The Doc Edge International Documentary Film Festival is back for its 18th year and is set to make a massive impact with an exciting line-up of films, a captivating XR Exhibition, the prestigious Doc Edge Awards, an engaging Schools Programme and live events. The festival will run from 24 May to 9 July in Auckland at The Capitol Cinema (24 May – 5 June), Wellington at The Roxy Cinema (7 – 18 June) and nationwide online (19 June – 9 July), so no matter where you live in the country, Doc Edge is here to entertain, inform and expand your mind.

Doc Edge has become a vital platform for local and international filmmakers to showcase their unique stories and perspectives through the art of documentary filmmaking. This year’s festival promises to be even more remarkable, with a diverse range of films that explore topics such as social justice, environmental challenges, human rights, arts, and much more.

With a line-up of around 60 films, the festival will provide audiences with an unforgettable cinematic experience. Highlights include the world premieres of Sailau directed by Thor F Jensen, which follows the world’s first circumnavigation of the Island of New Guinea in a traditional sailing canoe; All Static & Noise by David W Novack, the film exposes the mass brutality against Uyghurs oppression in Western China; Frances Hodgkins, Anything But a Still Life by New Zealand/French filmmaker Blandine Massiet du Biest, which unveils the life and art of one of New Zealand’s most revered painters; and Taking Back our Beach by Kiwi filmmakers Rosalie Liddle Crawford and Anton Steel, which is about the response by a community to New Zealand’s largest environmental disaster, the MV Rena grounding on Astrolabe Reef.

The full programme will be launched on Wednesday 26 April.

As part of the festival, the Doc Edge XR Exhibition will feature a collection of immersive experiences, virtual reality documentaries, and installations, which will give audiences a chance to explore topics in a new and interactive way. This year’s exhibition will showcase around 20 various innovative and experimental works by local and international artists.

The Doc Edge Awards, one of the highlights of the festival, will recognise and celebrate the best documentary films and filmmakers from around the world. The award categories include Best New Zealand Feature Documentary, Best New Zealand Short Documentary, Best International Feature Documentary, and Best International Short Documentary. All four winners will receive an Oscar consideration for the Academy Awards in 2024.

Alongside the film screenings and exhibitions, the festival will also host a series of live events, including Q&As, an Industry Forum with panel discussions, and workshops with industry experts and filmmakers. These events will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the creative minds behind the films and explore the impact of documentary filmmaking on society.

“Doc Edge Festival is more than just a showcase of great documentaries. It’s an opportunity to connect with a community of people who are passionate about storytelling and the power of film to inspire change. We’re thrilled to be bringing together some of the most talented filmmakers from around the world to share their stories with our audience, and we can’t wait to see the impact these films will have on our communities.” – Dan Shanan, Doc Edge Executive Director.

Tickets for the festival are on sale from 26 April and can be purchased through the festival’s website.
For more information and updates, follow Doc Edge on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Images are available here.

2023 KEY DATES

Tickets on Sale: 26 April
Auckland Festival: 24 May – 5 June, The Capitol Cinema
Wellington Festival: 7 – 18 June, The Roxy Cinema
Virtual Festival Nationwide: 19 June – 9 July

For media enquiries contact:
Ali Nicol van Leeuwen at Elephant Publicity
ali@elephantpublicity.co.nz | +64 27 428 5080