Money is more than welcome for documentary production as it is highly needed, but difficult to find. For years broadcasters have been the main financial resource of 'independent' (non-commercial nor institutional) documentary films but things are changing, as we all know.

What happens when money comes from other sources like film funds, social institutions, NGOs or even corporations willing to fund films on social or environmental issues? What are the strings attached to these resources? Film funds invest but want economical or promotional returns, and so do institutions. NGOs are promoting campaigns or need to spread the word, companies need to show a 'social' engagement. Even broadcasters are more than willing to tell you how to make your documentary reach the audience (and please the advertisers?). The only remaining nests to nurture documentaries as an art form are the National Film Institutes. Or are they changing their policy as well?

Museums have been active lately in financing documentary films. What are they asking in return for their money? If you take NGO’s money, do you have to deliver their point of view/approach as well? Regional funds could be a solution to your financial gap, but are they happy to support any kind of topics? How promotional must you be?

For sure, surprises, risks or experiments are not wanted. Is this the requiem for independent documentary filmmaking or can we find a solution together?

There are those who still nurture documentaries as an art form: the National Film Institutes, some of the broadcasters, some specific and dedicated funds and the web where everyone can reach an audience.

The rules of the game are changing, that's certain. And with some of the most significant players in the different organizations, we will try to define these changes and see what we can all gain.