This year’s Doxa Documentary Film Festival—happening April 30 to May 10—is here to sweep us into the stories of other cultures and its 25th anniversary lineup just dropped on April 2.
“As we present films from [Palestine, Republic of Congo, Lebanon and Iran] in our program this year, it’s essential that we acknowledge these realities as part of our broader conversation about justice, memory and colonial violence,” said Doxa artistic director Sarah Ouazzani at the festival’s opening press reveal. “And [we must accept] two truths: one, that sector colonialism is an ongoing reality and two, that decolonization and meaningful reconciliation must be about returning stolen lands and resources to indigenous sovereignty.”
A short trailer at the opening event revealed a compelling preview of the 2026 film lineup, which will showcase 40 feature films and 29 short and mid-length works. Twenty-seven of the films are Canadian, with its international lineup including documentaries from 41 countries. The festival will welcome 40 visiting filmmakers and industry leaders, reinforcing Vancouver’s role as a hub for both local and international voices.
Opening the festival on April 30 is Bella Sutra, a live cinematic performance by OK Pedersen, setting storytelling to live music to explore themes of communication, rural life and the myth of progress at the Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre.
Midway through the festival, Concrete Turned to Sand by Jessica Johnson and Ryan Ermacora brings audiences to the fragile ecosystems of British Columbia’s Cortes Island, while also extending the conversation beyond the screen through an industry panel.
The festival’s long-standing Justice Forum returns for a 16th year, spotlighting urgent global issues through documentary film. A key presentation, Saigon Story: Two Shootings in the Forest Kingdom, will feature Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim Nguyen in attendance.
Finally, closing the festival is Time and Water, directed by Sara Dosa, a poetic exploration of climate grief and memory that encapsulates the emotional and intellectual depth DOXA is known for.
Other recognized titles are American Doctor, Bouchra and Traces, alongside local features that highlight stories rooted in British Columbia. This year also spotlights South Korea as its “country of honour,” with a curated program by Byungwon Jang, exploring trans-national themes in contemporary Korean documentary.
Returning programs like Rated Y for Youth and paraDoxa continue to expand the festival’s reach, engaging younger audiences while an extensive industry program offers panels, masterclasses and workshops for emerging and established creators alike.
Doxa Documentary Film Festival runs from April 30 to May 10 at various venues across the city, including Cinematheque, the VIFF Cinema, SFU Woodwards and more.
