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. Information for past events is updated as it becomes available. Check back regularly for new additions and time-sensitive opportunities that could help shape your experience in nonfiction storytelling.
Gimme Some Truth is a unique documentary festival that includes master lectures, workshops and special screenings—all intended to provide filmmakers and audiences alike the opportunity to discuss creative, ethical and technical issues related to the documentary form. Gimme Some Truth is produced by the Winnipeg Film Group. The festival was started in 2008 by film writer, publisher, producer, and filmmaker Kier-La Janisse during her tenure as staff at the WFG.
Each year, our documentaries are selected from over 500 submissions from more than 100 countries. Screenings are followed by engaging discussions featuring either the filmmaker or experts on the film’s subject matter. These conversations are inclusive, thought-provoking, and often spark meaningful dialogue among attendees. As part of the festival, we also host a two-day Peace Market. This event provides a space for nonprofit organizations working in human rights, environmental protection, social equality, support for newcomers, and other justice-focused causes to share their missions and connect with the public. The Calgary Justice Film Festival uses the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for film programming. All films screened must align with at least one goal.
The Guelph Film Festival is an international film festival started in the early 1980's, making it one of the oldest documentary-focused film festivals in the world. We are located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and our programming focuses on social justice, the environment, and community building (all broadly construed). We have purposefully kept the festival small to encourage participation in our post-film events, which are led by the filmmaker, film subject, and/or someone from the community with knowledge of the topic(s) that can connect broader issues with local initiatives and understandings. At the GFF we focus on inspiring community engagement and appreciation for the arts through connecting people with stories of global reach and local relevance.
DOC NYC 2025 is a hybrid festival, with in-person screenings at the IFC Center in New York City from November 12-20 and continuing online through November 30. The festival showcases new documentary films, along with panels and conversations with filmmakers and industry professionals. DOC NYC hosts in-person screenings at the IFC Center, featuring a variety of new documentary feature premieres, returning classics, and award winners. The festival also offers online screenings, allowing audiences to catch films they may have missed in person. DOC NYC PRO is a platform for filmmakers and documentary enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into the art, craft, and business of nonfiction storytelling. DOC NYC has a grant program that awards funding to documentaries addressing social issues and their corresponding non-profits. They also have an Academy-qualifying short film program.
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) Amsterdam, Netherlands https://www.idfa.nl/en/ November 12-23, 2025
Over its 36-year history to date, the festival has built up a rock-solid program profile. IDFA assesses more than 3,500 documentaries each year, of which some 300 productions make the final festival selection. Approximately one third of these are international or world premières. For IDFA, the creative documentary is always the starting point, with films and projects that show reality in an artistic way and express the maker’s vision. In addition, the festival presents a broad selection of genres and strives for gender equality and a spread of countries of production. The films are presented in three umbrella sections: competition programs with premieres, the international yearly harvest and the Focus Programs.
The Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar is an annual event that offers education, networking, and a photography contest. It features guest speakers, workshops, portfolio reviews, and equipment sales or services. The 2024 seminar took place in November, and the 2025 event will likely be held around the same time. Distinguished guests, including Pulitzer Prize winners, often share their experiences and insights.
FIDOCS International Documentary Film Festival Santiago, Chile https://fidocs.cl/en/ November 19-26, 2025
The Santiago International Documentary Film Festival (FIDOCS) is the main broadcasting, diffusion, and competition event for documentary cinema in Chile and Latin America. Focused on the promotion of dialogue and reflection, as well as in training audiences towards the appreciation of documentary film in a context of permanent transformation, FIDOCS seeks to explore the multiple paths available in documentary making as well as in the drifts proper to nonfiction works. In its program, FIDOCS incorporates the works of both experienced and emerging directors in order to address the question of “THE REAL”, and in doing so, it considers the various dimensions, disciplinary frontiers, and tensions that the question “what is real?”, as well as the documentary genre itself, has to offer us. Throughout its history, FIDOCS has consolidated itself as one of the most outstanding festivals of the genre in Latin America, transforming itself into a privileged space for critical thinking and contemporary cinema. Its rigorous selection attracts prominent exponents of the national and international audiovisual industry, while in Santiago it becomes a space to question, interpret and rewrite the present.
Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) Montreal, Canada https://ridm.ca/en November 20-30, 2025
Founded in 1998 by a group of Quebec filmmakers, RIDM aims to present a selection of the year’s best documentaries. RIDM seeks first and foremost to promote and reflect on the most stimulating and diverse visions of documentary cinema. From works dealing with hot-button issues to daring creations that renew the language of cinema, the selections are aimed at an annual review of our relationship with the world and with documentary as an art form. RIDM also works to bring artists and audiences together with master classes, round table, and thematic discussions for the general public and industry professionals.
FIDBA, International Documentary Film Festival Buenos Aires, Argentina https://filmfreeway.com/FIDBA November 23-30, 2026
FIDBA is biggest documentary film festival of Iberoamerica, and the first international documentary film festival in Argentina. FIDBA is planned as an annual event in which they will present a selection of new directors, revisit the films of prominent authors and will recover works and films unknown to mainstream audiences. FIDBA also aims to be a meeting place for authors to widen our perception of reality and ways of expressing it and thinking it out through film, but also the arts, new media formats and new narratives ranging from photography to installations, from documentary theater to transmedia storytelling, not to mention the intersections between reality and fiction. The Festival is open, in short, to all documentary works that are a reflection and an effort to understand reality.
Yogyakarta Documentary Film Festival (FFD Yogyakarta) Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://ffd.or.id/ November 29-December 6, 2025
The Yogyakarta Documentary Film Festival, also known as FFD Yogyakarta, is the first documentary film festival in Southeast Asia, which invites audiences and visitors to learn about the documentary genre. FFD Yogyakarta has been held regularly every year, in the second week of December, since 2002, and organized by Forum Film Dokumenter (formerly known as Komunitas Dokumenter). The festival includes a number of programs such as Competition, Screening (Perspective & Spectrum), Partial, Education (School Docs & Masterclass), and Discussion. In the competition program, FFD Yogyakarta competes in three categories, namely: Long Documentary, Short Documentary, and Student Documentary. This program celebrates the diversity of the documentary form. Diversity is to be presented in different ways such as experimental documentary, animation, observational, and participatory video. International documentary film screenings are projected as a reference for comparison to national documentary filmmakers and film audiences. Each screening is followed by discussion or question-and-answer sessions regarding the form and aesthetic elements. Each screening and discussion session is attended by at least the filmmaker or other parties connected to the film.
Events for December
Pravo Ljudski Film Festival Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://pravoljudski.org/ December 1-6, 2025 in person, December 7-17 online
The Pravo Ljudski Film Festival is an annual human rights documentary film festival held in Sarajevo. The name translates to “Totally Human.” It was established in 2006 with the goal of promoting socially engaged non-fictional audiovisual projects, dedicated to the development of critical spectatorship through socially engaged documentaries and independent art cinema. The festival has developed an independent non-profit civic association under the same name. It is the largest festival of its kind in Southeastern Europe. The festival is made up of several programs, of which only one carries a competition format: the Best New Film program and it awards the Extra Muros Award to the best young director of the festival.
PodFest Expo is the longest running annual in-person podcasting conference in the world. Known for its energetic, community-driven atmosphere, PodFest is more than a conference—it's a movement built on education, connection, and opportunity. This year's expo offers four days of interactive sessions, keynote presentations, live shows, and workshops tailored to all experience levels. There are also specialized tracks covering audience growth, video strategy, branding, AI tools, and creator monetization.
