From Rhetoric to Action: The Importance of Community Collaborations in Documentary Filmmaking to Co-create Impact

Background: While documentaries have long influenced public discourse on pressing social issues, there is a need for a deeper examination of how strategic collaboration among activists, media producers, and communities can generate measurable social impacts. Analysis: This article draws on documentary history, social impact theory, participatory action research, and professional experience in impact production to present a case study of a co-created impact campaign centred on a DocuStory about hepatitis C and liver health in Indigenous populations. Conclusions and implications: The article demonstrates the importance of cultural context, community leadership, and ethical co-creation in designing effective media interventions for social change.