Documentary

Equipping students to make documentary films that tackle global challenges and harness possibilities.

Documentary

Overview

Behind every great documentary is a storyteller with a vision and the passion to bring it to life. Our Documentary Program is a dynamic hub where emerging filmmakers tackle urgent stories, from firefighters healing through psychedelic therapy to scientists protecting Antarctic whales. These films connect audiences to the heart of global challenges, revealing what’s at stake and what’s possible.

A standout feature of our program is the chance for students to combine documentary filmmaking with our Investigative Reporting Program run by David Barstow or new Climate Journalism Program spearheaded by Jason Spingarn-Koff. This interdisciplinary approach equips them with rigorous skills in investigative or climate-focused journalism, paired with cinematic storytelling. The result: compelling, visually rich narratives rooted in thorough reporting.

We help our students to excel in a competitive field through:

  • Industry Connections: We bring top professionals to campus and send students and faculty to premier events like SFFILM Doc Stories.
  • Publishing Opportunities: We help students place their work in leading outlets like The New Yorker, PBS's POV, New York Times Op-Docs, The Guardian and the Los Angeles Times.
  • Career Launchpad: Our training opens doors at the BBC, PBS, and production companies like Trilogy and Actual Films.
  • Audience Engagement: Our graduate films have engaged hundreds of thousands of viewers and shaped public understanding.
  • Hosting Events: We bring filmmakers, scholars, and the public together for screenings and conversations on urgent local and global issues.

 

One of the most prestigious documentary film programs in the country whose student films have won numerous Student Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Peabody Awards, IDA/David L. Wolper Student Documentary Awards and more.

 

Documentary

Featured Student Work

2025 Student Documentary Trailers

Award Winning Work

Our doc students and alums consistently win awards and screen films at the highest levels.

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Instructors

Exceptional, hands-on education from documentary filmmakers.

Jennifer Redfearn

Documentary Program Director

Jennifer Redfearn

Redfearn is an Academy Award–nominated and Emmy-nominated director known for work the press describes as visually striking and deeply human. She directed the Oscar-nominated “Sun Come Up” (HBO), Emmy-nominated “Apart” (Independent Lens), and “Touch the Light” (PBS).

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Jason Spingarn Koff

Professor and Knight Chair in Climate Journalism

Jason Spingarn-Koff

Spingarn-Koff (he/him) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist and media executive. He's working to reinvent how stories about climate change are told, unite the brainpower of top science experts on the UC Berkeley campus with the expertise of the journalism school, and build partnerships around climate change.

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Cassandra Herrman

Continuing Lecturer

Cassandra Herrman

Herrman is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, immersive storyteller and journalist. She is drawn to stories that explore the intersection of the criminal justice system, gender and race, and those that disrupt mainstream media representations. 

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Nani Sahra Walker

Teacher, Special Programs

Nani Sahra Walker

Walker is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker. She executive produced the acclaimed short documentaries Kylie (Sundance, 2023), Merman (Tribeca, 2023) and The Last Repair Shop (Telluride, 2023), which won the 2024 Academy Award.

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Documentary

Alumni Testimonials

Tsanavi Spoonhunter

Tsanavi Spoonhunter
Independent Documentary Filmmaker 

"...set its students up for success in this demanding industry..."

At Berkeley Journalism, I learned how to create compelling films that are deeply reported and visually respectful. This opportunity also connected me with well-established filmmakers. It's clear to see that this school has the potential to set its students up for success in this demanding industry through the notable alumni who've gone through the program. I'm honored to have attended and thankful for the amazing staff and faculty who continue to support me and my work.

Bria Light

Bria Light ('23)

"It's not hyperbole..."

It's not hyperbole to say that this program has completely changed my life.

Linus Unah

Linus Unah ('23)

"...better equipped to tell African stories..."

When I left Nigeria, I badly wanted to improve my skills and to be better equipped to tell African stories through documentaries. Every bit of that desire was fulfilled thanks to the Documentary Program.
 



Alfredo Torres

Alfredo Torres ('23)

"... time for you to take a chance on yourself..."

The program offers the space and time for you to take a chance on yourself as a filmmaker. 

Documentary

Career Success

Our graduate students have won 12 Student Academy Awards, and alongside alums, their films have premiered at festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Telluride. Their work in the program has led to publishing deals with NYT Op-Docs, The Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, and PBS's POV.



Typical career paths:

Documentary Program alums work at all levels of production at major streaming platforms, such as Netflix, and at publications with video arms, such as The New York Times. They produce their own films as independent documentary filmmakers. Our alumni make exceptional films and produce groundbreaking investigative work, and also become thought leaders in the field.



Students and Alums Publish at Major Outlets

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Curriculum

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Introduction to Documentary Production

The Intro to Documentary Production course introduces students to the foundational tools and techniques of nonfiction filmmaking. Through hands-on exercises, short films, and critical discussion, students learn to use light, composition, and sequencing to shape narrative. The course emphasizes visual language as a form of creative expression, journalism, and authorship, and builds technical proficiency and artistic awareness. Students complete the course with a final project demonstrating their emerging cinematic voice.

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Intermediate Documentary Production

In this intermediate course, students advance their documentary production skills. They learn to pitch and develop stories and receive in-depth critiques. Building on the foundations of Intro to Documentary Production, the course introduces intermediate approaches to camera work, location sound, editing, and story structure. Students complete two original projects that challenge them to strengthen their ability to make compelling nonfiction films. Students are encouraged to make bold, intentional choices grounded in the ethics and principles of visual journalism.

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The Documentary Workshop I

In the first semester of this year-long immersive workshop, students develop, pitch, and begin production on their 25-minute thesis films. The course mirrors professional practice: students participate in a pitch forum and prepare a comprehensive production plan, including a story treatment, budget, and schedule. Students strengthen their story development, research, reporting, and production management skills, building a strong foundation for documentary work. Guest filmmakers join throughout the semester to share real-world approaches to non-fiction filmmaking. By the end of the term, students have an actionable plan and are ready to begin principal photography on their final film.

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Cinematography and Sound

This hands-on course deepens students’ creative skills in cinematography and sound. Students are introduced to advanced camera, lighting, and audio techniques and equipment, and these skills are applied through regular shooting exercises. Students receive feedback on their work throughout the semester and engage with accomplished guest cinematographers and sound professionals who bridge classroom learning with field practice. The course culminates in a lookbook assignment where students articulate a cinematic vision for their thesis film.

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The Documentary Workshop II

In the final semester of the year-long documentary workshop, students refine and complete their 25-minute thesis films. The course guides them through editing, from original assemblies to final picture lock and a public showcase. Students present work-in-progress cuts for critique and receive feedback from instructors, peers, and a professional editor. The curriculum includes sessions on advanced editing, sound design, music, titles and graphics, color grading, and sound mixing. Students finish their films with support from experienced sound designers and colorists. A dedicated session on distribution prepares students to pitch and publish their work, laying the foundation for their transition from student to professional filmmaker.

Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

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Director of Admissions

Nelly Provencal-Dayle

journalism_admissions@berkeley.edu
(510) 643-0167

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