HIGH IMPACT DOCUMENTARY FILMS

*Please note our Funding Circles review proposals by Invitation Only*

Our Mission

Threshold's High Impact Documentary Films (DOCS) funding circle funds documentaries that have the potential to transform public perception on major issues by exploring compelling, underrepresented themes and issues with a depth and nuance that is not seen in most mainstream media. In addition to funding film production, we support creative methods of outreach, marketing, and distribution that expand the reach of the issues depicted in the films, accompanied by a plan of action that is powerful, innovative, and catalytic.

Our Strategy and Focus

Documentary filmmakers are uniquely positioned to address current controversial issues in a way that is insightful, enlightening and engaging. DOCS works in close partnership with DocSociety to make grants to quality high-impact documentary feature films with potential for significant social change.

DOCS First 8 Years of Funded Films

2021

After Sherman
https://www.aftersherman.com/
Dystopia
Hummingbirds
Seeds
https://www.documentary.org/project/seeds
This Is How It Ends

2020

American Prosecutor
Great Photo, Lovely Life
Razing Liberty Square
https://www.razinglibertysquare.org/

2019

40 Days and 40 Nights
https://www.wecriedpower.com/
Disclosure (Transgender representation in Media) - Netflix
https://www.disclosurethemovie.com
Free Speech Untitled
Philly DA

http://www.tedpasson.com/philly-da
The Grab

2018

Roll Red Roll (Outreach. rape culture & football) - Netflix, BBC3/Storyville
https://www.rollredrollfilm.com

Dark Money (Citizens United Montana) - Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube
https://www.darkmoneyfilm.com

Midnight Traveler (Afghan refugee story) - Amazon Instant Video, AppleTV / iTunes, Google Play, Microsoft Network / Xbox, Vudu, Fandango Now, DirecTV. cable VOD
https://streamingmoviesright.com/us/movie/midnight-traveler

Knock Down the House (Women in politics, rise of AOC) - Netflix
https://www.knockdownthehouse.com

Gather (Restoring Native American food systems) - Amazon
https://www.gatherfilm.com

Bulletproof

Welcome to Chechnya (Persecution of LGBTQ+ citizens in Chechen Republic) - HBO Go, HBO Now
https://www.welcometochechnya.com

2017

The Edge of Democracy (Politics in Brazil) -Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/80190535

United Skates (hip hop culture and roller rinks) - HBO Go, HBO Now
https://www.unitedskatesfilm.com

The People vs. Agent Orange

Naila and the Uprising (Palestine) - PBS
https://www.justvision.org/nailaandtheuprising/about

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

Akicita: The Battle of Standing Rock

2016

White Helmets (Syrian first responders) - Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/80101827

Dark Money (Citizens United Montana) - Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube
https://www.darkmoneyfilm.com

Hale County This Morning, This Evening (rural AL art film) - Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube
https://www.halecountyfilm.com

Recovery Boys (Opioid crisis) - Netflix
https://www.jacobsladderbrookside.com/recovery-boys.html

Whose Streets? (Ferguson Uprising) - Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, Hulu, YouTube
https://www.whosestreetsfilm.com

2015

The Bad Kids (SoCal High School) - Netflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes
http://www.thebadkidsmovie.com

The Force (Oakland Police Project) - Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube
http://openhood.org

2014

The Hunting Ground (Sexual assault on campus) - Netflix, iTunes, and GoWatchIt
http://thehuntinggroundfilm.com

Shadow World (Int’l Arms dealing) - PBS and Vimeo
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/films/shadow-world/

 

Grant Cycle Guidelines:

1

All applicants for DOCS grants must submit to DocSociety https://docsociety.org/threshold/, who chooses films for our docket.

2

DOCS funding priorities are:

  • Stories that are not being covered in mainstream media;
  • Development or crucial stage funding that will help move films forward at critical moments in their timeline;
  • Films that tell powerful stories and have a strong point of view, aggressive and/or creative strategies for marketing, and outreach plans for targeting intended audiences;
  • Films with a focus that is in sync with the Threshold Foundation’s mission;
  • First time and highly experienced filmmakers; and
  • Compelling stories that leave the audience with an opportunity and desire for positive change.

3

DOCS only grants to organizations with US 501(c)3 status.  In addition to supporting film production, DOCS will fund creative methods of outreach, marketing and distribution that expand a film’s reach and impact.  We prefer to fund films in least mid-stage production with some footage.  DOCS funds both US and international films, with a bias toward English language films.