FIPADOC International Documentary Film Festival Biarritz, France https://fipadoc.com/fr January 23-31, 2026
FIPADOC is an annual international documentary film festival held in Biarritz, France. It is a major event for the documentary film industry, showcasing a wide range of films, supporting emerging talent, and promoting new projects. FIPADOC also features industry days with co-production forums and focus areas highlighting different regions. The festival’s IMPACT program supports films that address critical social issues, such as the environment, human rights, and social justice.
DocPoint Helsinki Documentary Film Festival is Finland's largest documentary film festival, showcasing a diverse selection of international and national documentaries. It's a non-competitive festival held annually in Helsinki. DocPoint aims to broaden audiences' understanding of global events and highlight the diverse ways stories can be told through nonfiction filmmaking. It is the only festival in Finland fully dedicated to documentary films.
The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West. Big Sky offers an ideal setting for filmmakers to premiere new work and develop lasting relationships with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival draws an audience of 20,000 and film entries from every corner of the globe to a uniquely intimate mountain town setting with local Montana flavor. A hybrid festival, audiences can enjoy the festival program live in unique exhibition spaces across downtown Missoula and in Big Sky's virtual cinema from nearly anywhere in the world. Selected for 9 years running by MovieMaker Magazine's 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, BSDFF is a top-100 rated festival on FilmFreeway and is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for short documentaries. The festival hosts over 200 visiting artists, presents an average of 150 non-fiction films, and offers a variety of exciting events at the historic theater The Wilma and neighboring downtown Missoula venues. In addition to screenings, the Big Sky DocShop is a five-day industry event that includes panels, master classes, workshops, and the Big Sky Pitch session.
Ladyface Mountain Film Festival is bringing together community, nature, and bold storytelling in the scenic hills of Agoura. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ladyface Mountain, the festival offers something rare: a documentary experience that’s entertaining, cinematic, and accessible to a wide audience - not your typical doc fest. Their carefully curated program features true stories from around the world, chosen by a jury of industry veterans, local leaders, and documentary experts. These films are full of heart, humor, and humanity - crafted to spark conversation, connection, and reflection. At Ladyface, they believe in the power of real stories to bring people together. Whether you're a doc enthusiast or simply love a great film, you're invited to be part of a growing community that celebrates truth, creativity, and the world we share.
Belleville Downtown Docfest was cofounded by the creator and producer Gary Magwood, who served as chair for the first six years of the documentary festival. Its roots are in a regular monthly documentary film screening series launched by the Belleville Public Library in 2009, which was then expanded into a full film festival. DocFest’s mandate is to promote awareness and understanding of what’s happening around the world through the screening of outstanding documentary films, many of which might not otherwise come to this community. The festival strives to promote awareness of global and local issues with social, cultural, economic, and environmental consequences and ultimately to be a catalyst for civic participation and actions resulting in positive change. DocFest provides an opportunity for community involvement for audience members, local filmmakers, not-for-profit agencies and organizations, volunteers and students.
Centering media innovation, art and podcasts, we present intimate talks, performances & exhibitions that uplift the storytellers and brands who are shaping culture today. Since 2018, our flagship festivals in Brooklyn and Los Angeles have brought together thousands of artists, storytellers and industry leaders to bring forward innovative ideas and launch new projects. We’ve been called the “Coachella of Podcasts” by Fast Company and “the Future of Podcasting” by Wired. Centering our media industry audience and creative community that has been so loyal and engaged with us these last 8 years, we’re expanding our programming into new categories and our footprint across Brooklyn/NYC. Plus, we’re inviting you to submit ideas for sessions, performances and new kinds of programming. We’re growing our residency program and will have more opportunities for independent creators to participate and showcase their work.
DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival St. George, Utah https://docutah.com/ February 26-28, 2026
The DOCUTAH International Film Festival at Utah Tech University brings together filmmakers and film lovers for an electric weekend celebrating the art of documentary, seeking to open hearts and minds to the world through beautifully crafted stories on film, promoting education while creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and community. In its 16th season, DOCUTAH brings the best documentaries from around the world to the red canyons of southern Utah. Founded by 30-time Emmy Award winning filmmaker, Phil Tuckett, DOCUTAH was dubbed one of the “25 coolest film festivals” by Moviemaker Magazine. Their mission is to actively change the world through the creative business of filmed storytelling.
PodCamp Toronto is an annual, free digital media conference held in Toronto, Canada. It's known as an "unconference" because it emphasizes informal knowledge sharing and collaboration among attendees, rather than a rigid schedule. The event brings together podcasters, content creators, marketers, and other digital media professionals to learn, network, and discuss the latest trends and developments in the field.
The International Documentary Film Festival ArtDocFest/Riga (IDFF ArtDocFest/Riga) was founded in 2020 as a fundamentally new event organized in collaboration with the association ArtDocFest & Media and leading professionals from the Baltic region's documentary film industry. ArtDocFest/Riga showcases a diverse selection of contemporary international documentary films, offering a platform for bold and topical works from around the world. The festival serves not only as a venue for high-quality cinema but also as a space for conversations, discussions, and creative collaboration between audiences and industry professionals. The festival's main events include two competition programs, both featuring Latvian premieres. The Baltic Focus competition highlights the most notable films from countries in the Baltic Sea region, with the best film receiving the "HERCS" award, dedicated to renowned Latvian documentarian Hercs Franks. The ArtdocFest Open competition expands the festival’s geographic reach, focusing on films from Eastern Europe and Eurasian countries, while also welcoming works from around the globe that address issues relevant to the region.
Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Melbourne, Australia https://www.aidc.com.au/ March 2-5, 2026
The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is the premier event for nonfiction screen content in the Southern Hemisphere. AIDC is an innovative and industry-leading event, welcoming industry players from across the globe to drive collaboration, development, and production and to inspire innovation and ignite social change. AIDC organizes a marketplace for documentary and factual product, provides a space for networking to encourage collaboration between practitioners, showcases the work of Australian and international producers, and creates a forum to discuss content, craft, technology, and future directions.
HUMAN International Documentary Film Festival Oslo, Norway https://humanfilm.no/en/ March 2-8, 2026
HUMAN International Documentary Festival is Norway’s largest documentary film festival. The festival takes place in Oslo, for one week in March, at Vega Scene and Cinemateket. It was founded in 2008. The festival presents the newest Norwegian and international documentaries in combination with debates, talks, art exhibitions, stage performances, and more. The heart of the festival is current issues and human rights, but our program includes all types of documentaries, from all over the world. The festival consists of two competition programs for best human rights focused film, and for best Norwegian documentary, and a diverse film program outside of competition, including short documentaries.
Tempo is Sweden’s largest documentary festival. Since its founding in 1998, the festival has showcased hundreds of documentaries from around the world, presenting exciting documentary works in the forms of audio, photography, performing arts, and experimental art. The festival program spans from acclaimed international feature films to experimental documentary works, from pieces by international directors to emerging talents. Documentary expression has a strong, inherent potential to serve as a unifying force in society. Documentary storytelling touches and facilitates conversations about complex issues in an intimate, reflective, and profound manner. Tempo is a meeting place for the audience, the filmmakers, and the documentary industry.
