Canadian Impact: Where Is It Now and Where Can We Go?

With the support of the CMF Sector Development and Creative BC, Story Money Impact was able to do some reflective work on how the practice of using documentary films as tools for positive change — known as "impact work" — is being done in Canada and internationally. Our aim was to engage with practitioners at home and abroad, gather insights from their experiences, and offer recommendations to further develop this field within Canada.

A team of three from SMI—Eva Anandi Brownstein, Tamo Campos, and Sue Biely—led this work. They interviewed eight Canadian impact practitioners, both from within and outside of Story Money Impact, and conducted research into international initiatives and programs. The team also connected with 12 impact practitioners at IDFA (International Documentary Forum Amsterdam) and participated in the GIPA Solutionaries Session: Impact Producers Map the Field. 

As a result, we have compiled the following:

• A snapshot pamphlet with some key insights and recommendations.

• A longer report that shares insights from Canadian impact practitioners, a more in-depth review of the international practices we discovered, a set of recommendations for advancing the impact field in Canada, and an appendix featuring resources, tools, and programs.

We hope you enjoy reviewing this work and that it catalyzes the next level of potential on how documentary films can be used as tools in service to make a better world.

Here is the pdf version of the full report.