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About DFG

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History

DFG began in 2001 as a gathering of documentary filmmakers who wanted to share ideas and create a regular dialogue about documentary film. In the following months, regular screenings took place, first of all in pubs, then cafes, then London Film School, and as we became bigger, we started regular screenings and festivals in the West End. Suddenly there was outlet for an increasingly growing community of people who were interested in watching, making and discussing documentary films.

Weekly screenings attracted over 200 people, many of whom had to be turned away. As this community continued to grow, people started to demand other services: specific and affordable training; skills workshops; advice; consultation; production opportunities; more meetings; parties; chances to share thoughts of different films; debate; and to feel part of a documentary community, not only in London, but in the regions too. Our 'membership' grew and grew, and DFG was formally established as a not-for-profit company. Its overarching aim is this: to create a comprehensive resource for documentary enthusiasts and filmmakers.

In what seems a very short time, DFG has become the largest documentary-specific organisation in the UK. We now have over 4,500 non-paying members who receive weekly information, production opportunities, advice, special seminars and meetings with commissioning editors. We are the largest provider of documentary training in the UK, and we continue to expand, with the recent success of the DFG Diploma. We continue to run screenings, and work side by side with our sister company, Mosaic Films. This production company has produced award-winning films for Channel 4, ITV and Five, and has a history of using new directors and new talent as part of the production team. All this has been achieved largely without public funding, and thanks are largely due to the determination of all who have been involved with DFG over the years.

DFG has increasingly moved into the position of representing and lobbying on behalf of documentary filmmakers in a variety of ways. DFG has good reason to be proud of its achievements over the last five years. But we are not complacent. The fast-evolving nature of the documentary filmmaking industry means that there are new constituents to represent – and additional services that we must look to provide – if we are to continue to build upon and fulfill our mission of promoting talent and innovation within the industry, and remain at the forefront of its developments.

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