True/False is an annual festival in Columbia, Missouri, USA, which strives to celebrate the best of international nonfiction. T/F brings together filmmakers, artists, and musicians to create an immersive and communal experience focused on cinema constructed from reality. Taking place over a long weekend, the mid-sized college town of Columbia is remade into a one-of-a-kind utopia with screenings, live music and art installations. The transformative, rambunctious, ecstatic experience of T/F creates a cathartic journey that invites participants to do nothing less than to re-imagine reality. Creative placemaking means the festival develops the talents and focuses the energy of the region. We seek out the most creative, energetic people and then give them the tools to transform the downtown core of Columbia, both indoors and out. When the festival remakes ordinary spaces into magical, temporary spots, it inspires attendees from both near and far. T/F showcases downtown Columbia and its potential by welcoming in the wider international community. This is an extraordinarily vital time for nonfiction filmmaking as an artistic form. Our goal is to forge a supportive, celebratory refuge for filmmakers and amplify the possibilities of creative nonfiction. True/False exists in a permeable, in-between land – bounded by fiction and nonfiction, but also bridging cultures and disciplines. Within that space, we encourage an atmosphere of innovation and excitement, free of the heat and stress of the market. Herein are the ingredients for a revolutionary new alloy, the future of an urgent art.
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival is an international documentary festival held every March. Founded in 1999, the TDF focuses on independent documentary film and emerging documentarists from around the world. It is one of the leading documentary festivals globally. TDF is one of the 28 festivals that serves as an Academy Award Documentary Feature Qualifying Festival. Each year, TDF presents tributes and retrospectives to acclaimed auteurs and documentary movements. The 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival was held with the support of the Hellenic Parliament, the Ministry of Culture, the Partnership Agreement of the Central Macedonia Regional Operational Program, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, the MEDIA programme, the Ministry of Tourism and ERT. COSMOTE TV was the Grand Sponsor of the Festival, proving once again its support towards quality cinema.
DOC LA—Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival Los Angeles, California https://www.docla.org/ March 10-15, 2026
The Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival (DOC LA), organized by the Parajanov-Vartanov Institute, is a festival focused on showcasing and awarding documentary films, along with other genres like animation, experimental, and music videos. It aims to provide a platform for students, emerging filmmakers, and established masters to display their work and be recognized for their achievements. DOC LA awards prizes for various categories, including Best Documentary, Best International Documentary, Best Director, and more. The festival provides opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals, critics, and the public, offering valuable feedback and networking opportunities.
CPH:DOX, the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, is held in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of the biggest documentary film festivals in the world. The festival takes place in cinemas and cultural venues throughout Copenhagen, with Kunsthal Charlottenborg serving as the festival center. Additionally, CPH:DOX organizes events in other municipalities across Denmark with their DOX:DANMARK initiative, offering mini-festivals with special events. CPH:DOX aims to support and promote documentary film as an art form and as a multifaceted medium that conveys knowledge and inspires reflection and democratic dialogue. CPH:DOX is founded on the belief that a film festival should not only cater to those specifically interested in film. It should be a cultural manifestation that focuses on the most important questions and issues of our time--from the individually existential to the structurally global. We believe that documentary films can broaden our horizons and reduce the distance between us.
One World International Human Rights Film Festival Prague, Czech Republic https://www.oneworld.cz/ March 11-April 24, 2026
For more than a quarter of a century, the One World International Human Rights Film Festival has been an integral part of the activities of the Czech humanitarian and human rights organization People in Need. Since the festival was established in 1999, it has brought films on human rights from around the world to local audiences, screening them in dozens of towns throughout the country and also at Czech primary and secondary schools. UNESCO has acknowledged One World for its efforts in raising awareness of human rights. One World stands out for its unique combination of screenings and post-film debates, which give viewers the opportunity to put what they’ve seen into context, explore the topic further, or ask questions about what interests them. The hosts of the debates can be filmmakers, film experts, or professionals from various fields. Today, One World is the largest festivals of its kind in the world.
International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) Montreal, Quebec, Canada https://lefifa.com/en/ March 12-22, 2026 Live, March 20-29, 2026 Online
The International Festival of Films on Art (Le FIFA) is dedicated to the international promotion and distribution of films on art and media arts. Le FIFA presents an annual event in March that allows the discovery of the latest productions of films on art and art films. Each year, more than 200 films from over 40 countries are carefully selected to present the best of art and art films from here and elsewhere. International Competition, Official Selection, FIFA Expérimental, Cartes Blanches, it is through its prestigious programming as well as its special events such as outdoor screenings, professional meetings, parties that Le FIFA is committed to increasing the knowledge and appreciation of art among the public and encouraging the production and distribution of films on art.
Docville International Documentary Film Festival Leuven, Belgium https://www.docville.be/ March 18-26, 2026
Docville International Documentary Film Festival, located in Leuven, Belgium, is the largest documentary film festival in the country. It focuses on national and international auteur cinema. It offers a platform for filmmakers to present their work and engage with audiences. Docville also hosts a ScienceVille section dedicated to science-related documentaries and activities. A section dedicated to Belgian documentaries highlights the diverse range of stories from the region. Docville organizes masterclasses, seminars, and debates to provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
DOK Leipzig—International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film Leipzig, Germany https://www.dok-leipzig.de/en March 19-25, 2026
DOK Leipzig is an annual international film festival for documentary and animated film, and the world's oldest in its genre. Held in Leipzig, Germany, it showcases a wide range of films, including documentaries, animated films, hybrid forms of documentary storytelling, and immersive XR experiences. The festival also features talks, panels, masterclasses, and industry events.
At its core, communication revolves around connection—a mutual space for exchanging meaningful and relevant information. As photographers, we can use images to challenge assumptions, dismantle barriers, and spark meaningful conversations. In today's rapidly changing world, social, academic, and cultural systems are being reshaped at a pace that often leaves little room for reflection or dialogue. These shifts demand new approaches and open exchanges considering individual and collective experiences. Photography provides a powerful platform for these exchanges. By capturing and sharing stories through images, we create opportunities to engage with others, foster understanding, and address the most pressing issues of our time.
DOCUFEST Atlanta Documentary Film Festival Atlanta, Georgia https://docufest.com/ March 20-22, 2026
DocuFest Atlanta, officially known as the Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival, is a film festival that showcases documentary films in Atlanta, Georgia. The festival has been running for 20 years, according to the festival's website. DocuFest aims to present a variety of documentary films, including independent and international titles, that explore diverse themes and perspectives. The festival has a history of highlighting both well-known and emerging documentary voices, and has been a cornerstone of Atlanta's indie film scene. DocuFest recognizes outstanding documentaries with awards, showcasing the best in documentary storytelling. DocuFest is part of the Atlanta Film Series, which is an annual collection of five distinct film festivals.
Cinéma du Réel is a prestigious documentary film festival held annually in Paris, France, known for showcasing contemporary and experimental documentary filmmaking, both international and French. It's organized by the Bibliothèque publique d'information (Bpi) at the Centre Pompidou and features a range of screenings, workshops, and events. The festival actively seeks out and presents films that explore the formal and artistic possibilities of documentary filmmaking, often including rare or unreleased works. The festival also includes a competitive section with awards and a ParisDOC market to support filmmakers and facilitate connections between filmmakers and industry professionals.
Radiodays Europe is a major event in the Radio, Podcast, and Audio World, bringing together over 1,500 visitors from 65 countries over three days. The event is organized into sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops, and networking events. Radiodays Europe was born in 2010 as a response to the needs of the European industry, public and private, to come together to discuss the new media challenges, across borders. It has since grown to become the most important annual conference for radio professionals with over 1500 participants from 65 countries. It is the meeting point for the European radio, podcast & audio industries. It attracts both private and public radio stations, podcasters from across the spectrum big and small, plus audio professionals from a variety of industries. It is a destination event for professionals and companies from around the world. RDE is organized as an annual conference in the spring of a different European city each year.
