How Liora Works
Liora is a donor-supported film studio. Monthly supporters help cover the studio’s operating costs and the majority of each film’s production budget.
This allows us to work with organizations and individuals who couldn’t otherwise afford professional film production.
What does it cost?
Professional documentary films range widely in budget depending on scope.
• Small independent films: $30,000–$150,000
• Festival-level independent documentaries: $100,000–$300,000
• Large-scale productions: $700,000+
Documentary filmmaking includes:
• Research and development
• Professional production crew and equipment
• Travel and location costs
• 200–500+ hours of editing
• Color grading and sound mix
• Music licensing
• Insurance and legal
• Impact campaigns
In addition, donor support sustains the ongoing work required to research, fundraise, and lead each project with integrity.
Where does the money go?
A shared-cost approach
Hybrid model:
About 75% of each project is covered by donor support
About 25% is covered by the organization or individual featured in the film.
This keeps the studio sustainable while making high-quality filmmaking accessible for unheard world changing voices today.
The Problem
Too many important stories go untold—not because they lack meaning, but because they lack funding.
We use a shared-cost model funded by donors and the organizations or individuals whose stories deserve to be told.
The Solution
This allows us to focus on stories that matter, not just the ones that can afford a production company.
What your support covers
Monthly donors provide the foundation that keeps Liora running and the films moving forward. Their support helps cover:
Core operating costs
Production expenses
The time required to produce, direct, edit, and finish each film
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Liora operates as a registered nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Liora is supported by donors who believe these stories deserve to be told. Their generosity helps cover both the day-to-day operating costs of running the nonprofit and a significant portion of each film’s production. We steward those resources carefully so we can create work that truly honors the people and stories we serve.
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Even a short film involves planning, travel, filming, editing, sound design, color, and delivery. We’re committed to producing work at a professional level, and that requires time, skill, and care. Our goal is to steward resources wisely while creating something that we believe will make a impact.
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Absolutely. If you know someone whose story deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out through our contact page and share a little about them.
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We look for stories that are meaningful, under-resourced, and aligned with our mission. We spend time listening, praying, and discerning which projects we’re able to take on. Because our resources are limited, we can’t say yes to everything — but we take every submission seriously.
Data & Analytics
Impact of Documentaries
Standford Study 2024:
Viewers of Just Mercy were 7.66% more likely to take meaningful action than non-viewers.
This demonstrates the measurable impact of cinematic storytelling—stories don’t just move hearts, they move people to action.
Global Video Consumption in 2024:
Widespread Engagement:
Over 3.3 billion people worldwide watch digital videos.
Viewers remember 95% of a message from video—compared to just 10% from text.
Daily Habits:
The average person spends nearly 100 minutes daily watching videos online.
It’s no secret that millions of dollars go into making the films we see at the theater.
Many impactful organizations can’t afford quality storytelling due to funding.
At the same time, most professional filmmakers can’t afford to work for free.
Liora exists to bridge that gap—removing financial barriers so powerful stories can be told.
