About DocAccess
Helping communities access and screen documentaries
DocAccess is a free national resource supported by Screenrights and the Hansen Little Foundation. It features 85+ documentaries available for screening events, including new and award-winning films that explore today’s most urgent social and environmental issues.
DocAccess helps communities and organisations easily find documentaries and host screening events by connecting users directly to film teams. It also offers step-by-step guidance and event management resources.
Documentary Australia hopes communities and organisations will use DocAccess to help screen documentaries to audiences and inspire change.
We invite you to register for DocAccess, browse the resources, and explore the curated playlists.
How it works
Choose a documentary
Explore documentary playlists in issue areas of interest.
Connect with the film team
Find out how to obtain the film and screening licence.*
Use step-by-step guides
Use guides, tools and templates to help you host your event.
Invite and host
Bring people together for an impactful screening and conversation.
* DocAccess is free to use however, documentary films require a licence to be screened publicly; there is usually a licence fee which is arranged with the film team directly.
Goals and Activities
From 2025-2027, DocAccess aims to expand the accessibility, reach and impact of Australian documentaries by:
- Growing national awareness and use of the DocAccess resource
- Increasing the visibility and accessibility of documentaries
- Helping films reach new audiences through documentary screenings across Australia
- Building the capacity of communities and organisations to use documentaries as tools for social connection and social change
To achieve these goals, we will regularly update the resource with new documentaries and resources. We will also expand our marketing and outreach campaigns to increase awareness and uptake.
We will work with community, NGO and corporate partners to inspire issue‑based screenings in key sectors. Online workshops will also be available to guide organisers on using DocAccess to host impactful events using documentary as a tool for social change.
Host and filmmaker feedback
"Thank you for such a great initiative. I hope these documentaries reach many more audiences via the resource."
"We’re excited to get our film Welcome to Babel seen by many more people via community screenings this year."
"Thanks for letting us know about DocAccess! I have just registered and am looking forward to exploring the titles."
"Documentaries can help bring people together around issues and stories that matter to them. They foster connection, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. Our aim for DocAccess is to ensure communities and organisations across Australia can find and use documentary film as a catalyst for connection and social change."
Explore DocAccess Playlists
Environment
Powerful stories for the planet that showcase the beauty of the natural world and inspire action on environmental issues.
Health & Wellbeing
Inspiring personal stories, systemic issues and social factors that impact the health of individuals and communities.
Human Rights & Social Justice
Addressing individual fundamental rights an freedoms while promoting fairness and equality in society.
Indigenous
First Nations voices, narratives, and perspectives highlighting historical and contemporary issues Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face.
The Arts
Examining the value and diversity of art forms and how these reflect, critique, and influence society and culture.
WOMEN & GIRLS
Highlighting the challenges, experiences, and achievements of women and girls across different contexts and cultures.
YOUTH & EDUCATION
Shedding light on the systemic issues contributing to youth marginalisation and equitable access to quality education.
LGBTQI+
Celebrating and sharing Australian stories of diversity in gender and sexual orientation.
CULTURALLY & LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE
Exploring the unique stories of individuals and communities from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Thank you to our supporters
