In a statement released September 29, New York-based filmmaker-driven organization Field of Vision reminded the global doc industry of its achievements over the past five years, at the same time offering gratitude to its filmmakers in a 5th anniversary reel. It also laid out a programme of upcoming resources and initiatives.
The statement reads:
Five years ago, Field of Vision launched with a mission to support work that uses innovative and artistic ways to explore contemporary global issues through a cinematic lens, and to push the boundaries of nonfiction storytelling.
Since then, they’ve of supported 84 shorts, features and episodic films that are now out in the world, and over 60 films currently in various stages of development, production, post-production, or are beginning their releases on the festival circuit.
Looking forward they are building more initiatives, resources and support for filmmakers and for the field itself. Over the next few weeks Field of Vision will be launching the following resources and initiatives.
Field Notes
An online journal for original writing about nonfiction cinema in all its forms.
Free Legal Clinic for Documentary Freelancers in the U.S.
Partnering with Lawyers for Reporters to launch a free legal clinic for freelancers working in documentary in the United States. This program will provide legal information about specific topics and possible referrals to pro bono legal counsel.
Digital Security Guide for Filmmakers
In partnership with the Freedom of the Press Foundation will be launching a new platform that provides extensive digital security guidance and information specifically for filmmakers. This will serve as a valuable resource for filmmakers, for those needing extra protection, or those working in high-risk situations and for overall best practices.
Virtual Mentorship and Consultation Service (Ongoing)
At the start of the pandemic Field of Vision launched a virtual mentorship and consultation service, to create a space for support and guidance. This service is still open and available to filmmakers around the world.
Several films Field of Vision have supported are currently screening in virtual or socially-distanced festival screenings:
Things We Dare Not Do by Bruno Santamaria
Landfall by Cecilia Aldorando
Bulletproof by Todd Chandler
MLK/FBI by Sam Pollard
Do Not Split 不割席 by Anders Somme Hammer
UTUQAQ by Iva Radivojevic
This Is An Address by Sasha Wortzel
The Rifleman by Sierra Pettengill
Red Taxi by Anonymous
America by Garrett Bradley
About Field of Vision
Field of Vision is a filmmaker-driven organization that commissions filmmakers and artists with developing and ongoing stories around the globe. Field of Vision is committed to advocating for the rights and needs of filmmakers and supporting cinematic innovation and representation. Recent projects have included the Oscar®-winning feature AMERICAN FACTORY, the Oscar®-nominated features STRONG ISLAND; HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING; and Oscar®-nominated shorts A NIGHT AT THE GARDEN and IN THE ABSENCE, as well as the Emmy-winning feature CRIME + PUNISHMENT, and Emmy-nominated short THE SURRENDER.
Founded in 2015 and led by Co-Founder and Executive Producer Charlotte Cook, Field of Vision has commissioned, produced and/or supported more than 130 films – 45 features, 5 episodic series, and 85 short films. Field of Vision operates as part of First Look Media Works, a 501c3 non-profit organization, and has an ongoing commitment supporting innovation and inclusion and as such 54% of Field of Vision-supported films have been directed by women and 43% by filmmakers of color. This work has premiered at Sundance, Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, Hot Docs, Tribeca, and IDFA, among many other festivals, winning multiple Grand Jury and other awards and nominations.
