Upcoming Global Documentary Events
Global Documentary Events is a curated, continually updated page highlighting upcoming documentary film festivals, conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities from around the world. This page serves as a centralized hub for aspiring documentary filmmakers, students, educators, and researchers to discover global events that support creative growth, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange. Whether you're looking to stay updated on the latest documentary films, connect with peers, attend industry panels, or learn new techniques, this platform helps bridge access to essential opportunities across the international documentary landscape.
With a focus on inclusivity and education, we aim to amplify events that are accessible to a broad range of voices and experience levels—whether you're a first-time or seasoned filmmaker. The events listed below will include both in-person and virtual events, with information on submission deadlines, registration details, and thematic focuses when applicable. Our goal is to create a space where global documentary events and the community can remain connected to through stories being shared, discussed, and celebrated. Check back regularly for new additions and time-sensitive opportunities that could help shape your experience in nonfiction storytelling.
Visions du Réel
Visions du Réel is an internationally acclaimed documentary film festival founded in 1969 and has since become the largest Swiss documentary festival.
The festival is renowned for presenting a diverse range of non-fiction works, often as world or international premieres.It serves as a vital platform for filmmakers to showcase creative projects that reflect past, present, or future realities.
Each year, Visions du Réel honors a guest who has made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking with the prestigious Honorary Award.
In addition to film screenings, the festival hosts VdR–Industry, a segment dedicated to cinema professionals.The 2025 VdR–Industry events are set to take place from April 6–9, 2025, offering a springboard for future films to find support at various stages of production.
Visions du Réel is scheduled for April 4–13, 2025 held in Nyon, Switzerland.
É Tudo Verdade (It’s All True) International Documentary Festival
The É Tudo Verdade (It’s All True) International Documentary Festival is Brazil's largest documentary festival presenting 85 documentary films from 30 countries, with screenings at top venues globally.
Offering free access to the public, the festival showcases a mix of competitive sections—including Brazilian and international feature and short films—and non-competitive retrospectives, with a special focus on the legacy of Brazilian filmmaker Vladimir Carvalho and British documentarian Humphrey Jennings. This milestone edition honors the past three decades of groundbreaking nonfiction cinema, providing a vital platform for Latin American filmmakers and global audiences.
