Documentary Film Reality Check - Westdoc interviews Anthony Kaufman

Anthony Kaufman and Westdoc host Chuck Braverman have a conversation about documentary films. Kaufman is a freelance journalist and regular contributor to his Substack; film instructor at the New School and DePaul University; and senior programmer at the Chicago International Film Festival and the Doc10 film festival. Documentary distribution has faced significant challenges in recent years. The pandemic has slowed down the documentary market compared to fiction films. Streaming platforms have shifted focus towards more sensationalist content. Independent documentaries struggle to find distribution in the current market. Filmmakers need to raise soft money and grants to cover production costs. Connecting with a built-in audience is crucial for documentary success. Film festivals can still attract audiences for documentaries. The documentary landscape is evolving, requiring filmmakers to adapt. Expectations for recouping costs from documentaries should be adjusted. The importance of audience engagement cannot be overstated. This episode was recorded in February, 2026.