Documentary Association of Europe co-founder and Executive Director Brigid O’Shea announced July 20 that she will step back from programming and curation at the association, although she will continue to perform administration and finance duties, as well as remain on the Executive Board. She also announced in her post to members that DAE will create a new role of Programme Director, for which applications are currently being sought.
“The reason for this is, now with the structure built, it is a great moment for fresh ideas, energy and vision to join us in the association. I am greatly interested in sustainability and longevity and believe it is the right moment for the dreams and vision of others to join us in DAE,” said O’Shea.
“I would like to turn over the major perks of this job – travelling around the world, getting to know people and participating in high-level conversations – now to someone knowledgeable but curious, open-minded and ready to stand up for the best conditions for you all. I would like to welcome a new Programme Director to DAE to take up exactly this role, leaving me to take care of the administrative processes to support their work, as well as this beautiful community we’ve built together with all of you!” she adds.
O’Shea stresses that her decision represents “a step to the side to usher in whoever shall come next.”
“I am staying on the executive board and will run for re-election next year, as I will still be involved in the organisation on the financing and admin side, to be sure that we don’t fail the way many young organisations do: living and dying on the engagement of their founders,” she says. “I will be around to ease transition and provide guidance where I can, while respecting the autonomy and vision of the next generation.”
The Documentary Association of Europe (DAE), which launched at Berlinale 2020, is a pan-European membership body representing documentary filmmakers, producers and industry professionals. “DAE members span the whole sector, from the most independent film professional to established production companies, and European documentary institutions such as festivals, markets, training initiatives, and national associations and guilds,” the organisation writes.
In her post, O’Shea further underlines the sense of imperative she felt in launching the fledgling organisation.
“At the end of 2019 I sat during IDFA with many friends, wondering what could be done to recognise the new reality documentary filmmakers found themselves in,” she says. “I wanted to find a way to cherish a new generation of professionals looking to build a sustainable life and redefine what European documentary could be. I also really wanted to bring together a community who seemed divided along different lines, to remind us all what we had in common but without ever overlooking the many differences we had. Documentary filmmaking inside and outside of Europe is not a monolith, and the old ways of a top down approach felt they had run their course.”
“In this time, I’ve also learned so much from all of you, travelling all over Europe and beyond to share in your lived reality and see things from the inside. I want to thank you all for this experience: your generosity and openness,” O’Shea underlines.
DAE has already started the process of filling the newly established Programme Director role. The deadline for applications is August 5. Click here for more information.
