Southern Documentary FundReel south
REEL SOUTH is a documentary series co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama PublicTelevision, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, and WABE.
From southerndocumentaryfund.org/reel-south ↗About this program
Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) and Reel South are proud to announce a new partnership designed to fortify pathways for Southern filmmakers to continue making bold work in the region. This collaboration expands both Reel South and SDF's shared commitment to authentic storytelling and meaningful access for filmmakers across the South.
At a turbulent time in independent documentary filmmaking, the Reel South and SDF partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to the longevity of a robust southern documentary ecosystem. Together, they are connecting makers to development resources, sustainable support structures, and national audiences—ensuring Southern stories are not only made but seen and celebrated.
This partnership is more than collaboration. It is a shared declaration that independent makers should have the support it takes to develop Southern stories.
By building a stronger bridge between Southern storytellers and public broadcasters, Reel South and SDF are investing in a future where Southern narratives remain powerful, visible, and fully supported.
Every donation to Reel South sustains essential services dedicated to telling stories about the South.
Filmmaking GrantsEach year, SDF is proud to award grants to filmmakers telling stories they are connected to, that fully represent the complexity and nuance of the American South.Fiscal Sponsorship$45 application fee; 6% administrative cost share on contributed monies plus payment processing fees for online donations; $65 annual Membership fee per projectSDF is currently sponsoring over 100 inspiring and important documentaries, collaborating closely on getting these projects funded, made, and seen.Maker After DarkThe Maker After Dark Series invites documentary makers into an intimate, late-night conversation with industry leaders, creating space to share real experiences, practical advice, and honest insights about the craft and career of filmmaking.