AFI DOCS -- Documentary Festival Washington DC
Washington DC's most important documentary festival, held annually in June, presenting competitive international and American documentary cinema to the policy, government, and media communities of the US capital.
Overview
AFI DOCS is Washington DC's most important documentary festival. Founded in 2003 and held annually in June in Washington DC -- in partnership with the American Film Institute (AFI) -- the festival presents competitive international and American documentary cinema to the policy, government, media, and NGO communities that concentrate in the US capital.
DC's unique identity as the center of American political and governmental power gives AFI DOCS a documentary context unlike any other US festival. Films addressing policy, government, international affairs, national security, social justice, and American politics find an audience of decision-makers, journalists, and advocates who engage with documentary as both art and policy tool.
The festival's partnership with AFI provides institutional prestige and access to AFI's national cinema network, making AFI DOCS a significant platform for documentary distribution.
Key Sections
- Official Selection -- competitive documentaries
- American Perspectives -- documentaries about American life and politics
- World Perspectives -- international documentary
- Environment and Science -- films addressing environmental and scientific themes
- Short Film Competition -- documentary short films
- Industry Events -- panels with filmmakers, policymakers, and journalists
What Filmmakers Should Know
AFI DOCS accepts open submissions. For documentary filmmakers addressing political, policy, and social justice themes, Washington DC's audience of decision-makers provides uniquely direct access to the people who can translate documentary subject matter into action. AFI's institutional support provides strong distribution connections.
Major Awards
- Grand Jury Award -- Best Documentary
- Special Jury Award
- Audience Award -- multiple sections
Festival History
AFI DOCS was founded in 2003 as AFI's dedicated documentary platform in Washington DC.
See Also
For documentary filmmaking, see Documentary Filmmaking Guide. For AFI Fest, see AFI Fest.
