The DOC NOW Festival celebrates the work of established and emerging documentary practitioners from Ryerson University’s Master of Fine Arts program in Documentary Media. Established in 2007, Ryerson’s Documentary Media program is the only MFA degree program in Canada dedicated to developing tomorrow’s documentary filmmakers and visual artists. The program contributes to Canada’s world-renowned reputation for excellence in documentary by nurturing new talent and fostering innovative critical approaches.

Join us for the 2015 Festival Launch at The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom with drinks, a preview of the works in the festival and a keynote address by world-renowned, investigative documentary filmmaker Ric Esther Bienstock.

What does it mean to be making documentaries in 2015? Financially, there can be little payoff for filmmakers and photographers in the industry, and yet, a growing number of people are picking up cameras to document social injustices, cultural transformations and personal histories.

Documentaries help define and shape our chaotic and fragmented world. With a multitude of platforms now being created to share stories, there are new opportunities emerging for today’s documentary makers. Our keynote speaker, Ric Esther Bienstock, will share her experience and insights into the documentary form, and explore why, even in the face of financial hardship, it is an exciting time for documentarians.

Doors: 6:30 pm

Welcome & Keynote: 7:00–8:00 pm

Reception: 8:00–10:00 pm