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Foundation of the Documentary Network

Dedicated to the defence and promotion of documentary

Montreal, March 2003 — Following the November 2002 Forum entitled “The Documentary: Reaffirming Our Voice,” and in light of studies published by the Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM) in 2000 and 2002, the Documentary Network (Observatoire du documentaire) has been created.

At a time when documentary production is moving from an independent or small-scale mode to industrial-style mass production, the very existence of the auteur or point-of-view (POV) documentary is threatened. This major shift has disturbing consequences for freedom of expression and artistic creation in documentary filmmaking.

Inevitably, these conditions have a negative impact: we are witnessing a reduction in quality, quantity and diversity of works; production structures are becoming more vulnerable; and filmmakers are experiencing a significant and painful loss of freedom, autonomy and time for reflection and creativity. All these factors call into question the very existence of the POV documentary.

Mandate

Created under the auspices of the Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montreal (RIDM), the Documentary Network intends to act as a rallying point and a place for reflection and discussion, to ensure that documentary maintains its essential position in the world of cinema.

The Network will work to ensure that the documentary plays its rightful role in the defence of democracy, tolerance, and an outward-looking attitude. It will encourage speaking out and public debate sparked by films that tackle the issues, aspirations and values of society.

The Network will work to improve the conditions that enable POV documentary creation and production and to facilitate access to POV documentary for all audiences.

Objectives

In order to accomplish its mandate, the Network has the following objectives:
1. To encourage joint action within the documentary community around its mandate.
2. To initiate research projects on questions relevant to documentary.
3. To ensure that information is circulated.
4. To represent and advance the interests of POV documentary before the decision-making bodies.

Members

The following organizations are the founding members of the Network:
--Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM)
--Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ)
--Quebec Council of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC)
--Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ)
--Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA)
--Canadian Independent Film Caucus (CIFC)

Board of Directors

The provisional Board of Directors is composed of:
--Jean-Daniel Lafond, Chair — Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM)
--Monique Simard, Vice-Chair — Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ)
--Fortner Anderson, Vice-Chair — Quebec Council of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC)
--Marie-Anne Raulet, Treasurer — Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM)
--Lise Lachapelle, Secretary — Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ)
--Paul Lapointe — Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM)
--Béatrice Raffoul — Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA)
--Malcolm Guy — Canadian Independent Film Caucus (CIFC)