Special Learning Session: The Role of the Producer in Documentary Filmmaking

The producer is an essential entity, but what exactly do they do?  How does one move from concept to completion? What are effective ways of developing funding, connecting with broadcast and impact partners, and pulling together a production team? 

With case studies, Detroit-based independent producer and director Razi Jafri will discuss his experience as a producer, including for Three Chaplains (on Muslim chaplains in the US military) and Boys of Summer (on how a summer camp transformed two boys). Jafri is the director of Uncommitted, which followed Arab and Muslim American activists who launched a campaign during the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries to protest US complicity with Israel’s military assault on Gaza. 

Uncommitted will be screened on December 8 at the Village of Industry & Art.