Global reach, bigger audiences: OTT platforms transform documentary filmmaking

MUMBAI: Streaming platforms are reshaping the documentary landscape, creating fresh opportunities for filmmakers to reach wider audiences and tell stories with global appeal, according to industry experts speaking at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival.

The discussion took place during an open forum organised by the Indian Documentary Producers’ Association, where panellists explored how the rise of OTT platforms is transforming documentary production, distribution and audience engagement.

Titled Streaming Revolution: Documenting in the Age of OTT, the session brought together Kinnari Dave, business head at Shemaroo Entertainment; Sai Abishek, head of content at Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia; senior journalist, author and Padma Shri awardee Ramesh Patange; and veteran cinematographer and filmmaker Dharam Gulati. The conversation was moderated by film critic Lalit Rao.

A key theme of the discussion was the way streaming services have expanded the reach of documentary films. Once largely confined to film festivals, niche screenings and public broadcasters, documentaries now have the potential to connect with audiences across geographies and demographics through digital platforms.

According to the panellists, this shift has created unprecedented opportunities for filmmakers to bring their stories directly to viewers while also increasing the commercial viability of nonfiction content.

Speaking about audience trends, Warner Bros. Discovery’s head of content, Sai Abishek, said documentaries remain a significant part of the company’s programming strategy. He noted that genres such as history, mythology, biographies, adventure and true crime continue to attract strong interest from viewers.

Warner Bros. Discovery head of content Sai Abishek said platforms are increasingly looking for original ideas, unique access and fresh storytelling perspectives, particularly stories rooted in India that have the potential to resonate with international audiences.

Shemaroo business head Kinnari Dave emphasised the importance of adapting to changing viewer expectations. She observed that today’s audiences seek compelling and immersive storytelling, making it essential for filmmakers to balance authenticity with engaging narrative techniques.

Dave also encouraged documentary creators to proactively pitch innovative projects to streaming platforms, arguing that OTT services are actively seeking distinctive content that can stand out in a crowded market.

Veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Dharam Gulati highlighted a longstanding challenge for the documentary sector: visibility. While many Indian documentaries receive acclaim at international festivals, he said they often struggle to secure widespread distribution and viewership within the country.

The discussion also examined the broader social and cultural value of documentary filmmaking. Journalist and author Ramesh Patange stressed that documentaries play a vital role in preserving collective memory and educating future generations.

He said documentaries help document the lives and contributions of significant personalities, promote social awareness and preserve historical and cultural narratives that might otherwise be forgotten.

According to Patange, the format serves as an important bridge between generations, helping younger audiences engage with India’s heritage, values and social evolution.

The session concluded with an interactive exchange between the panellists and audience members, covering topics such as storytelling techniques, content discovery, audience engagement and the future of nonfiction filmmaking in an increasingly digital media ecosystem.

As streaming platforms continue to expand their investment in factual content, the consensus at MIFF was clear: for documentary filmmakers, the OTT era is not just changing how stories are distributed, but also broadening who gets to tell them and who gets to watch them.