Press Play Durham

Press Play Durham is a civic festival that convenes to foster cross-sector collaboration, embrace and reimagine new forms of media from the ground up, and bring the press and the public together to celebrate their city. Learn more here!

Press Play is a space to be seen, heard, and inspired — whether you consume the news or make it.

• The Public: Everyone is invited! If you believe in the power of connection and want to be part of the solution, you belong at Press Play.
• Creators: Journalists, documentary filmmakers, newsrooms, and storytellers of all kinds.
• Stakeholders: Civic groups, activists, funders, local entities, and media allies looking to support community cohesion.

Friday, October 2, 2026! This experience is designed to inspire and activate. We’ll gather for interactive panels, community-led breakouts, and a screening + filmmaker Q&A. Press Play is a space to ask big questions, share knowledge, and make real connections across disciplines.. 🎉

The national Press Play tour is run by local-first global nonprofit Video Consortium (that's us!). Press Play Durham is co-hosted by the Durham County Public Library with support from our partners Southern Documentary Fund, Working Films, PBS North Carolina, Carolina Public Press, Documentary Accountability Working Group, Look Different, and more.

Press Play is made possible by Knight Foundation, in addition to Sony and Rode.

Come one your own, with a colleague, or with a friend. Everyone who's attending will have their own skillset and perspective, but what we all share is a desire to use media for good. We'll highlight what's working and what's changing across the media landscape while focusing heavily on video and innovation.

Come ready to have honest, collaborative, and solutions-focused conversations (and an empty stomach, as there will be great food).

Any follow up questions? Holler at us here.