Documentary films offer a fascinating peephole into a particular reality, at a certain time of a certain person's life. Whether in the form of an expository, a poem, an essay, an observational piece, whether it's dramatized, animated, or based on interviews, documentary films all have a message to send. Doc.London is an annual documentary film festival that features work from around the world by up-and-coming artists, showcasing innovative independent cinema that invites viewers to learn and ponder. Thursday marked the closing night of the in-person part of the 2025 edition, which took place at BFI Stephen Street. The OFF ON Selection, the festival's newest online program, remains available for streaming until 4 April. The official selection included 30 documentary films hailing from the U.S, the U.K., Lebanon, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, Canada, Hungary, Austria, Australia, Mexico, Italy and Belgium.
iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival Lagos, Nigeria https://irepdocufilm.com/ March 27-30, 2025—2026 Dates TBA
The conceptual framework of iREPRESENT Documentary Film Forum is AFRICA IN SELF-CONVERSATION, and it is designed to promote awareness about the power of documentary format to serve as a means of deepening and sharing social and cultural education as well as encouraging participatory democracy in our societies. iREP is conceptualized to create a platform of awareness and expression for aspiring and practicing filmmakers who are creating socially relevant documentary films to positively impact our world. To fully engage an array of trans-cultural creativity, iREP will provide a forum for everyone’s ingenuity to be showcased without prejudice to style or subject. iREP celebrates the ever-expanding world of documentary films by inviting talents from across the globe to share ideas on trends and technological advancements in the format.
The Junction North International Documentary Film Festival is an annual celebration of non-fiction cinema held in downtown Sudbury, Ontario at the Sudbury Indie Cinema. It features a diverse selection of films, including award-winning documentaries from prestigious festivals like Hot Docs, Sundance, and TIFF, as well as Northern Ontario premieres. The festival runs for four days, showcasing a range of documentary films from local to international, and from hard-hitting issues to fascinating biographies. The festival offers free tickets to full-time students aged 25 and under and to those aged 60+ for screenings before 5 p.m.
Ambulante Documentary Film Festival Mexico City, Mexico, and other cities https://ambulante.org/ April 3-June 12, 2025—2026 Dates TBA
Ambulante Documentary Film Festival or Ambulante is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting and promoting documentary films as a tool for social and cultural transformation. Founded in 2005 by actors Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna and Elena Fortes, and currently directed by Paulina Suárez, Ambulante seeks to strengthen documentary film culture in Mexico and Central America, in order to contribute to a more open and critical society, and facilitate access to different perspectives from around the world. Among its work schemes, Ambulante identifies and travels to spaces with limited exhibition offers and training in documentary film, in order to promote cultural exchange, promote a participatory, critical and informed attitude in the viewer and open new channels of reflection in Mexico. The Ambulante Documentary Film Festival is the furthest-reaching documentary film festival in Mexico and a project that stands alone as a unique screening space. Throughout more than sixteen years, the Festival has covered thousands of miles in México with a central intention: to create an exciting and significant encounter between documentary film and its audience.
NorthwestFest is Edmonton's annual documentary film festival, known as Canada's longest-running festival of its kind. It takes place in May at the Metro Cinema, located within the Garneau Theatre. The festival features a diverse lineup of documentaries, non-fiction films, and music documentaries, with a particular focus on local and international independent filmmaking. The festival began in 1983 as the Edmonton Learners Centre’s “Third World Film Festival”. In 1998, the centre became the Global Visions Festival Society, and the non-profit film festival took on the same name. In May of 2015, to reflect the changing face of the festival, GVF re-branded to NorthwestFest to not only include the best in non-fiction filmmaking, but also local music, art, and media wherever possible.
The Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival is the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier documentary film festival, offering four days of curated films, award presentations, cinephile panels and forums, upscale gatherings, VIP receptions, and casual meet-and-greets—all in the heart of Sonoma County. From its roots as a local fest showing about 40 films in 2007, SDFF now receives more than 700 submissions from 62+ countries per year. In 2025, 57 films were programmed and shown, and the event was attended by filmmakers, as well as a robust audience of film lovers. In addition to its commitment to honoring diversity in all its forms by providing open calls for entry, SDFF is an Oscar®-qualifying film festival for short and mini form documentaries. SDFF is proudly progressive in its curation of topics and forms. Now more than ever, festival organizers seek to amplify urgent messages, uplift stories from marginalized communities, and support earnest efforts to provoke political change, effect social justice, and encourage personal growth.
Vues sur Mer—Festival du Cinéma Documentaire de Gaspé Gaspé, Quebec, Canada https://vuessurmer.com/ April 9-12, 2026
The mission of the Festival Vues sur Genève is to offer the Gaspesian population the opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of documentary cinema through quality programming, numerous activities and enriching meetings with the craftsmen of Quebec cinema. This festival focuses on the dissemination of Quebec documentary cinema and attaches particular importance to Gaspé productions.
It's All True—International Documentary Film Festival São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil https://etudoverdade.com.br/en/home/ April 9-19, 2026
The fact that the festival has reached its 30th edition this year confirms, above all, its founding conviction: documentary filmmaking needed a dedicated annual platform in Brazil, one that would provide audiences with access to the excellence and originality of Brazilian and international nonfiction productions, far beyond the limited visibility this genre has always faced in the market. The immediate success of its first edition in 1996 proved it once again: nothing can stop the power of an idea when its time has come. The uninterrupted realization of É Tudo Verdade / It’s All True over the past three decades, always held simultaneously in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, has been shaped by radical transformations in film production, distribution, exhibition, and consumption; by the perennial challenges of consolidating any cultural project in the country; and by critical circumstances, such as the outbreak of a devastating pandemic that cruelly claimed millions of lives while eroding, like never before, the very foundations of the social experience of cinematic enjoyment.
Open City was set up in 2011 to provide a space to sustain commonality and reciprocity, “to hear the stories that matter, to “foster a culture of tolerance.” In her welcome note for the 10th anniversary edition, which took place online during the global pandemic in 2020, then festival director Chloe Trayner wrote: “More than ever, we want to extend a hand into a world of nuanced narratives and distinctive voices alongside the reflective discussion that this work deserves.” Open City Documentary Festival creates an open space in London to nurture and champion the art of non-fiction cinema. We deliver training programmes, an annual film festival, the bi-annual publication, Non-Fiction, and screening projects throughout the year that aim to challenge and expand the idea of documentary in all its forms. We are based at the UCL Centre for Public Anthropology, home to the MA in Ethnographic and Documentary Film Practice, MFA in Creative Documentary and MA in Immersive Factual Storytelling.
Getting Real is a biennial conference organized by the International Documentary Association, designed for and by documentary practitioners and focused on the business and art of nonfiction storytelling. The sixth edition of Getting Real will celebrate a decade of what is now the largest peer-to-peer gathering of its kind in North America. This four-day event provides a space for the field to hold constructive conversations, build lasting relationships, and tackle the ethical, creative, sustainability, production, and distribution challenges facing our growing community. The core of the conference programming connects participants who hail from diverse independent filmmaking sectors, geographic regions, and professional status, platforming the most exciting new and established voices dialoguing with each other. Historically, the conference has drawn the most powerful players from the documentary field (major streaming platforms, deep-pocketed funding agencies, among others) and placed them face-to-face with independent documentary filmmakers from across the country and the world. Getting Real has hosted press-embargoed presentations where industry members felt comfortable relaying private data, as well as created intimate spaces for filmmakers to talk candidly about their experiences.
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is one of the world’s premiere showcases for nonfiction cinema. Renowned for its film curation, support for artists, and vibrant atmosphere, Full Frame draws an international mix of 10,000-plus attendees to Durham every spring. Over four days, the Academy Award®–qualifying festival screens more than 70 films, hosts panels and parties, and fosters community among filmmakers, industry professionals and audience members. The festival is a program of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University and is produced in partnership with Duke’s Venue and Production Management.
