that could impact the future of filmmaking as a career. These challenges include an evolving distribution landscape, the impact of AI, project funding, and fair compensation. In this conversation, we’ll envision a future where filmmakers can effectively monetize their work, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches and solutions that highlight the importance of films in society.…

Personal Stories, Universal Impact: The Power of Investigative Filmmaking

10:45am
-11:55am
This panel takes a fresh look at how filmmakers use personal stories to create investigative films that dive deep into hidden truths, illuminating larger societal issues. By focusing on individual experiences, these filmmakers create emotionally resonant narratives that connect with audiences on a human level while shedding light on critical topics. Join a discussion with filmmakers as they share their approaches to investigating and crafting compelling personal stories that inspire change and p…

Lunch + Conversation: Filmmakers Who’ve Cracked the PBS Code

12:10pm
-12:55pm
In this no-holds-barred conversation, hear from two journalist/filmmakers who have successfully navigated the PBS universe of programs to bring their work to PBS audiences. Three-time Emmy nominee Bernardo Ruiz, director of Kingdom of Shadows and El Equipo, and Kim Haas, host and producer of Afro-Latino Travels, talk about the choice to work with PBS, about the network's standards and practices, and about remaining true to their artistic visions.…

Mining and Contributing to Archives: Crafting the Future of Documentary Storytelling

1:00pm
-2:15pm
Archives offer filmmakers tangible connections to the events, cultures, and individuals they aim to illuminate, encompassing historical footage, photographs, personal letters, and official documents. By skillfully integrating these archival materials, filmmakers breathe life into stories, providing audiences with a vivid and poignant glimpse into our collective history. The filmmakers behind Acts of Reparation, American Coup: Wilmington 1898, and Bombshell explore how to effectively work with ar…

Distribution in Flux: Reimagining and Thriving in the New Era

2:30pm
-3:45pm
Today’s rapidly evolving distribution landscape is reshaping the film industry. This panel of experts will analyze the impact of digital vs. theatrical platforms, changes in audience behavior, and the contraction of what networks and streamers are acquiring, particularly in terms of genres. We'll explore innovative distribution models that are emerging, and the role of film festivals in enhancing visibility. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of film distribut…

Working with Participants in Investigative Film: A Conversation with Raoul Peck

3:50pm
-5:00pm
Natalie Bullock Brown, director of the Documentary Accountability Working Group (DAWG) will engage in a conversation with Raoul Peck, focusing on his work with participants in his documentary Silver Dollar Road. In this discussion, she will apply the DAWG framework to explore the nuances of investigative filmmaking and the responsibilities filmmakers have toward their subjects.…

HAPPY HOUR

5:00pm
-6:30pm
Double Exposure turns 10! Come raise a glass and kick back for social time, drinks, and light fare, as panel discussions conclude and the evening's film premieres await.  …
Saturday, November 9

Continental Breakfast

9:00am
-10:00am
It's workshop day! Grab a bite ahead of training sessions that start at 9:30 and run through 2:15.…

WORKSHOP: Self-Care for Filmmakers: The Trauma Aware Toolkit

10:00am
-11:30am
Journalists and filmmakers worldwide cover the most vulnerable people, while themselves contending with the impact of stress and trauma. The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma has just released a new toolkit to help documentary filmmakers, journalists, and editors report on violence while taking care of themselves and colleagues. Judith Matloff, Dart’s senior advisor for safety, will introduce this new resource. She will field questions about planning for difficult stories, ethics, leadership…

WORKSHOP: Backpack Journalism for Filmmakers

10:00am
-11:30am
A pioneer of the methodology today known as “Backpack Video Journalism,” Bill Gentile explains how to use the visual storytelling language to make powerful reportage and documentaries. From the Ecuadoran Amazon to the battlefields of Afghanistan, Gentile has employed the “one-man-band” methodology to produce compelling stories and national recognition. This workshop covers the key ingredients of his craft: Clips to Story. Composition. Character. Dramatic Arcs. Formal and Informal Interviews. Sou…

WORKSHOP: EditLife – Creating Short Content

12:45pm
-2:15pm
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, creating compelling short-form content is key to capturing and retaining audience attention. This workshop will dive into the art of making powerful short documentaries, promos, and social media reels that leave a lasting impression. Learn how to distill complex stories into engaging, bite-sized formats, master visual storytelling techniques, and leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to reach wider audiences. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or…

WORKSHOP: Working Responsibly with Whistleblowers

12:45pm
-2:15pm
Behind the headlines of the latest scandal du jour you will find a whistleblower who brought the information to light, often at great risk to their professional and personal lives. Tyler Shultz and Theranos, Facebook and Frances Haugen, Brittany Kaiser and Cambridge Analytica, Sherron Watkins and Enron, Ed Pierson and Boeing. The list goes on and on. These same whistleblowers are appealing narrators, sources, and subjects for documentary films. They supply the human element to help guide viewers…