June 23, 2016 | POV’s daily list of essential reading for the documentary and independent filmmaking community.

New Survey Reveals Current Cost of Making Documentaries in Today’s Audiovisual Market
A recent survey among documentary filmmakers entitled “The Cost of Docs” provides figures and insights into the actual cost of producing a documentary film in today’s audiovisual market. The survey takes a closer look at the financial aspects involved in the production of documentaries from the research stage up to the final cut. The survey, spearheaded by the Whicker’s World Foundation, was conducted in partnership with EDN – European Documentary Network and Sheffield Doc/Fest.
Read more | European Documentary Network »

New documentary on Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble illustrates power of music
The Silk Road Ensemble is known for its daring cross-cultural experiments, bringing musicians from different traditions together to jam and see what new sounds emerge from the mix of instruments, styles and cultures. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma launched the ensemble 16 years ago when he invited musicians from countries once linked by the ancient Silk Road to come to the U.S. and, in his own words, “see what might happen when strangers meet.”
Read more | Chicago Tribune »

A 360-degree video project from 3 grad students takes viewers into the lives of refugees in Germany
More than 20 years after arriving in Canada as refugees from Somalia, Roda Lakshmi Sarah and Melissa Bosworth began paying attention to the stories of refugees and migrants after 71 of them died in the back of a truck bound for Austria. The two, who were both students at the University of California, Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, were overwhelmed by all the numbers they heard: this many died, this many crossed, this much was spent, and on and on. What was missing, they said, were the real stories of individuals. Both journalists had previously lived in Germany during their studies. So they decided to take on what would become the school’s first big 360-degree video project. Neither had yet to tell a story this way, but they thought the medium itself had the potential to be a powerful storytelling tool.
Read more | Poynter »

David Lynch Announces Festival Of Disruption With ‘Twin Peaks’ Cast & Film Screenings
Next year the “Twin Peaks” revival from David Lynch and Mark Frost will debut on Showtime. The series, which includes over 200 cast members, has fans pumped up for its return. Now, fans can get excited about a new event that could feature more exciting “Twin Peaks” news. Lynch announced the Festival of Disruption, a two-day event that will take place October 8-9 at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles.
Read more | IndieWire »

5 Must-See Films At The 2016 New York Asian Film Festival
A collaboration between Subway Cinema and The Film Society of Lincoln Center, the New York Asian Film Festival has established itself as one of the summer’s most vital annual events, a celebration of the best and most bonkers in classic and contemporary Asian cinema. Even in an age of VOD and streaming, many — or most — of these gems never receive American distribution, making the fest that much more valuable to local cinephiles. Running from June 22 thru July 9, the 2016 edition promises to live up to the NYAFF legend, as iconic films like “All About Lily Chou-Chou” and “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” will be screened alongside a smorgasbord of new stuff that’s just waiting to be discovered. Here are five unmissable films from this year’s fest.
Read more | IndieWire »

Upcoming festivals and deadlines

This Week

  • Edinburgh International Film Festival 6/15-6/26
  • BAMcinemaFest 2016 6/15-6/26
  • 18th Docaviv International Film Festival 6/19 – 6/28

Next Week

  • POV’s Call for Entries closes! 6/30
  • Karlovy Vary International Film Festival When 7/1 – 7/9

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POV Staff
POV (a cinema term for "point of view") is television's longest-running showcase for independent non-fiction films. POV premieres 14-16 of the best, boldest and most innovative programs every year on PBS. Since 1988, POV has presented over 400 films to public television audiences across the country. POV films are known for their intimacy, their unforgettable storytelling and their timeliness, putting a human face on contemporary social issues.