It’s an interesting quirk of media promo-speak that has endowed upon the documentary all the defining glitz of the tag ‘television special’. In a backhanded sense it’s a perfectly complimentary moniker. Who could deny that documentaries are, after all, ‘special’. And surely it’s what singles them out for uniqueness that all the debate is about.

This year’s Documentary Conference will provide an opportunity to explore some of those things peculiar to the documentary passion. In particular the conference theme, Mind If We Watch, takes up the vexed question of ethics in documentary filmmaking and viewing - an occasion to query not just how we look at other cultures and places but also to reflect on how we might look at ourselves. Speculation will also centre on the ways in which the new media technologies are challenging our perception of the ‘documentary image’ as well as our understanding of authorship and intellectual property.

In attending to issues such as this we have gathered from around the world leading documentary commentators and practitioners. Filmmakers, broadcasters and distributors, financiers, policy makers and academics will discuss the issues, ideas and skills that will carry the documentary into yet another 100 years of cinema.

As usual there will be a keynote address, forums, plenaries, workshop and craft sessions, spotlights, case studies and works in progress - not to forget those all important opportunities for networking.

An especially exciting innovation at this year’s event will be the Documart - a formal opportunity to pitch an upcoming project to a panel of international financiers and distributors. Also for the first time, the Conference will be accompanied by a Film Festival, a nine day snapshot of what’s in and a long look at what’s been. Conference delegates can attend the film festival at a discount to public prices.

So whether you love to make them or just love to watch, The 1995 International Documentary Conference is designed for documentary devotees everywhere. I guarantee you a very special time.

Deb Verhoeven, Executive Director