Key Information

Each screening is introduced by the festival team and is typically followed by Q&As with filmmakers or panel discussions with experts, creating a dynamic space for engagement and learning. James Collie brings extensive documentary expertise to the festival, including producing and distributing landmark documentaries through his company Violet Pictures (such as Hoop Dreams and Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project), alongside programming and film education work with institutions like UCL, Open City Docs, and Kent Film Foundation. Charlie Phillips contributes his global experience as a documentary producer, commissioner, and consultant, currently serving as Head of Stories at Lyfta, an immersive learning platform for schools. Previously, he was Head of Video at The Guardian, overseeing their award-winning documentary output. 

Folkestone Documentary Festival celebrates documentaries in all forms, covering social issues, culture, environment, nature, and compelling real stories, with community collaboration at its heart. Its affordable festival pass provides access to almost every event, making it one of the most accessible documentary festivals in the UK. The festival continues the work of Folkestone Doc Club, which screens the best new documentaries year-round, often accompanied by Q&As and panel discussions. The festival in October, promising a rich programme announced in early September, continuing to champion outstanding documentary storytelling and engage audiences deeply in non-fiction cinema.