HK SDG Summit Docathon

Discover and Craft an Impactful Local Story. Share It Globally.

What is Docathon?

Docathon is a global initiative that inspires and equips students to share meaningful local stories in the form of a 3-6 minute film:

Gain practical skills in storytelling, filmmaking and critical thinking
Showcase your story globally and stand out as a changemaker
Have fun, make friends and Make A Difference!

Why the HK SDG Summit?

Docathon is partnering with the HK SDG Summit to spotlight stories of connection and collaboration.

Theme: 'Bridging the Gap': Explore how communities overcome social, environmental and cultural divides.
Key dates:
- Launch Date: February 22, 2025
- Submission Deadline: May 31, 2025

Register Before Jan 15, 2025 for an exciting EARLY BIRD offer:

A discount AND the chance to submit your film for our Global Docathon in Budapest, Hungary :)

$250.00

per team (up to 5 students) 10% discount code: “EARLYBIRD HK”

Share your story now

How It Works

Access our 45-minute Filmmaking A Difference course to learn the basics of storytelling and filmmaking.

* No previous experience required!

Discover a person - or organisation - in your local community that inspires you
Shine a light on their story*
Get mentored by professional storytellers as you create your 3-6 minute film

* No fancy cameras required!

Awards Ceremony

Submit your film to the HK SDG Summit Docathon Awards Ceremony, where your story is celebrated on the big screen and judged by industry experts.

Your Journey as a Changemaker

Docathon is just the beginning. Beyond the HK SDG Summit, participants can:

Share their films on the global stage via our Student Film Exchange.
Build & showcase their storytelling and changemaking skills through workshops and global festivals.

What is the Student Film Exchange?

Connect with other student filmmakers worldwide in a more relaxed setting than our global awards ceremony

Share your film with a global audience

Join virtually or in person!

Get in touch

For teachers and students:

Would you like to bring Docathon to your school? Want to learn more about how it works?

The 'Filmmaking A Difference' Course

Designed to help you create your first ever short documentary - no prior experience, or fancy equipment, required! What's more, our expert mentors are also on hand to guide you along the way!

1. Welcome to Docathon!
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Everything You Need to Know
  FREE PREVIEW
3. Student Action Notebook
4. Live Mentorship
1. A key to good filmmaking
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Notes on your Student Action Notebook
3. Sample Film: A Docathon-winning film!
  FREE PREVIEW
4. What did our judges think?
  FREE PREVIEW
1. A filmmaking secret
2. 3 questions you need to ask yourself
3. Asking Meaningful Questions
4. Types of Meaningful Questions or Prompts
5. Student Action Notebook activity
1. Introducing your Storyboarding mentor
2. Storyboarding - What and Why?
3. Storyboarding Techniques
4. Storyboarding Tips & Tricks
1. It's time to film! What you need to know
2. Types of Shots
3. B-Roll
4. Audio
5. DOs and DON'Ts: Filming Quiz
6. Getting permission to film
7. Let's film!
1. It's time to edit your film!
2. Narrative
3. A quick summary of next steps
4. Video Editors
5. Sound and Music
6. Graphics
7. DOs and DON'Ts: Editing Quiz
1. You're now a filmmaker! Now, what?
2. How to submit your film
3. How to extend your impact - Share it on Social Media!
4. How to extend your impact - Join the Global Co-lab!
5. How to extend your impact - Submit for an award!
6. We'd love your feedback :)
7. Would you recommend this course?
8. Congratulations!

For questions : [email protected]

FAQs

Do get in touch if you have additional questions

How long does it take to make a documentary?

The course itself is very short (45 mins) while the documentary itself can be made in a couple of days (if you work intensively on it), or spread out over several weeks.
I’m a teacher. Can I bring Docathon into my classroom?

Absolutely! Teachers across the globe are using Docathon to enhance their curriculum, creating interdisciplinary units which might connect to environmental or social studies, language learning, film studies and much more. Get in touch to find out more!
Can I enter on my own?

Yes! While we recommend teams of up to 5 students, we have also had some remarkable solo entries in the past.
How will a global audience view my film?

Your film will be showcased during the Student Film Exchange, where it will be screened and discussed by a global community. Your film will also be submitted to the HK SDG Summit, where - if shortlisted - it may be shown on the ‘big screen’ to a global audience.
Do you guarantee a global audience for my film?

Yes! While our Docathon awards ceremonies are limited to shortlisted films, the Student Film Exchange ensures that anyone who makes a film - provided you meet basic criteria - will be able to share their film, discuss the issues and get feedback
What kind of stories are most successful in Docathon?

Authentic, meaningful stories that highlight important local issues and inspiring individuals or organizations.
How does the pricing work?

We charge per film, not per person - so you can share the cost according to the number of people in your team (max 5). We may be able to offer discounts for multiple groups. We also do our best to provide a limited number of scholarships to schools/students from less privileged backgrounds.
I'd love to make a film but can't meet the deadline. What do I do?

Please get in touch! We have Docathons taking place year-round, worldwide - and will most likely be able to suggest an alternative event to be part of. :)
What happens after Docathon?

You become part of the Docathon community. Participants gain access to advanced storytelling workshops, resources, and opportunities to join future events.