Best Festivals For Short Documentaries: A Guide

Festivals are a great way to showcase your short documentary to a wider audience, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable exposure. However, with so many festivals to choose from, it can be difficult for filmmakers to decide which ones to submit their work to. In this article, we explore the best festivals for short documentaries and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Why Festivals Matter

Submitting your short documentary to festivals can help you gain recognition, credibility, and exposure that you may not otherwise receive. Festivals can also provide opportunities for networking and meeting industry professionals who can help you take your career to the next level.

Additionally, winning or being selected for a festival can help you secure funding for future projects or attract the attention of distributors who can help you get your work in front of a wider audience.

Top Festivals For Short Documentaries

Here are some of the best festivals for short documentaries:

🎬 Sundance Film Festival
🎬 Tribeca Film Festival
🎬 SXSW Film Festival
🎬 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
🎬 Sheffield Doc/Fest
🎬 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)
🎬 True/False Film Fest
🎬 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
🎬 POV’s American Documentary Film Festival
🎬 AFI Docs
🎬 Camden International Film Festival
🎬 Doc Edge
🎬 CPH:DOX

Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and is known for showcasing groundbreaking films and discovering new talent. The festival’s Documentary Shorts Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and has launched the careers of many successful filmmakers.

Submission Deadline: September 13, 2021

Festival Dates: January 20-30, 2022

Submission Fee: $65 (Student) – $125 (Late Deadline)

Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival is held annually in New York City and is known for showcasing innovative films and celebrating the diversity of the city. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of genres and styles.

Submission Deadline: October 27, 2021

Festival Dates: April 20 – May 1, 2022

Submission Fee: $35 (Student) – $95 (Late Deadline)

SXSW Film Festival

The SXSW Film Festival is held annually in Austin, Texas and is known for showcasing innovative and cutting-edge films. The festival’s Short Film Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of genres and styles, including documentary, animation, and experimental.

Submission Deadline: October 21, 2021

Festival Dates: March 11-20, 2022

Submission Fee: $25 (Student) – $85 (Late Deadline)

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is held annually in Toronto, Canada and is the largest documentary festival in North America. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 30 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: November 5, 2021

Festival Dates: April 28 – May 8, 2022

Submission Fee: $15-$35 (Student) – $85 (Late Deadline)

Sheffield Doc/Fest

Sheffield Doc/Fest is held annually in Sheffield, UK and is one of the largest documentary festivals in the world. The festival’s Short Film Competition is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: November 10, 2021

Festival Dates: June 9-14, 2022

Submission Fee: £10 (Student) – £70 (Late Deadline)

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)

The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is held annually in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is one of the largest documentary festivals in the world. The festival’s Short Documentary Competition is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: August 1, 2021

Festival Dates: November 17-28, 2021

Submission Fee: €10 (Student) – €80 (Late Deadline)

True/False Film Fest

The True/False Film Fest is held annually in Columbia, Missouri and is known for showcasing innovative and thought-provoking films. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 30 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2021

Festival Dates: March 3-6, 2022

Submission Fee: $5 (Student) – $60 (Late Deadline)

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is held annually in Durham, North Carolina and is known for showcasing powerful and inspiring documentaries. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of genres and styles.

Submission Deadline: December 6, 2021

Festival Dates: April 7-10, 2022

Submission Fee: $25 (Student) – $85 (Late Deadline)

POV’s American Documentary Film Festival

POV’s American Documentary Film Festival is held annually in Palm Springs, California and is known for showcasing compelling and thought-provoking documentaries. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: November 3, 2021

Festival Dates: March 31 – April 4, 2022

Submission Fee: $25 (Student) – $75 (Late Deadline)

AFI Docs

AFI Docs is held annually in Washington, D.C. and is known for showcasing powerful and inspiring documentaries. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of genres and styles.

Submission Deadline: October 15, 2021

Festival Dates: June 22-26, 2022

Submission Fee: $40 (Student) – $120 (Late Deadline)

Camden International Film Festival

Camden International Film Festival is held annually in Camden, Maine and is known for showcasing innovative and thought-provoking documentaries. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 30 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: June 14, 2021

Festival Dates: September 16-19, 2021

Submission Fee: $15-$25 (Student) – $80 (Late Deadline)

Doc Edge

Doc Edge is held annually in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand and is known for showcasing compelling and thought-provoking documentaries. The festival’s Shorts Program is open to films that are 40 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: February 28, 2021

Festival Dates: June 3-13, 2021

Submission Fee: $5 (Student) – $70 (Late Deadline)

CPH:DOX

CPH:DOX is held annually in Copenhagen, Denmark and is known as one of the most innovative documentary festivals in the world. The festival’s Short Dox Competition is open to films that are 30 minutes or less in length and features a wide range of styles and subjects.

Submission Deadline: September 1, 2021

Festival Dates: March 16-27, 2022

Submission Fee: €50 (Student) – €100 (Late Deadline)

FAQs

What format should I submit my short documentary in?

Each festival has its own requirements for submission formats. Be sure to read the guidelines carefully before submitting your film.

When should I submit my short documentary to festivals?

Most festivals have specific submission windows, so be sure to check the guidelines for each festival you’re interested in. It’s a good idea to submit your film as early as possible to