Perspective Films, a newly established documentary co-production initiative, has officially revealed its first slate of five feature-length projects. The announcement, reported exclusively by Variety, marks the debut of the label which is led by independent producer Jess Devaney. The initial lineup addresses a range of critical topics, including the tensions between federal immigration enforcement and residents of Minneapolis, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the historical evolution of the C-SPAN television network.
Devaney, who serves as the narrative strategist for Perspective and is the founder of Multitude Films, joined the label in May of this year. She has a notable career in nonfiction storytelling, with previous credits including the Netflix titles “Life After,” “Pray Away,” and “Power.” Her portfolio also includes the Emmy-winning “Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power” and HBO’s “How We Get Free.”
In a statement regarding the new slate, Devaney emphasized the central theme of the selected projects. She noted that each story explores who has the power to shape history. The collection includes a concert that ignited a social movement, a media network that opened the doors of government to the public, and residents documenting state violence in real time. Devaney described the collaborators as individuals of extraordinary talent and courage, expressing pride in partnering on these visionary films.
The initiative is built upon the Documentary Film Support program of the Perspective Fund. Under the leadership of program officer Andrew Catauro, the program provides grant funding to nonfiction projects. Selected titles are eligible to receive up to $375,000 to support various stages of production, including development, filming, post-production, or distribution. Beyond financial support, Perspective Films offers strategic guidance throughout the entire filmmaking process, from initial conception to final release.
One of the headline projects, “They’re Here,” recently premiered at the Venice and New York Film Festivals. Directed by Academy Award winner Laura Poitras and Minneapolis-based filmmaker Rachel Lauren Mueller, the film is described as unfolding like a horror story. It follows Edén Villa, a pseudonym for a resident, and other anonymous citizens as they navigate a paramilitary occupation of their city. The narrative is set in a winter landscape featuring masked agents and shackled prisoners, told in the tradition of dystopian cinema. The film is currently screening at film festivals.
Another title on the slate is “The People’s Network,” which traces the nearly five-decade history of C-SPAN. Directed by Alyse Shorland and produced by Darcy McKinnon and Sara Archambault, the documentary examines how the network evolved from a bold cable experiment into an essential civic institution. The film explores the challenges C-SPAN faces in a new era, questioning how it can best serve the public during times of significant need. This project is currently in production.
The slate also includes an untitled documentary regarding the war in Gaza, which is embargoed until its launch. The film is directed by an anonymous figure and produced, written, and edited by Rabab Haj Yahya, with additional production by Ayah Selene and Munir Atalla. It is presently in post-production.
“Farm Aid” tells the story of Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp, who organized a benefit concert for small family farmers in 1985. What began as a one-time event has evolved into a lasting movement. Directed by Kathlyn Horan, the film is produced by Academy Award nominees Julie Goldman and Christopher Clements, along with Emmy winner J. Daniel Torres. It is currently in production.
The final announced project is an untitled documentary exploring media and cultural portrayals of policing. Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Geeta Gandbhir and produced by Academy Award-nominated producer Alisa Payne, this film is still in the development phase.
