Kanopy expands into feature-length documentary production with the release of its first co-produced film, ‘Banned Together,’ a story of student activists fighting against book bans. As the streaming landscape continues to shift, Kanopy’s commitment to intellectual freedom and community-driven programming is poised to redefine the documentary industry.
A Refuge for Independent Film: Kanopy Takes a Step into Feature-Length Production
The Struggle to Maintain Intellectual Freedom
In an era where streaming services are increasingly pricing out audiences, libraries have been under attack from activist book bans, government-led cost cuts, and the firing of the Librarian of Congress. Amidst this chaos, Kanopy has emerged as a beacon of hope for intellectual freedom and a refuge for independent filmmakers.
Kanopy is a free online streaming service that provides access to a vast collection of independent films, documentaries, classic movies, and foreign art house films.
The platform partners with public libraries to offer users a wide range of high-quality content for free.
With over 30,000 titles available, Kanopy caters to diverse tastes and interests, including award-winning films from around the world.
A Bridge Between Libraries and Audiences
Launched 12 years ago at prominent academic libraries such as Harvard, Northwestern, and USC, Kanopy has grown to offer over 30,000 titles of documentaries, independent films, and television series. Its collection caters to a diverse audience, allowing viewers with public library cards to access its content for free.
A New Venture into Feature-Length Documentaries
On April 25, Kanopy began streaming its first co-produced feature-length documentary, ‘Banned Together‘. Directed by ‘Kate Way’ and ‘Tom Wiggin’, the film tells the story of high school students in Beaufort, South Carolina, who organize after 97 books are yanked from their school library. The teens build a coalition that includes the Southern Poverty Law Center and Congressman Jamie Raskin.
A Commitment to Civic Responsibility
Jason Tyrrell, General Manager of Kanopy, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to civic responsibility and its role in promoting libraries as a source of intellectual freedom. ‘This film provides a guidebook of sorts,’ he says. ‘It shows students the power that they have at their fingertips.’ The documentary highlights the irrationality of book bans and encourages young people to become student activists.
A New Path for Documentary Financing
Kanopy’s entry into documentary financing comes at a challenging time for the industry, with many well-regarded films facing limited distribution opportunities. Tyrrell believes that collaboration across the independent financing and distribution space is key to improving the situation. ‘It’s going to take the independent community finding ways to collaborate and be as selfless as possible for things to get better,’ he says.
A Model for Sustainability
Kanopy’s model offers a promising alternative to the traditional content superstore metaphor, instead providing a unique indie video store experience. With no algorithm-driven recommendations, Kanopy’s featured films and series are curated by a programming team focused on surprise and delight. The platform adds over 100 titles per week, offering a vast catalog of independent content.
A Future Without Exclusivity
To truly satisfy the media insatiability of stream cutters during economic downturns, it’s essential to rethink our approach to streaming. Kanopy’s commitment to collaboration, selflessness, and community-driven programming is crucial for creating a more sustainable documentary industry. By embracing this new model, we can ensure that independent films continue to thrive and reach wider audiences.
