Film and Pen

Documentary

9 articles

Filmmaker confronts a distorted AI-generated doppelganger of a documentary subject, symbolizing the erosion of trust in AI-powered filmmaking.
Media Industry

AI Can Now Deepfake Documentary Subjects, Eroding Trust in Filmmaking

Director Adam Bhala Lough spent months attempting to secure an interview with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman before creating a virtual doppelganger for his documentary, 'Deepfaking Sam Altman', according to Ha

Amelia Frost·August 19, 2026
A small, dedicated film crew working late at night on an independent film set, illuminated by a single spotlight.
Production

Independent Film Sees Production Surge Amidst Widespread Economic Challenges

Watermelon Pictures’ documentary 'American Doctor' opened to $40,000 at the Angelika in NYC, achieving the highest per-screen average for a documentary since 'The Encampments' in March 2025, according

Victor Ren·August 19, 2026
Independent filmmakers networking and celebrating at a vibrant film festival, showcasing opportunities for global recognition in 2026.
Film & TV

Key Film Festivals for Independent Filmmakers in 2026

The Camden International Film Festival alone will showcase 37 U.

Julian Mercer·August 18, 2026
Diverse group of young filmmakers collaborating around a table with film equipment, discussing a project with enthusiasm.
Creators

Netflix Documentary Talent Fund Supports UK Creators

Five U.K. and Ireland-based filmmakers will each receive £30,000 from Netflix in 2026. This modest investment, part of the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund, has previously propelled supported films to

Tara Collins·June 16, 2026
Split screen showing a futuristic AI interface and a documentary filmmaker capturing a candid moment, symbolizing the festival's focus on truth in the age of AI.
Film & TV

Monte-Carlo TV Festival Previews New Documentaries and Series

Joshua Seftel, head of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival's Documentary and News jury, posits that AI's rise will paradoxically fuel a deeper global craving for reality and truth in filmmaking, according to

Julian Mercer·June 8, 2026
Cinematic representation of AI and human creativity colliding at the Tribeca Festival, with digital art and film elements intertwined.
Behind the Scenes

Tribeca Festival Kicks Off With Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire Documentary

This year, the Tribeca Festival will screen a live-action docudrama generated entirely by AI, titled 'Dreams of Violets'.

Victor Ren·June 4, 2026
Montage of David Lean's epic film scenes and candid on-set photos, reflecting his directorial career and personal life.
Film & TV

Cannes Premiere: Maverick Doc Explores David Lean's Epic Adventures

After the critical reception of 'Ryan's Daughter', legendary director David Lean did not direct a single film for 14 years, a period of silence that belied the epic scale of his earlier triumphs and t

Julian Mercer·May 22, 2026
A diverse group of students and teachers working together collaboratively in a bright, engaging classroom environment, emphasizing community over individual heroism.
Film & TV

Portrayals of teachers in 2026 film and television get the 'hero' narrative wrong.

In 2026, the Sundance Film Festival will feature 'Jane Elliott Against the World', a documentary about the educator whose 1968 'Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes' exercise exposed the raw mechanics of prejudice, a

Julian Mercer·May 2, 2026
Filmmaker working late on a laptop, surrounded by film equipment, applying for the NEH Media Projects grant with new federal requirements.
Film & TV

What Are NEH Media Projects Grants for Filmmakers?

While the NEH Media Projects grant technically offers a minimum award of just $1, applicants for awards issued after October 1, 2024, must navigate significant revisions to federal administrative requ

Julian Mercer·April 16, 2026