We grow films. Established in 2004 by Noe Mendelle to nurture documentary filmmakers and audiences in Scotland and beyond, SDI specialises in documentary training, production and distribution, supporting filmmakers through its diverse programme of international activities and high quality training programmes.

Based in Edinburgh, SDI has produced over a hundred and fifty films, screening in eighty countries worldwide, garnering international recognition as being at the cutting edge of the documentary sector. Bridging art and industry, SDI is committed to supporting authored films driven by content and emotional experience.

Scottish Documentary Institute is a non-profit organisation, with charitable status since April 2019, delivering a ladder of development opportunities to benefit all Scottish filmmakers and producers, in addition to running Scottish delegations, in collaboration with Screen Scotland. Discover more about SDI training opportunities.

We celebrated our 15th anniversary in 2019.