Folkestone Documentary Festival
Folkestone Documentary Festival is a curated celebration of international and UK documentary filmmaking taking place over four days each October in the seaside town of Folkestone. The programme includes new features and short documentaries alongside wraparound events, Q&As and workshops with filmmakers, fostering public dialogue and appreciation for non-fiction storytelling.
Since 2024, the festival has selected several short documentaries for the festival through an open call for submissions via FilmFreeway. Submissions for 2026 are now open for features, mid-length, shorts and artist films.
Folkestone Documentary Festival was initiated by programmer James Collie out of the monthly Folkestone Doc Club and co-founded with Charlie Phillips.
Screen South has supported the Festival’s Filmmaking Challenge and Industry Day since 2023. Find out more below.
Filmmaking Challenge
Created in collaboration with Screen South and Klip Films, the festival’s Filmmaking Challenge is a creative programme that encourages people across Kent to make short, accessible documentary films rooted in their local environment, communities and stories.
Throughout the summer we offer a programme of workshops to help anyone wishing to enter the challenge a chance to plan, film and edit their work.
Workshops typically include:
· Starter sessions to introduce participants to the documentary-making process.
· Filmmaker talks and case studies where previous participants share practical insights.
· Accessible filmmaking workshops focused on creating documentaries with everyday equipment.
· Hands-on production training offering experience with cameras, sound equipment, and documentary production techniques.
· Post-production and editing sessions that introduce participants to the tools needed to shape raw footage into a finished film.
In 2026 we are offering prizes for Best Film and Best Environmental Film. Click the links above to read more about the challenge and watch previously shortlisted films.
Industry Day
Industry Day is a one-day professional and networking event focusing on helping attendees understand how documentaries are funded, produced, distributed and exhibited. It is aimed at:
· Documentary filmmakers
· Producers and artists
· Students and emerging creatives
· Anyone interested in the documentary industry
Activities might include:
· Masterclasses from established documentary directors
· Panels and case studies on funding, distribution and production
· “Meet the Funders” sessions with commissioning and funding organisations
· Networking opportunities with filmmakers and industry professionals
· One-to-one meetings with experts (introduced in recent editions)
Full line up to be announced soon. For more information visit folkestonedocumentaryfestival.co.uk
