Pause & Play: A New BGDM Series

Over my year at BGDM as Community Manager, I’ve had so many conversations with members across the world and one thing has been consistent for them all: we’re longing for rest. In a time when burnout, loneliness and uncertainty of what’s next in our industry is at unprecedented heights, the act of pausing is vital for the sustainability of this work.

“Pause & Play” begins with the question:

What does it mean to center rest and joy in the documentary industry?

Building from the incredible field building visioning from organizations such as Color Congress, Documentality, DAWG, Peace is Loud, DPEA, and more, I am excited to introduce our new signature program that curates physical and virtual spaces for us to center and practice systems of care. Our hope is a documentary ecosystem that has tangible and consistent outlets and resources for film professionals to experience holistic support, rest, care and joy.

Film Workers Rest Week

Our inaugural program begins with in-person gatherings across the globe between Monday, August 12 and Sunday, August 19. From beach picnics, to yoga sessions, to potlucks to hikes, BGDM members are creating space for fellow Mafiosxs and BIPOC peers to take a moment to recharge during Film Workers Rest Week. Nonfiction storytellers bear the weight of capturing the tumultuous times we are within. In an industry that continues to undervalue and underpay film workers of color, choosing to rest and center joy is an act of resistance and revolution. After taking a pause at the virtual Film Worker Care session on August 8, we invite you to play.

Join us in a city near you between August 12 - 19, show the host some love and bring along your BIPOC friends and collaborators:

• Atlanta Park Potluck on Sat. August 17 at 6pm, hosted by Monica Villavicencio
• Columbus Walk in the Park on Sat. August 17 at 4:00pm, hosted by Simone Barros
• Houston Potluck Game & Movie Night on Thurs. August 15 at 6pm, hosted by Meis Herbert and Paige Prevost
• Jersey City Potluck Dinner Party on Fri. August 16 at 5pm, hosted by Umbreen Butt
• London, UK Garden Lunch on Sun. August 18 at 2:00pm, hosted by Neelu Bhuman
• West Hollywood, Los Angeles Brunch Potluck & Pause Sat. August 17 at 11:00am, hosted by Soraya Sélène and Sharee Silerio
• Culver City, Los Angeles Happy Hour & Hang on Fri. August 16 at 3:00pm, hosted by Ana Lydia Monaco and Niglmoro Okuk
• New York Yoga & Sip Thurs. August 15 6:30pm, hosted by Carrie Hawks and Dami Akinnusi
• San Diego Beach Picnic Potluck on Wed. August 14 6pm, hosted by An Tran
• Seattle Park Picnic Potluck on Mon. August 12 5pm, hosted by Yessica Hernandez-Cruz
• Toronto, Canada Hike & Hang on Thurs. August 15 6:30pm, hosted by Saman Malik
• Washington, DC Evening Coffee & Tea on Thur. August 15 at 7:00pm, hosted by Malkia Lydia
• Belmopan, Belize Meet & Greet on Thurs. August 15 at 5:30pm, hosted by Felene Cayetano
• São Paulo, Brazil Park Picnic Potluck on Sat. August 17 at 2pm, hosted by Emilia Mello

Unpacking Wellness in Independent Film presented in community with OTV

The 2024 virtual Pause & Play space includes a four-part, monthly series held in community with OTV where we explore the theory and practice of restorative care for four major sections of this ecosystem: filmmakers, participants, audiences, and arts organizations. However, we won’t just talk about it; we’ll pause to BE about it, and to play together. Guided by wellness facilitators centering community dialogue, creative reflection, and playful activities, participants will leave each interactive session with tangible toolkits to incorporate care and joy into their practice, and a community moving to do the same.

• Thurs, August 8: Session 1: Filmmaker Care
• Thurs, September 12: Session 2: Participant Care
• Wed, October 9: Session 3: Audience Care
• Thurs, November 7: Session 4: Organizational Care

Speaker and facilitator details to come. This four-part series is open to the public. Help us spread the word and save the dates on your calendars today!