Visions du Réel is a prominent documentary film festival held in Nyon, Switzerland, known for its focus on non-fiction cinema. Founded in 1969, it's a leading event in the field, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the globe. The festival showcases a wide range of documentaries, with a significant number of world and international premieres. The festival provides a valuable platform for both established and emerging documentary filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals and audiences. Visions du Réel offers a moment of suspended time in which to bridge human divides through the medium of cinema. This is the very role of a festival, and of culture more broadly, which, then as now, must be relentlessly promoted and defended, in Switzerland and elsewhere, precisely in the name of everything it helps to build or deconstruct.
The mission of the International Wildlife Film Festival is to promote awareness, knowledge, and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people, and nature through excellence in film. The long-standing festival champions wildlife filmmakers and challenges conventional expectations about how we conserve wildlife and habitat. The IWFF is held in the Roxy Theater in Missoula. The festival staff is well-known for clear communication, inventive programming, and delivering a fun, satisfying festival experience for audiences and guests alike. IWFF’s collaborative spirit offers opportunities for many national conservation partners to be involved in post-film screening discussions and day trips throughout western Montana.
The Punto de Vista International Documentary Film Festival is an annual event featuring the latest trends in the field of documentary film. Since the first edition, staged in 2005, it has been inspired by Jean Vigo’s film and ethical principles. Organized by the INAAC Foundation, a non-profit public organization, the festival is held in the city of Pamplona in February. Punto de Vista, International Documentary Film Festival of Navarra, is an annual event featuring the latest trends in the field of documentary film. Since the Festival’s first edition, staged in 2005, it has been inspired by Jean Vigo’s film and ethical principles. Promoted by the Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Government of Navarra, and organized by NICDO, the festival is hosted in the city of Pamplona every year. Punto de Vista’s programming is organized into six main sections: Official Selection, In Focus, Lan, Contacts, X Films and the Mediation Program.
Hot Docs is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and creating production opportunities for documentary filmmakers. Hot Docs was founded in 1993 by the Documentary Organization of Canada (formerly the Canadian Independent Film Caucus), a national association of independent documentary filmmakers. In 1996, Hot Docs became a separately incorporated organization with a mandate to showcase and support the work of Canadian and international documentary filmmakers and to promote excellence in documentary production. Each year, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival—North America's largest doc festival, conference and market—presents cutting edge films from around the world. Year-round, Hot Docs supports the Canadian and international industry with professional development programs and a multi-million-dollar production fund portfolio, and fosters education through documentaries with its popular free program Docs For Schools. Hot Docs owns and programs the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, a century-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighborhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.
DOC10 Film Festival Chicago, Illinois https://www.doc10.org/ April 25-May 4, 2025--2026 Dates TBA
Doc10 is Chicago’s only all-documentary film festival and provides an engaging experience for its audiences, reaching thousands of local cinephiles over the last nine years. Now in its 10th year, Doc10 has firmly set its place in Chicago’s cultural scene. Each year over four days and evenings, the Festival screens the 10 best documentaries, culled from Sundance, Tribeca, Hot Docs, DOC NYC and other top-tier festivals across the nation. This is the first, and often exclusive, opportunity for Chicagoans to see extraordinary films. Twenty of the 50+ films Doc10 premiered have been shortlisted or nominated for Academy Awards. Doc10 is presented by the Chicago Media Project, a nationwide community of storytellers, changemakers, artists, activists, and philanthropists.
AFO—Academia Film Olomouc Olomouc, Czech Republic https://afo.cz/en/home/ April 28-May 3, 2026
The international festival of science documentary films has been organized by Palacký University, Olomouc since 1966. In the course of the years, the small-scale private meeting has transformed into one of the biggest scientific events in Europe. It is the only festival in the Czech Republic, which provided a space for a get-together of such famous scientists as evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro and philosopher and AI theorist Susan Schneider. The program of the festival focuses on progressive factual films and documentary films, discussions and lectures exploring topics from research of distant planets, Earth’s oceans and global warming through the development of robotics and artificial intelligence all the way to the position of women in science and society or life online and addictions. The driving force behind the festival organization is mostly current and former students of Palacký University. AFO has become not only a significant science festival on the European scale but also an established educational platform.
Events for May
DOXA Documentary Film Festival Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada https://www.doxafestival.ca/ May 1-11, 2025—2026 Dates TBA
DOXA (pronounced dox'-ah) is a Greek word meaning common belief or popular opinion. The mission of DOXA is to support a better understanding of the complexity of our times through engaging the public in documentary media as an art form. DOXA is presented by The Documentary Media Society, a Vancouver based non-profit, charitable society (incorporated in 1998) devoted to presenting independent and innovative documentaries to Vancouver audiences. The society exists to educate the public about documentary film as an art form through DOXA Documentary Film Festival, a curated and juried festival comprised of public screenings, panel discussions, public forums and educational programs.
The Margaret Mead Film Festival, held annually at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, is a distinguished showcase for international documentary films. It's known for its broad spectrum of films, from indigenous community media to experimental nonfiction, and for offering forums for discussion with filmmakers and speakers. The festival is dedicated to Margaret Mead, a pioneering anthropologist, and explores the power of visual media to foster empathy and understanding across cultures. It is the longest-running, premiere showcase for international documentaries in the United States, encompassing a broad spectrum of work, from indigenous community media to experimental nonfiction. The festival primarily showcases documentary films, including experimental works, animation, and hybrid media. It aims to connect cultures and communities globally, fostering empathy and understanding through visual storytelling. The festival covers a broad range of issues and perspectives, exploring cultural complexities and diverse experiences.
Documenta Madrid is an international documentary film festival held in Madrid, Spain, showcasing contemporary and non-contemporary documentaries from around the world. The festival aims to promote and disseminate documentary cinema, offering competitive sections for both national and international productions, along with a parallel program of screenings, retrospectives, and professional activities. The festival emphasizes contemporary documentary filmmaking, formal experimentation, and critical thinking, serving as a platform for emerging and established documentary filmmakers. The main venue is Cineteca Madrid, with screenings also taking place at other cultural venues like the Reina Sofía Museum and Filmoteca Española.
DOK.Fest Munich has developed into one of Europe's largest documentary film festivals. Every year in May the festival presents the most interesting and relevant international documentaries on a big screen. DOK.Fest screens the filmographies of outstanding filmmakers, supports directors from so-called “low production countries,” works on the widespread impact of artistic documentary films and initiates sustainable relationships between established filmmakers and newcomers. The festival program includes competition sections, theme sections and special series. Current international documentary films with a length of at least 52 minutes are screened. Film premieres are given special consideration in the competition sections.
DocsBarcelona is an international documentary film festival and a global project dedicated to the documentary genre. It includes a festival, a professional market, a distribution brand, an exhibition network, and courses for documentary filmmakers. The festival features competitive sections (both international and national), non-competitive sections, and retrospectives. The festival showcases the best international documentary premieres and brings together professionals and the general public. The festival features various sections, including Official Selection (Docs&Pearls), Docs&Cat (Catalan documentaries), Docs&Teens, DOC-U (student films), and Docs&Focus (thematic sections).
Seven cities, more than 165,000 spectators and viewers in 2024, several hundred volunteers across the country - all these people, institutions and places make up the festival family of MDAG. Thanks to their work and love of cinema for two decades, Millennium Docs Against Gravity has become the second largest documentary film festival in Europe, just after the IDFA festival in Amsterdam. Such a huge undertaking is the result of many people’s work. The most numerous group, i.e. volunteers, is focused on this year's poster. Two long-term volunteers from different generations appeared on it - Zofia and Anna. The slogan of this year’s edition of MDAG also refers to the sense of community and reads “Accompanies us the whole world”. The 22nd edition of Millennium Docs Against Gravity took place on 9-18 May in cinemas in Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, Poznań, Katowice, Łódź and Bydgoszcz. Unforgettable film journeys traditionally accompanied meetings with creators and debates around important topics presented on the screen.
