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    The D-Word
    ABOUT THE PROJECT

    LOGLINE
    A global peer-to-peer community for documentary professionals.

    SYNOPSIS
    Documentary filmmaking is critical work. But can also be challenging and isolating. Since 1999, THE D-WORD has been a peer-to-peer global community that helps documentary professionals feel a sense of belonging. THE D-WORD provides spaces for professional development, information sharing and relationship building, working towards greater sustainability, and improved mental health for documentary professionals. THE D-WORD has nearly 23,000 members from 158 countries.

    Key programs include: (1) an online discussion forum on all aspects of documentary filmmaking (fundraising, production, camera, sound, distribution, legal and more); (2) virtual and in-person F2Fs (“face-to-face” meetups) for networking, information-sharing, feedback, and social exchange; (3) special panels, talks, and forum topics that include coverage from major industry events and guests providing expertise on relevant topics; and (4) partnering on DocuMentality, a mental health initiative for documentary professionals.

    THE D-WORD is aimed at building relationships online that carry into the face-to-face world, including physical and virtual meet-ups, peer collaborations, and partnerships to offer round-ups of pitching forums and other industry events, peer feedback on works-in-progress, and a commitment to opening conversations about mental health among the documentary community.

    While THE D-WORD is free to join, funding supports the upkeep and upgrades of the website, the cost of virtual meeting services, future program development, and outreach.

    PROJECT TYPE Organization

    PRODUCER Doug Block, Peter Gerard, Erica Ginsberg, Marjan Safinia

    WEBSITE d-word.com

    Donate to The D-Word

    🎬 Support independent film through The Film Collaborative

    The Film Collaborative (TFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting independent filmmakers.

    Federal Tax ID: 32-0295081

    Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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    📅 Important Year-End Giving Dates for 2025
    • Dec 19: Most large gifts are decided by the Friday before the holidays.
    • Dec 31, 4:59 PM PT: Cutoff for wire, ACH, and Zelle gifts to be received in TFC’s account.
    • Dec 31: Postmark deadline for check donations.
    • Dec 31, 11:59 PM PT: Cutoff for online credit/debit gifts.

    Thank you for helping bring powerful independent films to life.

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