Folkestone Documentary Festival - 5th edition!
See the world's best new documentaries by the sea
Images by Studio AD
The 5th edition of Folkestone Documentary Festival ( @folkestonedocfest ) takes place from 22nd to 26th October 2025 and opens with Blue Has No Borders, directed by Jessi Gutch.
It’s an open-hearted film made in and about Folkestone that bridges divisions and was warmly received at its premiere in competition at Sheffield Doc Fest.
As every year, the festival features the best in new international documentaries, with screenings, events and socials across the town at Silver Screen Cinema, Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse, Kollectiv and even in the sea itself!
This year features a record seven premieres, including the UK premiere of new features Predators (Sundance 2025) and Agatha’s Almanac (CPH Dox 2025).
The Audience Award makes its highly anticipated return this year, joined by the Best Short Film Award, now proudly supported by new sponsors Harbour Decor and The Whickers.
Last year’s Audience Award winner, No Other Land, went on to claim an Academy Award for Best Documentary - proving that Folkestone audiences know how to spot world-class film-making.
With a history of uncovering future award-winners, this year’s programme showcases more discoveries from the open submission than ever before, with six outstanding short films handpicked from more than 150 entries worldwide.
Documentary film-lovers and the documentary-curious are invited to a long weekend of 13 feature-length films, 12 shorts, a BFI archive exhibition, drinks, parties and an annual communal swim. The Industry Day in partnership with Screen South and BFI Doc Society has also been expanded, with opportunities for budding film-makers to meet industry professionals in one-to-one meetings. There’s also the chance to hear from the directors themselves in post-film Q&As.
The full programme will be announced on 8th September, while the festival pass is great value at £60 full price / £45 concession and offers audiences access to every screening and party. Individual tickets cost just £8 full price / £6 concession.
Folkestone Documentary Festival co-directors Charlie Phillips and James Collie say: “This year is our biggest-ever programme, with 25 films and more premieres, including two UK feature premieres.
“Dive from the ocean floor to outer space, meet deep-sea creatures, explore Korean dating and uncover the fight for English land rights. Visit eccentric farms in Canada and Hackney, discover the radical power of a Kenyan library and get inspired by community solar energy.
“Encounter an 80s pop legend, see Folkestone as never before and journey through Palestine’s past and present. Witness protest, the pursuit of justice, and explore cryogenics, dementia and music that breaks boundaries. There really is something for everyone!”