Founded in 1998, Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TIDF) is organized by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute in Taipei. In addition to the main festival, TIDF tours its selection of films in Taiwan in alternate years. As one of Asia's most prominent, extensive, and longest-standing international documentary film festivals, TIDF follows its curatorial core ‘Re-encounter Reality.’ It emphasizes freedom, creativity and transboundary in its programme, encouraging reflection and experimentation in the aesthetics of documentary filmmaking. TIDF also focuses on the continuous exploration and redefinition of documentary films, as well as the development of documentary filmmaking in Asia and the Chinese-speaking region. The festival includes competitive programmes that accept submissions from around the world and invites professionals from home and abroad to serve as jurors. TIDF's non-competitive programmes are curated by the festival's team and have included important themes such as a retrospective of Ogawa Shinsuke's works, Taiwanese avant-garde cinema from the 1960s, and documentaries about and made by Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Each edition of TIDF screens approximately 130 films from around the world, along with various events like master classes, panel discussions, live performances, and exhibitions.
The Podcast Show London is a two-day international festival for the podcasting community, taking place in Islington, London, on May 21-22, 2025. It's a leading event for industry professionals, brands, and creators, offering networking opportunities, parties, and various content spaces. The event aims to celebrate and shape the future of podcasting by bringing together creators, industry leaders, and brands from around the globe. The event features a variety of activities such as networking events, parties, content sessions, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
Beldocs is one of the Balkans largest documentary film festivals. Since its first festival edition in 2008, the Beldocs team has been endeavoring to create a unique space where the specificity of documentary film will be celebrated and the pressing issues facing humankind will be discussed outspokenly. This is the space for freedom of expression and free thinking, promotion of courageous, young authors, celebration of established great names of film, as well as acquainting the local audience with the constant evolution of film language and film forms. They support a free film that extends the boundaries, the truth and courage of expression. They unreservedly support the Serbian film, considering that with the making of a brand they assume a certain amount of responsibility towards the Serbian authors, to whom they try to provide maximum help and ease production difficulties. As a team, they are trying to establish strategic partnerships with documentary film festivals throughout Europe and in that way facilitate possible co-productions of Serbian films. The Festival now also has an extensive Industry Programme, where future domestic and international projects are being developed.
Skjaldborg Icelandic Documentary Film Festival takes place annually during the Whitsun weekend (a holiday weekend in Iceland celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday with dates varying from May to June each year). Founded in 2007, the festival is the only specialised platform for the premiere of Icelandic documentaries, and it is fair to say that Skjaldborg cinema and, hence, Patreksfjordur have become the home of the Icelandic documentary scene. The surrounding environment, the festival guests and the local inhabitants have joined in creating a unique intimate setting and ambiance which characterizes the reputation of the festival. Experienced documentary filmmakers, newcomers to the scene, documentary buffs and the general audience members all contribute to a vibrant and creative discourse that enhances the development of the Icelandic documentary scene and its mediation platforms. In addition to the Icelandic documentary premiers the program explores international documentary filmmaking and serves as an important discourse for works in progress. Each year a guest of honour is invited to the festival and celebrated with screenings of his/her previous works, followed by a masterclass. Furthermore, Skjaldborg offers a packed program outside the cinema with dinners, parties and general fun and games unique to the festival from morning to evening.
The EBU Audio Storytelling Festival was hosted by Lithuanian National Radio and Television, part of the European Broadcasting Union. The four-day festival agenda will incorporate unique insights into the Lithuanian audio storytelling scene, alongside group listening sessions and facilitated discussions, the “How I made it” masterclasses by the award-winning authors, and many more talks around the best practice and craft of audio storytelling, as well as carefully curated side events. The festival theme for 2025 was Community and Connections—both of which make us better storytellers.
Docaviv – the Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival is the largest film festival in the city of Tel Aviv, and the only festival in Israel dedicated exclusively to documentary films. It is among the world’s leading documentary festivals. As of 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences listed Docaviv as one of the leading festivals whose winners automatically qualify for consideration, and winners of the Israeli, International and Short film competitions at Docaviv will be eligible to compete for an Oscar in the documentary category. Docaviv is an independent film festival that selects films for their artistic merits and encourages the creation of awareness, evoking debates on current issues such as injustices, human rights, democracy, climate change, and LGBTQ. As a festival that aims to encourage the creation and distribution of influential, moving, and powerful films, Docaviv hosts a range of multi-faceted workshops and meetings with the world’s leading documentary filmmakers. Throughout the Festival’s ten days, the celebration of documentary cinema takes place at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque and other venues across the city.
Kraków Film Festival is one of the oldest events in the world dedicated to documentary films, short animations and short plots. The core of the festival consists of four equivalent competitions: documentary, DocFilmMusic, short and Polish. During 8 festival days, viewers have the opportunity to watch about 200 films from Poland and from around the world. They are presented in the competition sections and in special shows. The festival is accompanied by exhibitions, concerts, open-air screenings and meetings with creators, as well as KFF Industry – an event addressed to the film industry. Every year, the festival is visited by over 1000 Polish and international guests: directors, producers, festival programmers and numerous Krakow audiences.
The New Media Film Festival stands as a beacon of innovation and diversity in the realm of media. Since its inception in 2009, it has been a platform that honors the fusion of storytelling and technology, showcasing works that push the boundaries of conventional media. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the festival offers a unique space for both emerging and established creators to be recognized by industry giants. It’s a celebration of the stories that shape our world and a testament to the festival’s enduring vision to explore the uncharted territories of media and technology. Its mandate is to be fair to all creators, all ages, all cultures, all media. The New Media Film Festival represents a convergence of technology and tradition, offering a hybrid platform that caters to both in-person and online audiences. This innovative event showcases a diverse range of categories, from the classic to the cutting-edge, reflecting the festival’s commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of media.
The Tribeca Festival includes a dedicated audio storytelling program that highlights and celebrates narrative audio work, with a focus on independent creators and innovative formats. The program features a curated Official Selection of podcasts and audio stories, live events, and opportunities for creators to connect with industry professionals. Tribeca's audio program emphasizes narrative storytelling, with a strong emphasis on originality, impact, and sound-rich productions. The festival selects a range of audio projects, including both independent and established works, across categories like fiction and nonfiction. Tribeca hosts live events featuring podcast tapings, audio theater, and more, showcasing the medium's ability to thrive in a communal setting.
Encounters South African International Documentary Festival Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa https://encounters.co.za/ June 4-14, 2026
The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is the country’s formative documentary event, screening contemporary South African and International features and short documentaries. The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is a film festival that focuses exclusively on documentaries, both South African and international. It has been running since 1999 and is the only documentary film festival of its kind in South Africa. The festival program includes screenings, competitions, workshops, debates, and the Documentary Co-Production Forum (DCF). Encounters aims to broaden the documentary audience through outreach programs and by providing access to screenings and workshops for students and previously disadvantaged communities.
The Southern Documentary Convening is an annual three-day conference for first-time, emerging and experienced documentary makers taking place this year in Durham, NC. Attendees will benefit from workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. The event aims to provide both practical skills and artistic growth through personal connections and relevant discussions. The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) presents the festival to champion Southern documentary makers and stories. Inspired by their belief in the power of media to educate and change lives, they provide documentarians with diverse resources, including grants, fiscal sponsorship, community dialogue, training, and mentorship–all to promote Southern stories and lower barriers for documentary makers and underrepresented voices.
