DOXA Documentary Film Festival 2025 Lineup

The 25th edition of the DOXA Documentary Film Festival is May 1-11, 2025, screening a roster of thought-provoking documentaries across Vancouver, and bringing filmmakers and audiences together for an engaging experience.

DOXA Documentary Film Festival 2025

• When: May 1-11, 2025
• Where: Various Theatre Venues (Vancouver Playhouse, The Cinematheque, VIFF Centre, and SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts; industry events at SFU’s World Art Centre and The Post at 750)
• Tickets: $17-$21 for general admission and special presentations. Tickets available for purchase online.
  • Tickets available in packs: 5 Ticket pack $75, 10 ticket pack $130
  • Festival pass (excluding Industry Program) $195; Festival pass + Industry Pass $245

The 2025 DOXA Documentary Film Festival lineup showcases 39 features, 30 short and mid-length films, and industry events, offering an experience that audiences can’t get at home. View the full program of events online.

This year’s DOXA Opening Gala film is Elizabeth Vibert and Chen Wang‘s Aisha’s Story (2025) on May 1 at Vancouver Playhouse. Aisha’s Story traces the history of Palestinian displacement using food as an expression of cultural heritage and resistance. Through interviews and archival footage, Vilbert and Wang’s film tells the complex story of Palestine and the colonial incursions that have ignited tensions between Palestinian and Israeli peoples. Following the screening, audiences are invited to stay for a Q&A with Vilbert and Wang.

The Mid-Week Film presentation is the BC Premiere of David Borenstein’s Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025) on May 7, at SFU – Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema. Winner of the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, Mr. Nobody Against Putin offers an eye-opening exploration of the human cost of resistance in a country under the grip of an authoritarian regime. When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine begins, smalltown teacher Pasha decides to document the transformation of his school into a recruitment centre for the war, secretly capturing footage of the militarization and indoctrination of young minds.

DOXA’s Closing Presentation is Patrick Shannon’s Saints and Warriors (2024) on May 10th at SFU – Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema. Set during the 2023-24 season, the film follows the legendary Skidegate Saints as they fight to defend their dynasty at the All Native Basketball Tournament. But their battle extends beyond the scoreboard, as players navigate tensions, shifting allegiances, and the long-standing struggle for Indigenous land rights.

DOXA Spotlights

DOXA’s 2025 lineup features the World Premieres of films by BC filmmakers. Directed by Lyana Patrick, Nechako – It Will Be A Big River Again (2025) documents Indigenous efforts to protect land, water, and cultural heritage in northern BC. Have You Heard Judi Singh? (2025), directed by Vancouver filmmaker Baljit Sangra, revives a forgotten musician’s legacy, ensuring her music and story endure despite decades of erasure. King Arthur’s Night (2024), from director John Bolton, offers a bold reimagining of the King Arthur legend, bringing together artists with and without Down Syndrome in a dazzling mix of theatre, documentary, and cinematic magic. This year’s festival also offers the World Premiere of Canadian film They Are Sacred (2025) by Kim O’Bomsawin. They Are Sacred reframes autism through an Indigenous lens, embracing Cree traditions that honour neurodiversity as a sacred gift.

At DOXA 2025, audiences can experience international festivals in Vancouver, with award-winning films such as Coexistence, My Ass! (Sundance, 2025), Mistress Dispeller (TIFF, 2024), Direct Action (Berlinale, 2024), and Bogancloch (Locarno Film Festival, 2024). The Brink of Dreams (Cannes, 2024) that follows Majda, Haidi, and Monika as they tackle issues like child marriage and sexual harassment through their experimental theatre, capturing the perseverance of those determined to pursue their dreams.

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