Make a doc. make a Difference.

Docathon trains and inspires students to create short documentary films around important local issues.

our why

Docathon

Make a doc. Make a difference.

Docathon equips and inspires students to share meaningful local stories:

TRAIN

Develop 21st-century skills to create compelling narratives.

INSPIRE

Share stories of local organizations and projects demonstrating your school’s mission and values.

CELEBRATE

Highlight impactful stories through a film ceremony.

Since its launch in January 2024, Docathon has inspired short films from over a dozen countries worldwide, bringing to life global issues through a local lens.

How DOcaThOn workS

1. Learn

Theme Announcement: Films must connect to a chosen theme.
Students form teams
Students take two short courses:
Stories That Matter: Finding your voice as a storyteller (optional)
Filmmaking A Difference: An introductory course on creating an impactful mini-documentary.

2. Create

Preparation: Groups prepare questions, and create their storyboards.
Production: Footage is captured using cameras or mobile phones.
Editing: Videos are edited into 3-6 minute films while meeting submission deadlines.
Mentorship: Professional mentors guide students through the process.

3. Celebrate

Film Festival: Films are showcased in an Oscars-style event (in person or online)
Feedback: Professional judges give feedback, with community partners and parents invited to join the audience.

KEY BENEFITS

Simple and ImpacTful

Improved Teaching and Learning

Transfer academic skills to real-life applications through storytelling.

Global Citizenship

Students live out the school’s values and show leadership.

Engaging Content

Short films that communicate school values and activities to parents and other stakeholders effectively.

Enhanced Reputation

Demonstrate values visibly, improving the school’s reputation and competitiveness.

Improve student outcomes

High quality films lead to stronger career/university applications.

How to get involved

Our mission is to train 5000 storytellers to tell 1000 meaningful stories by December 2025.

Host a Docathon in Your School

Enable us to tailor a Docathon experience precisely for your needs, showcasing your school’s way of life while tying it in with existing activities and/or curriculum.

Get In TOUCH

Join an Open Call Docathon

Provide the opportunity for your students to participate in a regional Docathon, culminating in our March 2025 Global Docathon, hosted by the American International School of Budapest.

winning films

Stories from Around the world

Watch winning entries from previous Docathon winners.

BEYOND LIMITATIONS

Original film by Julianne from Foundation University in the Philippines.

A GIRL WITH A DREAM IS ON FIRE

Original film by Katie from International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania.

RAINDROP

Original film by Ana, Eli, Henna, Kalin, and Kiaan from Shanghai Community International School in China.

Light of hope

Original film by Year 5 students from British School Manila in the Philippines.

TestIMOnIals

Students, teachers, and headmasters see the potential of Docathon and its effects on the students.

“A truly inspiring film (Stepping Stones) that resonates with our core values and commitment to diversity.”

Martin van der Linde

Head of British School Manila

MAD showed their professionalism from the start, creating high-quality educational videos that encourage action and relationships with schools.

Sukainah Osman

Senior Manager, Purpose (WorldClass)

“MAD's engaging and interactive resources certainly surpassed our expectations! This is a really fun and engaging way to learn about storytelling, and then become more confident to positively influence our clients and partners in their own sustainability journeys.”

Kael Zialcita

Associate Director, Relationship Manager, Multinationals at HSBC

judges and experts

World-class professional filmmakers and producers make up our list of experienced judges who attend Docathon festivals to offer their expert feedback to students.

Simon Mundy

Author of “The Race for Tomorrow” & sustainability reporter.

Sarah Dawes

20 years in television production for the BBC and other national channels.

Paul Hulligan

Founder of The London Documentary Network and ‘Doc-In-A-Day’.

Antoinette Taus

Filipino Actress & Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Inky Nakpil

Freelance Television & Film Producer with over 30 years of experience in international documentaries for BBC NHU, National Geographic, and Discovery Network.

Kui Mwai

Writer for an array of international publications, podcaster, and producer

LeeAnne Lavender

Digital Storyteller & Co-Owner of Lavender Lane Media.

Brian Lavender

Filmmaker & Co-Owner of Lavender Lane Media