“For the first time in UK documentary history, members of the independent film community are electing their own representatives,” underlined UK’s Documentary Film Council March 11 as it announced its schedule for the upcoming election of 8 board members. “Given the challenges facing the sector, there could not be a more important time to stand up for documentary, and having an elected board ensures the DFC is led by its members and is accountable to the community it represents.”
As this is the DFC’s first election, all members of the current interim board are required to stand down, the organisation underlines.
The election timeline is as follows:
- 11 March: Circulation of ‘Stand For Election’ form
- 14 April: Deadline for self-nomination
- 1 May: Announcement of candidates and commencement of canvassing
- 13 May: Voting opens
- 31 May: Voting closes
- 3 June: Election results announced
- June 24: First AGM & Open Assemble at Sheffield DocFest
“Serving on the DFC’s board is an opportunity to represent the UK’s independent documentary community and work with colleagues across the industry to improve conditions in this sector,” the Documentary Film Council writes. “It is vital that the DFC’s board includes both new and established people in the industry, and people from historically marginalised backgrounds are especially welcome to stand. It is also essential that the board consists of producers, directors and other precariously employed people as well as salaried representatives from different parts of the industry.”
The DFC underlines that as it is currently an unfunded and volunteer-run organisation, it is not possible to pay freelance members of the board at present (“though that remains the intention as soon as funding is available”). Full training will be provided for candidates who have not served on a board before. “This will not be a barrier and they are encouraged to stand,” the DFC writes.
“The Documentary Film Council (DFC) is a nationwide participatory initiative that has been co-designed by filmmakers and executives from across the industry. Launched as a co-operative at Sheffield DocFest in 2023, the DFC is independent and run by and for its members. An important part of the DFC’s remit is to work with colleagues across the sector to develop a set of collectively-held policy priorities for UK independent documentary,” the DFC underlines.
For more about the election process and to submit a ‘Stand for Election’ form click here.