Sheffield DocFest is the UK’s leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects. They champion and present the breadth of documentary form – film, television, podcast, immersive and art – in the vibrant city of Sheffield each June. They offer makers and audiences a place for inspiration, debate, development, learning and challenge. Their programming represents their core values – creativity, empathy, freedom, inclusivity and internationalism. Sheffield DocFest is run by International Documentary Festival Sheffield, an independent registered charity whose purpose is to advance the art of film, education and training in documentary filmmaking. Their core values as a charity centre around empathy, inclusiveness, social engagement, freedom and internationalism.
DC/DOX Washington, D.C. https://dcdoxfest.com/ June 11-14, 2026
Founded in 2023 to celebrate the power and potential of documentary film, DC/DOX is a premier festival dedicated to bold storytelling, visionary filmmakers, and timely conversations. Held in the heart of the nation’s capital, DC/DOX is more than a festival—it’s a dynamic gathering where filmmakers, industry leaders, journalists, and engaged audiences come together to explore and champion the cutting edge of non-fiction cinema. Over four days, DC/DOX takes place in marquee venues across Washington, DC, presenting an exceptional lineup of 100+ feature and short documentaries from around the world. Every screening is a Washington, DC premiere and is followed by filmmaker Q&As and thought-provoking post-screening discussions.
The Royal Anthropological Institute Film Festival is a biennial event dedicated to the celebration of the best in ethnographic, anthropological and archaeological filmmaking from around the globe. Established in 1985 by the Royal Anthropological Institute (UK), the RAI FILM Festival showcases new work from academic anthropologists and related disciplines from all levels of experience from students to professionals. It looks for fearless films that ask difficult questions, build bridges, seek redress and promote social justice and dialogue. Our strength lies in providing a leading showcase for the best in groundbreaking and innovative anthropological documentary filmmaking from around the world. Our mission is to support the role of film within anthropology, to champion the work of filmmakers and foster a thriving and inclusive community. We feature filmmakers who find creative ways to explore our shared humanity to shine a light on people, places and stories that are too often lost in the spotlight of global media. With the support of leading academic partners from major international universities, we offer workshops, masterclasses, a conference, work-in-progress sessions, and retrospectives. We aim to maximize discovery and discussion around films and other multimodal productions from an anthropological, artistic, historical, and educational point of view.
FIDADOC, or the International Documentary Film Festival of Agadir, is a film festival that focuses on documentary films, particularly from the southern Mediterranean shore. It features competitions for both international and Moroccan, African, and Arab short films, as well as thematic programs. The festival also has a strong focus on youth, offering screenings for school children and students and outdoor screenings in Agadir and the Souss-Massa region. Since 2012, FIDADOC has also included a "Documentary BeeHive" to support Moroccan and African filmmakers.
Doc Edge Festival 2025 Auckland, New Zealand https://docedge.nz/ June 24-August 22, 2026
Doc Edge is a not-for-profit charitable trust serving as New Zealand’s national organization for documentaries since 2005. Our kaupapa (purpose) is to celebrate, support, and showcase documentary. In 2025, Doc Edge marks a milestone: 20 years of championing the power of documentary storytelling. As New Zealand’s Oscar®-Qualifying international documentary festival, Doc Edge has become a platform for bold, inspiring, and impactful stories from around the globe. We are aspired to become a premiere Asia Pacific hub for all things documentary. This special anniversary edition will feature an exciting line-up of films, immersive exhibitions, industry events, and celebrations across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and nationwide via the Virtual Cinema.
FIVARS—Festival of International Virtual and Augmented Reality Stories Toronto, Ontario, Canada https://fivars.net/ June 25-26, 2025—2026 Dates TBA
The Festival of International Virtual & Augmented Reality Stories (FIVARS) is a premier festival showcasing immersive, narrative-driven content created with VR and AR technologies. It's known for its focus on exploring new narrative forms and pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the immersive space. FIVARS features both in-person and online exhibitions, including 360° video content and live VR performances. FIVARS is dedicated to narrative experiences in immersive media, rather than just showcasing the technology itself.
Events for July
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival Melbourne, Australia https://mdff.org.au/home July 1-31, 2026
The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF) is a competitive documentary film festival held in Melbourne, Australia. It's known for showcasing a diverse range of local and international documentaries, with a focus on independent and emerging filmmakers. The festival's mission is to promote critical and independent thinking, debate, and diverse perspectives on issues like human rights, equality, and social issues.
DocsMX was born with the ambition to promote documentary cinema in Mexico and Ibero-America. Since its inception, it has established itself as one of the most important documentary film festivals in the region, providing a platform for filmmakers from all over the world to show their works and connect with the public. It is an independent cultural organization that all year round builds collective and participatory spaces around the documentary genre in Mexico, Latin America and Spain, contributing to its dissemination, exhibition, training, creation and democratization in collaboration with various national and international organizations invested in the transformative power of non-fiction and the empowerment of communities.
Gran Paradiso Film Festival Cogne, Italy https://www.gpff.it/ July 27-August 1, 2026
Founded in 1984, the Gran Paradiso Film Festival is an international festival dedicated to nature cinema and one of the most important cinematographic events of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta. The Festival aims to contribute to the diffusion of nature cinema, to deepen the knowledge of the natural heritage, to mature a sensitivity of full respect for the environment and takes place in the evocative setting of the Gran Paradiso National Park, established in 1922 to protect the ibex. And it is precisely within the majestic mountain scenery of the Park that a Festival dedicated to Nature aimed at stimulating creativity and the search for a cultural offer of quality has found its ideal location.
Visible Evidence, the annual scholarly conference on documentary and nonfiction film, media, and politics will convene for its 31st year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. VE XXXI is hosted by Temple University’s Film and Media Arts department, in partnership with area colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, and Bryn Mawr College. The overarching theme for this year's conference is “Community,” a nod to the important history of community media practices in Philadelphia and the continued vitality of the city as a center for independent documentary production. The conference runs August 3-7, taking place immediately after the Blackstar Film Festival, Philadelphia’s influential showcase of films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists from around the world.
DokuFest—International Documentary and Short Film Festival Prizren, Kosovo https://dokufest.com/ August 7-15, 2026
DokuFest is an annual international documentary and short film festival held in Prizren, Kosovo, typically in early August. It's the largest film festival in Kosovo, showcasing over 200 hand-picked films from around the world, along with various events like documentary photo exhibitions, debates, masterclasses, and music events. Since 2019, DokuFest is recognized as a qualifying festival for the BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards) Short Film award. The festival is known for showcasing new and independent works, often highlighting filmmakers who explore boundaries, experiment with style, and inspire with creativity. The festival actively involves students, offers volunteer opportunities, and partners with local organizations, fostering a sense of community.
Visa pour l’image: International Festival of Photojournalism Perpignan, France https://www.visapourlimage.com/en August 30-September 14, 2025—2026 Dates TBA
Visa pour l'Image is an international photojournalism festival held annually in Perpignan, France. It's a major event for photojournalists, featuring exhibitions, screenings, talks, and awards, showcasing the world's most important stories and the photographers who tell them. The festival is organized by the association "Visa pour l'Image – Perpignan." The festival is a platform for photographers to showcase their work and engage with the public and other professionals. It hosts symposiums and conferences on issues affecting photojournalism and photojournalists, providing opportunities for discussion and networking.
