Toronto International Film Festival Documentary Programmer Thom Powers has posted an eloquent entry on the TIFF '08 Doc Blog in reaction to "Courting the Academy, Not Audiences," an article in The New York Times about the process non-fiction films must go through in order to qualify for the Academy Awards.

The latest rule change, whereby documentary features must screen for a week in Los Angeles and Manhattan by August 31, 2008, was meant to simplify the process for both filmmakers and the Academy. Previously, films had to play in 15 cities throughout 10 states.

While the new rules are a bit easier to understand, as well as potentially less costly for the documentarians footing the screening bills, Powers points out that the August 31st deadline is "hugely problematic for documentary makers, especially for docs planning to open in fall like this year’s TIFF entry Religulous." Both pieces go on to describe how filmmakers are forced to screen their films in obscure places or with limited press so that they don't ruin their official release later on in the season with premature reviews.

If you've had experience with a qualifying run or have thoughts on how you'd like to see the rules change, please share them with us.