About Us

Center for Independent Documentary

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About Us

The Center for Independent Documentary was founded in 1981 to collaborate with independent producers to create films and videos on issues of contemporary social and cultural concern. These programs have been broadcast nationally and locally on public and cable television, won numerous awards, and all are in distribution nationwide to educational markets. At a Massaachusetts state house ceremony, the Center was awarded the Commonwealth Award as Outstanding Cultural Organization in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Cultural Council for "excellence, dedication, and vision in giving voice to independent New England documentary filmmakers and for broadening the audience for this medium.";

Our mission is defined in four ways:

1. To focus the organization's resources around the production and distribution of high-quality documentaries about contemporary social concerns. The documentaries are on issues and from perspectives that are not usually addressed in mainstream media.

2. To bring to audiences important new perspectives on contemporary issues. Documentaries have the power to inform, provoke and enlighten. We believe that informed, provoked and enlightened viewers develop the awareness to evaluate and change social policy.

3. To collaborate with and support producers from the fertile and creative pool of independent media artists, whose social, cultural, and racial perspectives are often an unheard minority voice in American culture.

4. To promote understanding and appreciation of the alternative and wide-ranging values and points of view embodied in the work of independent media artists.

Our Staff

CID's staff has been with the organization since 1983. They look forward to working with you on your project.

Susi Walsh, Executive Director

Susi Walsh is our executive director. In addition to her passion for independent filmmaking, she loves to be on the water or in a garden.

Fred Simon, Executive Producer

Fred Simon has been producing documentaries since the 1970's. His award winning films have been broadcast nationally on PBS, the Learning Channel and throughout Europe and Japan. He is also an Assisstant Professor in Screen Studies at Clark University.

Our Programs

Collaborations with Independent Producers

To our knowledge, the extent of our cooperative arrangement with independent film and video producers is unique. Once we become involved in a project, we become totally committed to its successful completion and distribution. While we are neither a production house, funder or a distributor, we work with producers at all phases of the project- we act as fiscal sponsor, manage project funds, and offer creative , technical and fundraising support.

Our over 150 films have been seen on HBO, PBS, at the Sundance Festival, and have earned numerous awards from Emmy's to Peabody's.

Our collaborations are open to all US filmmakers, regardless of experience. For more information on how to apply, please visit the section on fiscal sponsorhip.

Filmmakers Workshop

CID holds a monthly workshop (filmmakers workshop) and screening series that offers Boston area independent media artists a non-competitive, supportive community to strengthen their work. The workshops enhance the quality of projects produced from the pitch to the completed work by offering filmmakers informal professional development opportunities, constructive feedback, and a chance to network with their peers . Can't make the workshops? Join our filmmakers workshop online network and be part of the community!

Advocacy for the field

The Center for Independent Documentary is a founding member of the Alliance for Independent Motion Media (AIMM) and the Massachusetts Production Coaltion (MPC).

Our Location: 680 South Main Street, Sharon MA 02067