The True/False SWAMI mentorship program was launched in 2007 as a way to help new nonfiction filmmakers navigate the sometimes treacherous terrain of the doc film world. Through meetings with seasoned and knowledgeable industry professionals, first-time filmmakers get unvarnished advice on everything that happens after they finish their final cut. From sales agents to online distribution to European sales, this is a chance for filmmakers to get unbiased answers on some of the thorniest topics in the movie business.

2015 Selected Filmmakers

Lyric R. Cabral and David Felix Sutcliffe, co-directors, (T)ERROR

Hanna Polak, director, Something Better to Come

Anna Roussillon, director, I Am the People

Ioanis Nuguet, director, Spartacus and Cassandra

Tonje Hessen Schei, director, Drone

Morgan Knibbe, director, Those Who Feel the Fire Burning

2015 SWAMIs

Nancy Abraham, senior vice president of documentary programming for HBO

Richard Abramowitz, independent film marketing and distribution consultant

Steve James, director of Hoop Dreams, the landmark 1995 film, as well as The Interrupters

Sara Kiener and Merrill Sterritt, co-founders of Film Presence

Susan Norget, founder and owner of Susan Norget Film Promotion

Jess Search, chief executive of the BRITDOC Foundation

SWAMI Lunchtime Speaker: Jenni Wolfson, executive director of Chicken and Egg