Doc.London Documentary Film Festival
Facts aren’t always facts, and “alternative facts” don't always lie.
In a world where “truth” is carefully curated, filtered, and viewed through the lens of social media, often the only difference between truth and fiction lies in the perspective through which one views the world.
Documentary films offer a fascinating peephole into a particular reality, at a certain time of a certain person's life. Whether in the form of an expository, a poem, an essay, an observational piece, whether it's dramatized, animated, or based on interviews, documentary films all have a message to send.
How can we make a difference in the world?
Documentary films are not just an avenue through which we can observe real life; they also serve to inform, educate, and critique. They are valuable creations in a day and age where media is increasingly curated and so much more homogenous.
That is why Doc.London welcomes all of the above forms of documentary film-making, and even more so, those that transcend boundaries to move fluidly between one and more styles.
Ours is a new annual film festival featuring work from around the world by up and coming artists, showcasing innovative independent cinema with all selected films inviting viewers to learn and ponder.
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Prophet Town (United States) by Dan Howlett
This documentary follows the extraordinary political awakening of Hildale, Utah, a town long dominated by the imprisoned fundamentalist prophet Warren Jeffs, whose influence continues to shape every aspect of life through religious control, land ownership, and fear. At the heart of the film is Do...
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Seconds Away (United States) by Benjamin Kegan
A runner chasing Olympic dreams. A coach facing cancer. A story about mentorship, resilience, and showing up for each other.
SECONDS AWAY follows Belgian-American runner Peter Callahan and his longtime coach, Patrick McHugh, as they chase a qualifying time fast enough to make the Olympic Games—a ... -
Nothing to See Here: Watts (United States) by Michael Soenen
A Defiant Act of Radical Self-Representation that Unites Enemies and Saves Lives. What happens when an outsider rides with police officers through Watts, a 2.1 square mile neighborhood in South Los Angeles, long known as one of the most violent and divided communities in the country? That night,...
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Let it Dance (Australia) by Carolyn Corkindale
Born of a poor family in Paris, Guy Detot transforms himself through passion and luck into an international ballet dancer, dancing with Pina Bausch in The Rite of Spring. Guy moves to Australia for love and originates work with Australian Dance Theatre, before being aged out of ballet and embarki...
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Where is Love? (United Kingdom) by Trojan Women Project
The extraordinary story of the first ever Arabic production of the musical Oliver! with a junior cast of Syrian refugee children, in Jordan, supported by Sir Cameron Mackintosh
Running time: 01:13:06 -
Ottilie Moore’s Protégé Charlotte Salomon (United States) by Dana Plays
Charlotte Salomon embarked on the creation of widely eccentric artistic endeavor to save her own life after learning she was the sole survivor of her maternal line all of whom committed suicide. That endeavor was Life? or Theater? – an epic autobiographical work of art created by German-Jewish a...
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Matahari — The Sun of Tiganderket (Indonesia) by Bagoes Kresnawan
When an elephant dies, its ivory remains, when a man dies, his name remains. Behind Masri Singarimbun’s name lies an inspiring colorful history and rich legacy. Masri Singarimbun was an avant-garde intellectual legend, a prolific author, a rigorous researcher, a brilliant observer, a softhearted...
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KIN - Dudi & Jojo (Australia) by Tumeli Tuqota
This film sees iTaukei Fijian-Australian vocalists and twin sisters Ruci (Dudi) Kaisila and Joanne (Jojo) Kaisila debut as writers and filmmakers, exploring their deeply personal insights into Fiji, its culture, the diaspora and their lives as burgeoning cultural custodians and singers in a Gospe...
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The Measured Approach (United Kingdom) by Giulia Heaton
A gripping and educational Verbatim Film in the style of docufiction. We follow the narrative of a young woman’s pregnancy, and accompany her through the journey of her momentous decision. The visuals depicted are supported by first-hand verbatim retellings - and our reenacted interviews offer au...
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Simulating Space (United States) by Dave Croyle
The space industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation, spearheaded by scrappy start ups, ambitious national space programs, and bold innovators. In this documentary, we explore how simulation is revolutionizing the space sector, pushing the limits of innovation, and driving mission succe...
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Touching fish (China) by Yongjin Li
The Chinese internet slang “MoYú,” which literally means “touching fish,” began as a humorous way to describe slacking off at work. But in today’s China, it has taken on a deeper meaning: a quiet, subtle response to the relentless pressure of a hyper-competitive work culture.
Running time: 00:12:40 -
A Birmingham Symphony (United Kingdom) by Jemma Saunders
A poetic exploration of Birmingham, inspired by the city symphony films of the 1920s and 1930s, in which a personal place-mosaic is created through a sonic-screen collaboration between filmmaker and composer.
Running time: 00:12:04 -
Ujvala Jupalli: Asterisk Athlete (United States) by Josephine Harrison
A meditative documentary following the story of Ujvala as she details what being an athlete means to her and the first time she realized she wasn't just an athlete but a female athlete. We see aspects of her training, and also more reflective moments as she tells her story.
Running time: 00:09:00