Support our research
Documentary evidence and insights
Proving and improving the impact of documentary
The Issue
For almost two decades, Documentary Australia has championed the power of documentary storytelling to drive awareness and action on the most pressing issues of our time. Yet despite real, measurable impacts that occur
when documentaries are used strategically as tools for social change, the sector continues to rely heavily on reach metrics and audience insights to communicate value.
Through years of research, evaluation, and capacity building work with filmmakers, donors, partners and audiences, we have built a growing evidence base on what drives successful fundraising, partnerships, and
impact. We have captured real-world outcomes created by documentary projects, as well as insights into what works, what doesn’t, and why. Now, we are ready to advance this work to strengthen sector investment, advocacy and sustainability, but we need additional resources to scale.
Our Solution
Practice-Based Research: We will strengthen our capacity to provide leadership to the documentary sector and
systematically capture outcomes and insights across documentary projects, in partnership with others. This
includes refining our Documentary Outcomes Framework, expanding our practical filmmaker capacity building resources and launching a Research Program.
Insights to Action: Building on years of research, we will translate evidence-based insights into practical tools,
resources and learning. By sharing these widely, we aim to strengthen decision-making, improve practice, and
demonstrate the value of documentary as a tool for social change.
Our Impact
- Build a robust, sector-wide evidence base that demonstrates the value and impact of documentary
- Embed evaluation practice across documentary programs and projects, improve the quality and consistency of data collection, and generate actionable insights
- Support continuous learning, foster innovation, and elevate best practice through dissemination
- Inform policy and funding decisions, and ensure that documentary storytelling is recognised, supported, and resourced for its full cultural and social value
"Without data, you're just another person with an opinion."
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE
Lucy Corrigan | Head of Impact & Evaluation
[email protected]
Dr Mitzi Goldman | CEO
[email protected]
"We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience."
Help make a difference with documentary
Documentary Australia is a unique not-for-profit that ensures important stories are told, seen and achieve social impact outcomes. Find out how to join our community for powerful change below:
We support documentaries that inspire change across a broad range of issues
Our Programs
Environmental Accelerator
ENVIRONMENT
Documentary Australia is committed to increasing engagement with environmental issues and empowering action to protect the planet, using documentary storytelling as a tool to create change. Launched in November 2022, the Environmental Accelerator amplifies the impact of up to 10 documentary projects over three years to increase awareness and motivating action for the environment.
SheDoc
WOMEN + GIRLS
In 2024 SheDoc elevated the careers of six female-identifying filmmakers, particularly in key creative roles under-represented by women. Our vision is to provide talented women with resources and support for their professional development in order to help elevate issues relating to women and girls with an emphasis on gender-equity in documentary storytelling.
Impact Producer Program
Documentary Australia launched the Impact Producer Program in 2023 – a new ten-month professional development program that aims to train the next generation of Impact Producers. This program is the first of its kind in Australia, developed in response to the increasingly unmet demand for experienced professionals to undertake this role.
Centralised Indigenous Fellowship
Launched in 2019, the Centralised Indigenous Fellowship aims to create a bespoke career development program for First Nations documentary filmmakers to increase their skills and knowldge and share their stories. This enables a the career advancement of a new generation of Aboriginal screen storytellers and encourages generations that come after them.
We use stories to incite action and create impact on
vital social issues
Annual Impact Report 2024-2025
In FY24-25, Documentary Australia continued its unwavering commitment to leveraging the power of storytelling for social change.
At a time when trust has been eroded and the truth can't always be relied on in mainstream or social media, documentary storytelling is becoming more important than ever. Through a combination of impactful documentaries, strategic partnerships and dedicated donor support, we have made significant strides in advancing our mission.
Our dedicated community of donors play a pivotal role in our success. Your generous support enables us to bring powerful stories to life and to create real impact on the issues that matter most.