Brown Girls DOC Mafia

Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM) is a global, multiracial network of women and nonbinary filmmakers and media professionals. The purpose of BGDM is to nurture, amplify, and invest in the work of women and nonbinary artists in the documentary film industry. Its programs include fellowships for directors and producers, financial support to attend industry events, and opportunities for peer support and networking among members. This grant enables the co-directors of the organization to receive ongoing leadership coaching and support from The Management Center, extending a program that the Journalism and Media program provided to a cohort of grantees in 2023.

Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM) is a filmmaker-led collective that works to move the documentary industry toward greater equity. BGDM provides network-building, skill-sharing, and advocacy for women and gender non-binary filmmakers of color in the nonfiction film industry. It operates a database of members that employers use to find talented producers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and impact producers. It recently launched a fellowship program that provides grants, mentorship, and professional development to members selected through a participatory process each year. MacArthur funds will support BGDM’s general operations. The intended outcome of this grant is a stronger set of supports and community building for women and nonbinary filmmakers of color.