Art of Documentary (AOD) and SOWN Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Empower Emerging Filmmakers and NGOs Worldwide

Supported by SONY’s Global Social Justice Fund, This Collaboration Aims to
Amplify the Voices of Nonprofits through Free, High-Impact Documentary Films

Art of Documentary (AOD) is proud to announce a transformative partnership with SOWN, an organization dedicated to producing 100% free documentaries for NGOs. This collaboration, supported by SONY’s Social Justice Fund, aims to harness the power of cinematic storytelling to amplify the missions of global nonprofits.

SOWN, known for its mission to create and give away short documentary films to non-profits worldwide, has exclusively partnered with AOD to leverage the talents of emerging documentary filmmakers. With a global collective of over 6000+ filmmakers, AOD, the world’s leading online documentary academy, will provide the creative force behind these impactful stories.

Sony Electronics Inc. has chosen SOWN as a recipient of their Global Social Justice Fund, as a part of their Create Action program, ensuring that all selected filmmakers receive the necessary camera gear and creative support. This initiative will not only enhance the quality of the films but also cover operational costs in North America, empowering filmmakers to focus on crafting compelling narratives.

Each SOWN film raises an average of $200,000 USD for the respective nonprofit, showcasing the profound impact of storytelling. This partnership underscores a commitment to cinematic, character-driven storytelling that many NGOs around the world cannot afford. By highlighting their causes through these documentaries, AOD and SOWN aim to drive substantial support and awareness.

SOWN’s mission is to connect emerging documentary talent with global impact NGOs, ensuring that vital stories reach a broader audience. “When we launched SOWN, our aim was to tell cinematic character-driven stories free of charge to the organization,” said SOWN founder Jake Viramontez. “By partnering with AOD, SOWN is able to leverage a diverse pool of talented filmmakers dedicated to making a difference through their craft.”

Art of Documentary was founded by Mark Bone and Michael Del Monte in 2020 and has since grown into a thriving online film academy. AOD’s YouTube channel will host these short films, bringing them to a global audience and furthering the reach of these important stories.

“We are thrilled to partner with SOWN and SONY to bring these powerful stories to life,” said Michael Del Monte, co-founder of Art of Documentary. “This collaboration not only provides a platform for emerging filmmakers but also amplifies the missions of NGOs making a real difference in the world.”

About Art of Documentary: Art of Documentary (AOD) is an online film academy founded by Mark Bone and Michael Del Monte. With a diverse and global community of over 6000+ filmmakers, AOD provides comprehensive courses and a supportive network to help filmmakers build successful careers and tell real, impactful stories.

For more information, visit  AOD Website and SOWN Website, Sonys Create Action Program, and Sony’s Global Social Justice Fund.

About SOWN: SOWN connects emerging documentary talent with global impact NGOs, creating and giving away short documentary films to nonprofits around the world. Their mission is to use storytelling to amplify the voices and missions of NGOs, driving support and awareness for important causes.