reel documentary fans

Film Festival Calendar

Real Doc Fans highlights documentary films that broaden our perspective—feature docs, animated nonfiction, and independent projects spanning culture, history, science, and more. From Austin to global festival circuits, our directory connects you to Texas film festivals, national events, and international showcases. Explore interviews, articles, filmmaker resources, and support indie filmmakers through our partners and Studio A at Askadinya Launch.

2025 – 2026

Festivals Coming Up

Red Sea International
Jan 23 – Feb 1, 2026
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
A stylized white dragon-shaped logo for the Göteborg Film Festival appears centered over a dark theater background filled with rows of red velvet cinema seats
Göteborg Film Fest
Jan 23 – Feb 1, 2026
Gothenburg, Sweden
Illustrated SXSW 2026 poster showing a colorful cartoon-style Austin cityscape. People are dancing, filming, talking, and playing music in front of iconic buildings, including the Texas Capitol and the Paramount Theatre sign. The bottom section is black with bright turquoise text reading ‘SXSW’ and ‘2026 March 12–18, Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film & TV Fest
Mar 12 – 18, 2026
Austin, Texas

⭐ Editor’s Picks

DECEMBER

Film post no design. Says, African Film Festival Atlanta

The Red Sea International Film Festival

The Red Sea International Film Festival brings together groundbreaking films from Africa, the Arab world, Asia, and beyond. Known for powerful storytelling, world premieres, and vibrant cultural showcases, it sets the tone for global cinema each December.

JANUARY

A graphic poster for the Sundance Film Festival featuring its bold typography and design elements on a clean, modern background.

Sundance Film Festival

Sundance stands at the center of independent filmmaking, launching bold new voices and genre-defining stories every January. As the industry’s most influential showcase for narrative and documentary film, Sundance brings together groundbreaking premieres, visionary directors, and the next wave of global talent.

    Festivals in December – January

    Red Sea International Film Festival: The Red Sea International Film Festival, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a major international event that highlights Arab cinema alongside global films. Dec 4 – 13, 2025

    Les Arcs Film Festival: Les Arcs Film Festival, located in the French Alps, is dedicated to European cinema and is known for its picturesque setting and strong industry focus. Dec 13 – 20, 2025

    Palm Springs International ShortFest Winter Showcase: This special winter edition in Palm Springs highlights short films from around the world and provides a platform for emerging talent. Dec 2025

    Palm Springs International Film Festival: The Palm Springs International Film Festival, held annually in Palm Springs, California, is one of the largest film festivals in North America, known for its glamorous gala and awards season buzz. Jan 2 – 12, 2026

    Sundance Film Festival: Sundance, based in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, is the premier showcase for independent cinema in the United States, launching countless groundbreaking films and filmmakers. Jan 22 – Feb 1, 2026

    Göteborg Film Festival: The Göteborg Film Festival, held in Gothenburg, Sweden, is Scandinavia’s largest film festival and is known for its bold programming and cultural impact. Jan 23 – Feb 1, 2026

    International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR): IFFR, based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is one of Europe’s most influential festivals, recognized for its support of experimental cinema and innovative storytelling. Jan 29 – Feb 8, 2026

    Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival: The Clermont-Ferrand Festival in France is the world’s leading event dedicated to short films, attracting filmmakers and audiences globally. Jan 30 – Feb 7, 2026

    Santa Barbara International Film Festival: This festival, held in Santa Barbara, California, is known for honoring major Hollywood talent and presenting a wide range of films, serving as a key stop in awards season. Late Jan 2026

     

    a mountain of entertainment banner with three differnt tv shows. Paramount logo on the right

    Documentary Film Festivals

     

    • IDFA (Amsterdam, NL): Nov 19 – Dec 1, 2025
    • DOC NYC (New York, USA): Nov 6 – Nov 13, 2025
    • Texas Documentary Film Festival (Austin, USA): Jan 24, 2026
    • Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (Montana, USA): Feb 13 – Feb 23, 2026
    • True/False Film Fest (Missouri, USA): Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2026
    • Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (North Carolina, USA): Apr 2 – Apr 5, 2026
    • Hot Docs (Toronto, Canada): Apr 23 – May 3, 2026
    • Mountainfilm (Colorado, USA): May 22 – May 25, 2026
    • SF DocFest (California, USA): Jun 4 – Jun 18, 2026
    • Sheffield DocFest (UK): Jun 12 – Jun 17, 2026
    • AFI DOCS (Washington, D.C., USA): Jun 17 – Jun 21, 2026
    • Camden International Film Festival (Maine, USA): Sep 10 – Sep 13, 2026
    • Portland EcoFilm Festival (Oregon, USA): Sep 2026
    • Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (Arkansas, USA): Oct 16 – Oct 24, 2026
    • DOC NYC (New York, USA): Nov 5 – Nov 12, 2026
    • IDFA (Amsterdam, NL): Nov 18 – Nov 29, 2026