Doxa Film Festival

The DOXA Documentary Film Festival features screenings of captivating documentaries in Vancouver. It’s in May at the VIFF Centre and a couple of other theatres.

The festival has been running since 2001. In 2026 it celebrates its 25th edition.

This article includes the following information about the festival:

DOXA 2026 Festival | Tickets and How to Watch | Full Programming | Other Information

Vancouver’s DOXA Documentary Film Festival

The DOXA Documentary Film Festival is an annual event that showcases creative documentaries to audiences in Vancouver. The event is organized by The Documentary Media Society, a Vancouver-based non-profit organization.

Programming includes public screenings, live discussions, forums and more. A panel of judges critique all the documentaries and decides on the winners each year and various awards are usually up for grabs.

In 2026, the DOXA Documentary Film Festival runs from Thursday, April 30th, to Sunday, May 10th (the last day of which is Mother’s Day).

DOXA Festival

This year, the festival includes 40 feature films and 29 short or mid-length films, including Canadian and international documentaries from many countries.

Some screenings include filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions and other special events. The festival also features galas, Industry events, the Justice Forum, paraDOXA, Rated Y for Youth and other special programming.

DOXA’s 2026 program includes films about art, identity, human rights, the environment, culture, memory, family, politics and social change. Some films are local or Canadian, while others come from around the world.

Tickets and How to Watch

DOXA tickets can be purchased online, by phone or in person at festival venues.

Since the films have not been classified by Consumer Protection BC, most people attending in-person screenings must be 18+ and members of The Documentary Media Society. In 2026, the membership is included in the cost of each ticket. The ticket acts as proof of membership.

This year, individual tickets for regular film screenings, mid-week gala films and the closing gala cost about $18 for general admission. Tickets cost $15 for students and seniors ages 65+.

Opening Gala tickets cost $25, or $40 for VIP admission, which includes a ticket to the Opening Night Party.

2026 Full Programming

DOXA screenings and events take place at several venues in Vancouver. These include The Cinematheque, VIFF Centre, Vancouver Public Library Central Library and SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts.

The opening gala film in 2026 is Bella Sutra by OK Pedersen. It screens on April 30th at SFU’s Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre. The film is presented as a live cinematic musical performance with narration, violin and piano.

The closing gala film this year is Time and Water by Sara Dosa. It screens on May 10th at The Cinematheque. There is also a mid-week gala called Concrete Turned to Sand, which follows oyster farmers on Cortes Island and explores changing coastal environments.

The festival also includes DOXA Industry events, with panels, conversations, networking opportunities and other programming for filmmakers and people in the film industry. There are also free workshops and screenings at the Vancouver Public Library Central Library.

Click 2026 programming for the full schedule of in-person film screenings and events.