True/False Film Fest
One of America's most beloved documentary festivals, held annually in late February and early March in Columbia, Missouri, presenting creative documentary and hybrid films with a unique communal, music-filled festival spirit.
Overview
True/False Film Fest is one of America's most beloved documentary festivals. Founded in 2004 and held annually in late February and early March in Columbia, Missouri -- home of the University of Missouri -- the festival presents creative documentary and hybrid films with a uniquely communal, music-filled festival spirit that has made it one of the most imitated and celebrated festival models in the world.
True/False's genius lies in treating documentary as community celebration. The festival fills Columbia's streets, bars, and venues with music, art, and community activities that surround the films. The March of the Elephants parade, the Ragtag Cinema's year-round programming, and the festival's commitment to free and community access create a festival culture that feels like nothing else in American cinema.
The festival's programming has been consistently prescient, premiering films that become cultural touchstones and Oscar contenders. True/False has become a must-attend event for documentary filmmakers and distributors.
Key Sections
- Competition -- creative documentaries and hybrid films competing for prizes
- Special Presentations -- high-profile documentary events
- Ambassador Program -- local community guides who help audiences navigate the festival
- Trues -- films with particular commitment to truth and verification
- New Visions -- hybrid and formally experimental nonfiction
What Filmmakers Should Know
True/False accepts open submissions. A True/False premiere represents one of the most coveted platform opportunities in American documentary, delivering both critical attention and distribution interest. The festival's Columbia community creates the warmest filmmaker reception of any American festival.
Major Awards
- True Vision Award -- Best Film
- Audience Award -- the True/False audience is famously passionate
Festival History
True/False was founded in 2004 and has grown into one of America's most culturally significant documentary events.
See Also
For documentary filmmaking, see Documentary Filmmaking Guide. For Hot Docs, see Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.
