Mandy Chang, Former Storyville Boss, Takes on New Role as CEO of the Documentary Film Council

Mandy Chang, formerly a prominent figure at Fremantle and Storyville, has been appointed the first CEO of the UK’s Documentary Film Council (DFC). This significant transition comes as the DFC approaches its third anniversary, a pivotal period for the organization.

Chang brings a wealth of experience as a renowned documentary producer, with notable works including Two Strangers: Trying Not to Kill Each Other, It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley, and Welcome to Chechnya.

Before her latest role, Chang headed the BBC’s documentary strand Storyville and later took on a global documentaries position at Fremantle, overseeing the Undeniable label. She left that role 18 months ago to pursue freelance opportunities.

Founded in 2023, the DFC is a member-owned organization that represents the interests of the UK’s documentary sector. Chang succeeds Steve Presence and Emily Copley, who served as Joint Acting CEOs since the DFC’s inception.

“We are incredibly proud of the foundation that has been built over the past two years and deeply grateful to the hundreds of filmmakers, organisations, and supporters who believed in the need for the DFC and helped bring it into existence,” said Presence and Copley. “With Mandy’s leadership, we are excited to see the organization move into its next chapter and continue working towards a stronger, more resilient, and more unified documentary ecosystem in the UK.”

In response, Chang expressed her enthusiasm for the role: “We need an organization like the DFC to advocate for our industry, and I’m honoured to be working with the board, our members, and sister organizations across the field in this next stage of the DFC’s growth.”

In addition to Chang’s appointment, the DFC has welcomed trustees Zara Meerza and Julian Carrington. Meerza is an Emmy Award-winning writer, filmmaker, and programmer, while Carrington serves as Executive Director of the Documentary Organization of Canada.