Sponsored by the Center for Documentary Studies and the Program in Film and Video at Duke University, the Happening brings together novice and experienced filmmakers and videographers, faculty, and documentary enthusiasts for workshops, presentations, discussions, and screenings of curated and submitted documentary film and video pieces.

The Happening provides filmmakers from the Triangle and across the state (including Winston-Salem, Asheville, and Wilmington) the opportunity to come together in a non-competitive environment to view each others' work, engage in discussions of documentary work, participate in interactive workshops, and make connections in the North Carolina documentary film community.

Registrants pay $15 for a Happening pass, which grants them entrance into all workshops, screenings, Saturday's fabulous cookie break, and the Bagel Brunch on Sunday. Only Happening passholders are eligible to attend Les Blank's Works-in-Progress presentation on Sunday. Non-registrants can pay $5 for single screenings and $3 for late-night screenings (10 p.m.). To register, download this PDF version of the form. On-site registration is also available on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

The Happening approaches the term "documentary" broadly. Selected film and video pieces may include documentaries that are autobiographical or employ narrative devices reminiscent of documentary techniques. The Happening is "homegrown," as our logo suggests. We are looking for fresh docs to excite viewers and inspire more new work. The films and videos, selected by a group of students, filmmakers, and Happening staff, will be screened in short programs during the weekend of the Happening.

There will also be special screenings of the work of Les Blank, including Burden of Dreams.Saturday evening, Blank will present a retrospective look at his work.Sunday afternoon he will discuss and present current works in progress. The Works-in-Progress program is open to Happening registrants only.