Podcast Movement is the world's premier platform for podcast creators, industry leaders, and media innovators. Podcast Movement is an annual conference for podcasters and podcast industry professionals, held in the United States. It offers educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an expo hall for discovering new products and services. The event aims to bring together creators, industry professionals, and brands to learn, connect, and grow the podcasting community. The conference features workshops, breakout sessions, panels, and keynote talks from industry experts.
Events for September
DMZDOCS—DMZ International Documentary Film Festival Goyang City and Paju City, South Korea https://dmzdocs.com/eng/ September 10-16, 2026
DMZDOCS, officially the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, is an annual film festival showcasing documentaries with themes of peace, reconciliation, and coexistence, held in the Korean DMZ. The festival features competitions, industry programs, and academy programs, offering opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to engage with the genre. DMZDOCS is held in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, within the DMZ area, the buffer zone between North and South Korea.
The Camden International Film Festival (CIFF), founded in 2005, is a prominent documentary film festival held annually in Camden, Maine, and surrounding areas. It's known for showcasing a wide range of non-fiction films, both feature and short length, from around the globe, and for its strong focus on supporting emerging and established filmmakers. CIFF serves as an Academy-qualifying festival for the Documentary Short Subject Award.
Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival Toronto, Ontario, Canada https://planetinfocus.org/ September 24-28, 2026
The Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival is a Canadian film festival that showcases environmental films from around the world. It's known for its broad range of programming, including documentaries, dramatic films, short films, and animations, all with an environmental theme. The festival aims to use film as a tool for public awareness and engagement on a variety of environmental issues. Planet in Focus is an environmental media arts organization with year-round programming which launched in 1999. Its mandate is to produce cultural events that showcase engaging and artistic films that question, explore and tell stories about the world in which we live. It uses film as a catalyst for public awareness, discussion and engagement on a broad range of environmental issues. Its goal is to enlighten, engage and entertain audiences of all backgrounds – through film. Planet in Focus is celebrating 26 years as Canada’s leading environmental film organization, showcasing and promoting outstanding films with environmental messaging in all genres by Canadian and international filmmakers.
The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival is dedicated to educating audiences and empowering talented filmmakers to tell their stories. The Festival is a five-day celebration of the art of documentary film, at venues in and around the century village of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This inspiring event draws audiences from all over Northeast Ohio, the US, and the world to experience documentary films and the compelling art and culture they highlight. The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival is presented annually by Fevered Dreams Productions, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating audiences and empowering talented filmmakers to tell their stories.
Nepatogus Kinas (Inconvenient Films)—International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival Multiple Cities, Lithuania https://nepatoguskinas.lt/2025/en/festivalis/ October 7-26, 2025--2026 Dates TBA
Inconvenient Films is an international competitive human rights documentary film festival, taking place in various cities and towns across Lithuania. Established in 2007 as an annual film event, it is currently the biggest documentary film festival in the country and the only film festival of this kind in the Baltic States region. The festival invites filmmakers, experts, activists and festival audience to appreciate and discuss the role of documentaries in reflecting and shaping our understanding of reality. The mission of this festival is to use award winning author driven films in raising awareness about human rights issues around the world, encouraging public debate on ways to address them. The Festival’s International Competition is dedicated to the films by new filmmakers – their first or second feature documentary. Films are selected considering artistic value, filmmaking skills and revelation of a relevant human rights topic. The Best Film is selected and awarded by an international jury.
The 2025 NatureTrack Film Festival will take place on October 9 in Goleta, California, as an exciting one-day event showcasing world-class films that celebrate nature and outdoor adventure. Following this flagship event, they will host two additional one-day festivals in Goleta and continue the celebration with “On Tour” events throughout the West Coast, bringing inspiring films to even more communities. NTFF is a celebration of nature and outdoor adventure through film, featuring outstanding works from national and international filmmakers that captivate and inspire audiences. All proceeds from NTFF support NatureTrack and its mission to foster a lifelong fascination with nature and inspire respectful stewardship of our natural world.
Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival Yamagata City, Japan https://www.yidff.jp/ October 9-16, 2025--2026 Dates TBA
Yamagata has a long tradition of film culture rooted in the local community, and in October 1989, the first Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Yamagata City. As the first international documentary film festival in Asia, it spearheaded a huge era to come. Documentary filmmaker Ogawa Shinsuke (1935–1992), one of the leaders of postwar Japanese documentary film, was at the time based in Kaminoyama City, neighboring to Yamagata City. He became deeply involved from the preparatory stages of the festival and called upon volunteers from within and outside the prefecture to participate in organizing the festival. The active engagement of citizens became the foundation of the spirit of YIDFF, where government and local community join forces to achieve shared goals. Held every two years in odd-numbered years, the Festival not only presents a wide variety of films from around the world, but also provides a place for cultural exchange among people, to foster an international community open to future potential. The heated and sharp discussions that follow film screenings are a Yamagata specialty and occasionally lead to new alliances among filmmakers. The Grand Prize winners are eligible to submit for the following year's U.S. Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature consideration.
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Hot Springs, Arkansas https://hsdfi.org/ October 9-17, 2026
Established in 1991, HSDFF is an Academy-qualifying festival for Documentary Short Subject. The Institute engages audience members with impactful cinematic experiences through an annual festival and year-round programming. Located in scenic Hot Springs National Park, the nation’s first resort town, HSDFI aims to create a supportive, holistic haven for filmmakers and audiences to regenerate and celebrate their love of documentaries. Produced by a small staff and with the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, the film festival benefits the region by providing an affordable arts festival that offers the best in documentary film, inspiring educational programs, and exposure to internationally acclaimed filmmakers and special guests. Through strategic outreach, HSDFF seeks to discover, support and inspire diverse documentary filmmakers and champion a southern film community that reflects the full breadth of experience and story in the American South.
Doclisboa International Film Festival Lisbon, Portugal https://doclisboa.org/ October 15-25, 2026
Doclisboa is a film festival that takes place annually in Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on documentary films. It is known for its diverse selection of films, its commitment to showcasing new voices and perspectives in documentary filmmaking, and its dedication to exploring the relationship between cinema and the real world. Doclisboa is interested in films that are rigorous about their conceptual and formal implications; films that experiment with cinema’s artistic and political possibilities and refuse to be categorized; films that engage with and mirror the complexity of the world. The festival's goal is to imagine reality through new cinematic forms, engaging with both the history and the present of cinema.
United Nations Association Film Festival Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, Stanford University, California http://www.unaff.org/2025/special.html October 16-26, 2025--2026 Dates TBA
The UNAFF was founded in 1998 by Stanford educator and film critic Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As one of the oldest solely documentary film festivals in the US, UNAFF has grown and earned the respect of audiences and filmmakers alike for its fearless independence and integrity. In addition to providing early outlets for films, many of which later went on to win major awards and accolades, UNAFF prides itself in creating a community forum with year-round programs facilitating education and dialogue about different cultures, issues, and solutions. Each year of the festival has a theme. The 2025 theme is Messages for the Future.
Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival Jihlava, Czech Republic https://www.ji-hlava.com/ October 24-November 2, 2025--2026 Dates TBA
Ji.hlava IDFF is one of the key European festivals, and the largest festival of auteur documentary cinema in Central and Eastern Europe. Ji.hlava IDFF was established in 1997 by a group of high school students in Ji.hlava, led by Marek Hovorka, who has directed the festival since its inception. Since 2001, it has been organized by the Ji.hlava Association of Amateur Filmmakers, which rebranded in 2015 as DOC.DREAM—the Association for the Support of Documentary Cinema. Ji.hlava IDFF is a founding member of Doc Alliance, a coalition of seven European documentary film festivals. Ji.hlava IDFF is among the festivals whose winners are eligible for the pre-selection of the Academy Awards and the European Film Award.
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