Press Play Durham

RSVP

About Press Play

our partners

our facilitators

When is it? What's the schedule?

Friday, October 2, 2026!

Get to the library early to enjoy all it has to offer before the event gets started!

3:00pm: check-in table opens
4:00pm: intro and opening panel convo
Who do you trust for information and why?
In this opening conversation, we'll explore the dynamics between local nonfiction storytelling and the broader community. Our panel of documentarians, journalists, organizers and educators will discuss where folks get their information from, and why they trust these sources instead of others. What is the responsibility of the storytellers? And how do they engage with audiences?
5:00pm: community breakout conversations
Topics to include:
- critical thinking & parsing through so much media
- local stories with big impact — what makes a story take off and engage with people
- building trust with participants & why extractive journalism fails
- breaking in — careers in nonfiction video (early career & students)
- how to approach visuals creatively
- how to engage & gather locally to enhance media literacy
5:45pm: break!
6:00pm: local shorts screening + Q&A
7:00pm: food, drinks, music (live DJ!)
8:00pm: wrap and head to the afterparty (TBA)!

What's Press Play Durham?

Press Play Durham is a gathering that convenes to foster cross-sector collaboration, embrace and reimagine new forms of media, and bring storytellers and the public together to celebrate their community. Learn more here!

We’ll gather for a panel, community-led breakouts, and screenings + filmmaker Q&A. Press Play is a space to ask big questions, share knowledge, and make real connections across disciplines.. 🎉

Who is this for?

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

Storytellers: Journalists, documentary filmmakers, newsrooms, and storytellers of all kinds!

Community builders: Civic groups, activists, funders, local entities, and media allies looking to support community cohesion.

Everyone is invited! If you believe in the power of connection and want to be part of the solution, you belong at Press Play.

How is it being programmed?

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 our partners Southern Documentary Fund, PBS North Carolina, Carolina Public Press, Documentary Accountability Working Group, Look Different, Working Films, NC Local, The Assembly, the VC Wilmington Hub and the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust.

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

What should I expect when I attend?

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.

Our Speakers, Presenting Filmmakers, Conversation Leaders