Democracy Story Unit Home Page

We back independence:

We back storytelling by artists, journalists, filmmakers who have creative and editorial control. Not dictated to by governments, by corporate interests or the algorithm.

We believe independent media is an essential ingredient in any functioning democracy and is the last line of defence against rising autocracy. Providing a plurality of vision, reflections on the world we’ve made and the world we want to make. Driving accountability and speaking truth to power. Deepening our humanity and connection to one another.

We champion the makers of independent media - the tenacious, the curious and the bold - making work because they must, engaging audiences by any means necessary. From community cinemas to public broadcasters, social media platforms to global streamers. Influencing the mainstream from the margins and creating personal and collective transformation.

We reject the insidious notion that “mass audiences” only want simple ideas, explained quickly. We reject the monoculture of bread and circuses, of endless true crime and celebrity helmed content dictated by market logic. We are all human after all. Hungry for nuance, for complexity, for authenticity, for the personal and the profound. And never more than now, at this critical moment in history.

We know supporting independent media works. It is high time to build back a richer and more resilient public square. If we feed the system at the grassroots, with increased direct funding to artists and local cultural organisations in every region, then the ecology of public and corporate media upstream will be transformed.

We are a multitude and we only do this work collectively. Doc Society operates alongside a constellation of cultural allies and legacy institutions, networks of practitioners and cultural activists who together are dedicated to building a better future for independent media in every region, imagining a new global media ecosystem that is decolonised and decentralised.

We are all in.