Cultivating Human Connections Through Film:
The Campaign for DER
Our Bold Vision
DER is the only organization dedicated to films about human cultures and communities. DER stewards a culturally and historically significant collection of ethnographic and documentary films and is committed to:
- Promoting ethical and innovative practices in non-fiction filmmaking and film stewardship
- Amplifying underrepresented voices, inspiring understanding among cultures and embracing the dignity and interconnectedness of all people
- Serving as a hub for filmmakers, researchers, audience and community members interested in non-fiction filmmaking for cultural resiliency and building a caring and engaged global citizen
Fundraising Goals
Raise $700,000 over the next three years to:
- Launch an independent DER streaming platform (in January 2026)
- Increase programming capacity
Long-term Goals
Your support at this pivotal moment will help us:
- Expand our reach to new audiences worldwide, including making films accessible to learners in the countries where they were produced, “repatriating” films to source communities, and providing services to underserved areas
- Bolster our financial resiliency through new markets and audiences
- Expand programming to better serve as a center for anyone interested in film as a tool for cultural understanding and engagement
To learn more about this campaign and our plans for the future of DER, check out our case statement below and contact Alice Apley () with your questions.
DER Case Statement 2025Or download this case statement as a PDF:
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