DOC BIDS FAREWELL TO OUTGOING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SARAH SPRING, BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEXT LEADER OF CANADA’S DOCUMENTARY COMMUNITY

TORONTO, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) announces that its Executive Director, Sarah Spring will be leaving DOC on March 14th to begin a new mandate at another organization. A veteran documentary producer and advocate for the sector, Sarah led DOC through a period of growth and renewal emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic.

During Sarah’s tenure, DOC implemented key governance changes that mandate 50% representation by Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals on its National Board of Directors, and saw its membership double to a record high of 1,500.

Sarah oversaw the introduction of DOC’s first Health Plan, and the release of the country’s first report on mental health in the documentary sector. Sarah also oversaw the release of Getting Real 7, a report on five years of documentary production in Canada, and conducted cross-country community consultations with each of DOC’s six regional Chapters. Sarah’s time at DOC coincided with the passing and implementation process of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) and she vigorously advocated that documentary production is integral to Canadian culture

“Moving on from DOC was a difficult decision that was made after a lot of consideration,” says Spring. “I have relished this mandate to lead the documentary community as Executive Director of DOC. The ways in which the community at every level has worked together towards our shared goals has been an extraordinary thing. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished. I am so grateful to my incredible and dedicated team, and to my wonderful Board of Directors who have been such a source of guidance and inspiration.”

“Sarah’s leadership made DOC a stronger and more relevant voice in Canada’s media landscape,” adds DOC’s National Board Chair Min Sook Lee. “Sarah’s excellent work ensures DOC’s next Executive Director will be well equipped to expand and deepen our mandate.”

Sarah’s last day at DOC is March 14. An interim Executive Director will be appointed to support DOC during this leadership transition, while DOC’s Board of Directors conducts a thorough search for DOC’s next Executive Director. Applicants can submit their candidacy via DOC’s website until March 23 via the following link: https://docorg.ca/job/documentary-organization-of-canada-doc-2-executive-director/

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About DOC

The Documentary Organization of Canada / l’Association des documentaristes du Canada is the collective voice of diverse independent documentary filmmakers across Canada. DOC is a member-driven, not-for-profit association representing over 1000 directors, producers, and craftspeople in the Canadian documentary community. DOC advocates on behalf of its members to foster an environment conducive to documentary production and strives to strengthen the sector within the broader screen industry.