DC/DOX Festival Navigates a Turbulent Political and Cultural Landscape in Its Third Year
As the DC/DOX nonfiction film festival approaches its third edition, it finds itself operating amidst a rapidly shifting socio-political environment that poses significant challenges to independent documentary filmmaking. Founded in 2023 by Jamie Shor and Sky Sitney in Washington, D.C., the festival continues to showcase the resilience and vitality of documentary cinema despite mounting obstacles.
Funding Cuts and Political Threats Reshape the Documentary Ecosystem
In April, a wave of uncertainty swept through the documentary community when hundreds of grant recipients, many of whom are filmmakers, were informed that the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) would be terminating their funding. This decision jeopardized numerous ongoing projects, leaving creators in limbo. The following month, political developments intensified when President Donald Trump announced plans to eliminate both the NEH and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Subsequently, the NEA announced it would retract or cancel grants to arts organizations nationwide, many of which serve as vital financial backbones for documentary projects.
Similarly, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), a crucial platform and supporter for documentary filmmakers, faced similar threats. An executive order from Trump directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease support, prompting legal battles as PBS and NPR challenged the order on First Amendment grounds. In May, Documentary Magazine, published by the International Documentary Association, reported that PBS had removed a brief segment from an American Masters episode about cartoonist Art Spiegelman, which depicted a negative portrayal of Trump, highlighting ongoing censorship concerns.
Political Events and Their Impact on Festival Operations
The political climate took an even more surreal turn when Trump announced plans for a military parade through Washington on June 14-Flag Day, which coincides with his birthday and falls right in the middle of the festival dates (June 12-15). While festival organizers like Shor noted that the parade route does not directly threaten their venues-located at the Eaton Hotel, Navy Memorial, Planet Word, and Regal Gallery Place-their team has been fielding increased questions about safety, logistics, and audience comfort. Shor emphasized the importance of balancing safety with the festival’s mission: “People invest both their time and their money in these films, and we want to ensure they can enjoy the experience without undue concern. We’re committed to making it as accessible and secure as possible, but we won’t let external threats deter us from our purpose.”
Historical Perspective: Enduring Challenges in Documentary Filmmaking
While current political tensions are intense, Sitney reflected on the long-standing struggles faced by documentary filmmakers. “Documentary cinema has always operated in opposition to mainstream narratives,” she explained. “What’s different now is the unprecedented hostility-whether legal, physical, or ideological-that supporting institutions are experiencing. Yet, this opposition is part of the genre’s DNA. Throughout history, documentary filmmakers have often worked against the tide, driven by a purpose to challenge dominant perspectives.”
At this year’s DC/DOX, discussions will include panels on adapting to a transformed media landscape, alongside informal gatherings where filmmakers exchange insights, contacts, and strategies for navigating these turbulent times. Sitney cautioned that these challenges are not entirely new but are reaching a critical, almost alarming, intensity. “Threats to public media have existed for decades, but the current climate feels more urgent and destabilizing than ever,” she noted.
Industry Shifts and the Changing Face of Documentary Production
Earlier this year, Shor and Sitney faced the closure of their primary screening venue, Landmark’s E Street Cinema, a move that symbolized broader upheavals within the film industry. They swiftly relocated to Regal Gallery Place, just a few blocks away. This shift underscores the larger trend of instability affecting independent cinemas and documentary venues, which have historically served as vital spaces for showcasing nonfiction films.
The recent years had been considered a “golden age” for documentary filmmaking, with streaming giants and legacy studios investing heavily in fact-based stories-particularly those centered on celebrities, true crime, and sports-due to their low production costs and high commercial potential. However, the post-pandemic landscape, coupled with industry strikes and environmental crises, has cooled this enthusiasm. The era of big-budget, celebrity-driven documentaries appears to be waning, prompting a reevaluation of what authentic documentary storytelling entails.
As Sitney observes, “The illusion of endless funding for sensationalist projects has been shattered. Some filmmakers believe this collapse was necessary to restore the integrity of documentary work. While the future remains uncertain, this upheaval might ultimately lead to a more genuine and diverse range of stories.”
Celebrating Diversity and Resilience in the 2023 DC/DOX Program
Despite the tumult, this year’s DC/DOX lineup exemplifies the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary documentary cinema. The festival features 47 feature films covering a broad spectrum-from biopics of iconic figures like Andy Kaufman, Barbara Jordan, and Barbara Walters to explorations of social justice, mental health, and artistic expression. The opening night film, Steal This Story, Please!, profiles “Democracy Now!” host Amy Goodman, while the closing night presentation, Bodyguard of Lies, examines the history of the Afghanistan conflict. Additionally, State of Firsts highlights Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride, scheduled to screen on June 15.
Festival attendees can purchase individual tickets or opt for passes ranging from $200 to $500, offering access to the full slate of screenings. Notable guests include Goodman, directors Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, and filmmakers Dawn Porter and Andrew Jarecki, with some subjects like McBride and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich participating via Zoom. These gatherings underscore the festival’s role as a vital forum for dialogue, connection, and advocacy within the documentary community.
Renewed Commitment Amidst Uncertainty
Shor and Sitney remain optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of community and shared purpose. “Our audience engagement has already doubled compared to last year,” Sitney remarked. “There’s a clear hunger for these stories, and that motivates us to persevere.”
Shor echoed this sentiment, stating, “While we’re not an institution in the traditional sense, we aim to be one-an enduring space for truth-telling and storytelling. The core reasons people seek out these films-community, insight, and advocacy-remain unchanged. We’re here to serve that need, no matter the external challenges.”
