Benefits of joining

The DFA members will gain access to a network of related industry bodies and other documentary filmmakers, both established and aspiring. The DFA will also act on behalf of the interests of documentary filmmakers as a collective. This will include training and development, local and international broadcast and distribution, local audience development, gaining knowledge of global audiences, promoting proper audience research, job creation and administrative, contractual, intellectual property and financing advice. Several suppliers offer special benefits to DFA Members and we have other benefits to be found here. All Members are listed on the DFA blog and in the annual members directory.

Membership

• Full members(includes MY TOWN and Bursary Members): Documentary filmmakers and aspirant documentary filmmakers are eligible to become members of the DFA provided they agree with the core objectives of the association and the standard “Code of Conduct” the association may promulgate from time to time. Full members must be individual documentary filmmakers as no companies may join as members. Full membership may be subject to review by a membership committee. Such members have one vote each at AGM’s and other special meetings.
• Affiliate members: Any individual, organisation, society, company, close corporation or similar body that works in conjunction with documentary filmmaking may join as an affiliate member. These members will have no voting rights, but will receive all the correspondence from the organisation and may make presentations to the members at an AGM or other general meetings.
• Honorary members: From time to time qualifying individuals will be invited to join as honorary members as a tribute to their contribution to Documentary Filmmaking.

Membership Terms & Notes:

• By being a DFA member you agree to abide by the DFA's constitution.
• All members who renew (no matter what time of year they renew), as well as new members who pay after 01 July and before 31 December of a year will pay 100% of the annual membership fee and their membership will expire again at 01 July of the following year or just after the AGM which ever is the later.
• New (first time) members who join and pay after 01 January of a year and before 01 July will pay 50% of the annual membership fee, but their membership will still expire by 01 July of that year, at which time they will need to renew again.
• Membership renewal fees will be invoiced annually to all members (after the member first joins), by the incoming board.
• Membership will fall due immediately to continue to qualify as a member of the organization.
• If a member enjoyed a BURSARY or MY TOWN membership in a previous year, they will need to re-apply for a BURSARY for the following year via the same form or enter a film into "My Town" or pay for membership.
• The DFA is VAT and TAX exempt due to its NPO status, but you may claim certain NPO contributions in your tax.

Membership Bursaries*

To offer new documentary filmmakers the opportunity to participate as DFA members, membership bursaries are available. The selection criteria are based on a fair regional representation and an individual’s passion to contribute to documentary filmmaking. Bursary Members have all the rights of Full Members. To apply, please complete the Membership Bursary Application Form. *Subject to Member agreeing to work one day to assist one DFA on a project or event.

Annual Membership Fees

Membership cycles are annual and commenced immediately after the mid-year AGM till after the following years AGM.

*New Members who join in ether category after the 1 January and before 30 June pay half price.

Membership Application Form

DFA Banking Details:

Please pay only on receiving an invoice from the DFA, invoices are generated monthly using an automated system.

ACCT NAME: Documentary Filmmakers’ Association
BANK: Standard Bank
BRANCH: Melville
ACCT: 401036057
BRANCH CODE: 6105

NB: When completing the payment details, please use your name and surname as the deposit reference when joining as an individual. Alternatively, use your company/organisation name when joining as an Affiliate Member. Please remember to send your proof of payment to fax +27 86 696 4460 or e-mail treasurer@docfilmsa.com.

Sasfed Member Organisation, NPO Number :51-722, National Association Founded 2007