American Documentary

Overview

Brooklyn, N.Y. — October 13, 2023 — American Documentary (AmDoc) announced today that Darcy McKinnon, independent filmmaker, documentary producer and community media advocate will be awarded their inaugural Creative Visionary Award at the AmDoc annual gala taking place November 7. The honoree was selected for exemplary nonfiction work and for excellence in the field by representatives from different departments within AmDoc. Mckinnon will be presented with the award during the centerpiece ceremony of the event themed Embracing Diversity in American Storytelling.

Darcy McKinnon’s deep involvement in local, social-issue driven documentary film spans over two decades and includes director, editor and producer credits for work that has been screened or broadcast internationally and on PBS through support by POV,Black Public Media, ITVS, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), and Firelight Media. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, her practice explores Southern stories, foregrounding local makers and voices of the community where proximity gives way to personal and authentic experiences. For ten years she led the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC), an organization that empowers local storytellers. She produces films with her production company Gusto Moving Pictures, where she specializes in regional projects and cultivating local talent. In 2016 she co-founded the documentary collective ALL Y’ALL, an organization that advocates for non-fiction media makers living and working in the South. POV has featured several films produced by McKinnon including Maquilapolis (2006), The Neutral Ground (2021), and most recently Under G-d (2023), part of AmDoc’s sixth season of POV Shorts.

“We are proud to recognize Darcy McKinnon with our first ever Creative Visionary Award,” said Erika Dilday, executive director of American Documentary and executive producer of POV. “Darcy’s contributions to independent filmmaking, her leadership and ardent experience as a producer working on some of the most compelling non-fiction films being made today continues to inspire audiences and energize those around her. Her impact in the independent film community is immeasurable and deeply felt.”

“I am honored to be recognized as part of the POV community with an award like this. Public media and POV have been supporters of my path and my work since the start of my career, and I’m thrilled to be part of celebrating their legacy of work.“ said McKinnon.

AmDoc’s gala happens during an exciting season marked by industry acclaim for programming, staff changes and leadership accolades. The event will feature immersive experiences about its award winning series America ReFramed, POV, and POV Shorts and its community network and impact team POV Engage. Throughout the evening attendees will learn how AmDoc’s signature programming has adapted over the years while looking toward the future. Guests will include AmDoc filmmakers - present and past, industry peers, funders and champions, and public media supporters. The event includes VIP cocktail reception, awards presentation, and interactive activities with the AmDoc vibrant community.

This year’s gala is made possible by the generous support of event sponsors: Open Society Foundations, WNET, InMaat Foundation, Impact Partners, Taft Law, Wyncote Foundation, the Reva and David Logan Foundation, KQED, and GBH, as well as in-kind sponsors that include: The New York Giants, New Orleans Film Festival, IFC Theater, Final Draft/Coverfly, Doc-10 Film Festival, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), BRIC Arts Media, Mountainfilm Festival, BlackStar Film Festival and Big Sky Film Festival.

Event and Tickets Information:

Date: Tuesday November 7, 2023

Time: 6:30 - 10:00 pm

Venue: 26 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY

Purchase Tickets here

Event details here

For more information please contact development@pov.org

About

About American Documentary, Inc.

American Documentary, Inc. (AmDoc) is a multimedia organization dedicated to creating, identifying and presenting contemporary stories that express opinions and perspectives rarely featured in mainstream media outlets. AmDoc is a catalyst for public culture, developing collaborative strategic engagement activities around socially relevant content on television, online and in community settings. These activities are designed to trigger action, from dialogue and feedback to educational opportunities and community participation.

Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, the Open Society Foundations, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation, Reva & David Logan Foundation, Park Foundation, and Perspective Fund. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Sage Foundation, Chris and Nancy Plaut, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee and public television viewers. POV is presented by a consortium of public television stations, including KQED San Francisco, WGBH Boston and THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG.